CL72 shock info needed.

[splitenz]

Having little to no experience in matching NOS to aftermarket products I was curious if anyone has any experience in replacing the eye-to-eye type shocks on an early ('63) CL72. Never seen 'em on eBay but have seen some possible aftermarket types. Any advice on who or what to go with? I would like to look as close to original as possible but I don't want to spend a fortune... From what I have seen even cheapo's are going to run over a bill for a pair but I thought I'd look for some direction from the group. Thanks in advance! -dc

[rbaselt]

Why do you want to replace the originals? --Randall

[splitenz]

Yea, good question,the adjustment tab/stop is broken off on one and I think both are not compressing/extending "smoothly". This of course is with the springs removed. The upper case covers are OK but the lower case covers are rusted. I plan on trying the electrolysis rust removal process on the bootom covers if I can ever find the washing soda needed for the procedure. The 650riders.com link to the procedure is broke right now but I think they mentioned a method of baking sodium-bicarbonate to make sodium-carbonate which is used in the procedure. Anyhow, not too stray too far off the question, I think the shocks have seen better days. I heard mention somewhere that there was a series of shocks that were re-buildable? Anyone know anything about that? thx. -dc

[rbaselt]

The bike would be worth more with original shocks. You may be able to find a used set on ebay. The lower covers and the split retainer rings can be rechomed. The shock itself can also be rechromed if you wrap the steel plunger shaft in electrical tape and have the plater position the adjuster away from the shock body. The rebuildable type are fairly rare, the top eye fitting is threaded onto the shaft instead of being swaged on, and the shock body has a threaded cap that has been peened to prevent opening. I have a set of used aftermarket CL72/77 shocks on ebay now, but they need rechroming. --Randall