Body Dampers – Revisited

Q: Canisters/Body dampers – revisited

I have a 1968 Firebird Conv with a 350 and 2-speed Powerglide. I have discovered a canister behind the drivers side headlights in the fender. It is a steel cylinder weighing about 20-30 lbs, possibly fluid filled. It is about 10 inches high with a diameter of about 4 inches. It is sealed with no external connections going anywhere. It has brackets that make it look like it was mounted there from the factory. It does have a bolt in a hole in the center of the top that may be plugging a past connection. Any ideas?

A: The device you are describing is known as a “Vibration Dampener” or “cocktail shaker”. There are actually four of them, one for each corner of the vehicle. They are only used with convertibles and help counteract vibrations with the body. Suppositly inside there is a spring and lead ball with fluid. I have expericed convertible rides with and without them and it does, in my opinion, make a difference in ride. Pontiac added these devices to the Firebird first and then Chevy followed suit with the Camaro. I do not believe that the Camaro shakers are compatable with the Firebird. So if you are missing ones, they can only be replaced with Firebird ones. Hope this explains your new find.

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