Shocks too short after swapping control arms

[esenior]

I just installed Speed Tech control arms on my 69 Camaro and am now having a problem with the shocks. When I attach the upper stud (finger tight), the shock isn't long enough to come through the bottom of the lower control arm. It is highly possible that I had this problem before and just didn't notice (had some issues with the shop that installed the shocks)

Am I correct to assume that the control arm should not be able to drop down further than the shock will go for fear of damaging the shock?

The shocks are Koni Classic (don't ask for part numbers, I didn't buy them, my EX-shop did). I measured from the top of the lower mount points to the top of the shaft where the collar sits on and got 13".

Here are some pictures to make things clearer.



Shock doesn't come down far enough:


Showing 13" from top of bottom mounts to the shoulder on the shaft (the top is lined up, it's just the angle of the camera):


Also, with the SpeedTech arms, are you supposed to reuse the fold-over nut to attach the lower shock mounts? The lower plate is much thicker than the original and this just doesn't seem right

Thanks in advance for any help.....Eric