I found this on;
http://www.gibbs111.fsnet.co.uk/
under TIPS - SUSPENSION
If any one has actually done this (or heard of it done) what would you use a the base damper? Is it really going to be cheaper? And perhaps the most
important one - does it look like a good idea?
Sorry if the picture has not attached.
Rescued attachment DIYCoilOver.gif
That would be ChrisG's website... 
That sounds about right.
I do like the idea of saving a pound or two, and I must say the theory looks sound to me - much better than welding up Mini shocks.
Would it save me any cash?
Rally Design sell kits that slip over the top of shockers to give instant coilovers.
The Ralley design kits are good but don't work out any cheaper than a nice set of Protechs from MNR, assuming you need to buy some base shocks in
the first place.
I would guess that there is £100 worth on machining and materials per corner with that design, Protech shocks can be had with springs from MNR for
£315
Guess where I have bought my shocks from.
The biggest problem with this idea is that threads/rod on the damper are not designded to withstand supporting the cars weight. I wouldn't be surprised if you had bent dampers after only a few miles.
The springs and seats carry the weight don't they? If it won't carry a locost it will not carry whatever else it was designed for. That's almost how the Robin Hood dampers are made and there's plenty of them running round.
I can't recall many coilover dampers with larger rods than non coilover dampers, don't see the problem myself.
[Edited on 11/3/05 by gazza285]
Expensive dead end waste of time --- Darren at GTS will sell you a full set with springs for 180+ p&p
If you must roll your own look at the coil spring damper units on Triumph Dollomite/Toledo/1500 rears they even come with 180 lbs/in springs, likewise
Hillman Imp fronts --- springs also 180lbs/in.
Also look at Jag IRS rears (by that I mean real 60s/70s/80s Browns Lane pre Egan Jags ie XJ6 XJs S type, E type, 420 not badge engineered Fords)
the damping rates will be wrong but they are cheap and come in sets of 4.
[Edited on 11/3/05 by britishtrident]
quote:
Originally posted by clbarclay
The biggest problem with this idea is that threads/rod on the damper are not designded to withstand supporting the cars weight. I wouldn't be surprised if you had bent dampers after only a few miles.
I take it from relies to my last post it is probably wrong.
The above design transmits the loads staight onto the bearings, not damper. I'm probaly thinking of the home mades where you weld a seat onto the
body of the damper. But I'm probably wrong on this account as well. sorry
Funny really....
I'm the original author of that drawing and even I agree that's there's better ways A bit annoyed that the attribution to me seems
to have disappeared from Chris's website although I suppose it stops me getting emails from people asking if I made a set and how they turned
out.
I agree with BT - buy a purpose made set of coilovers and don't torture yourself saving 3/5-ths of 5/8-ths of SFA modifying standard dampers.
There are better places to save money on a Locost (IMHO).
Dominic
quote:
Originally posted by RogerM
The Ralley design kits are good but don't work out any cheaper than a nice set of Protechs from MNR, assuming you need to buy some base shocks in the first place.
I would guess that there is £100 worth on machining and materials per corner with that design, Protech shocks can be had with springs from MNR for £315
Guess where I have bought my shocks from.
I've just recieved a set of Protechs from MK.
Lovely looking shocks and a very good price I thought.
Mick