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Author: Subject: Cheap coilovers?
Mansfield

posted on 11/3/05 at 07:34 PM Reply With Quote
Cheap coilovers?

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
Rescued attachment DIYCoilOver.gif

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flak monkey

posted on 11/3/05 at 07:57 PM Reply With Quote
That would be ChrisG's website...





Sera

http://www.motosera.com

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Mansfield

posted on 11/3/05 at 09:03 PM Reply With Quote
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?

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gazza285

posted on 11/3/05 at 09:48 PM Reply With Quote
Rally Design sell kits that slip over the top of shockers to give instant coilovers.
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RogerM

posted on 11/3/05 at 09:54 PM Reply With Quote
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.

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clbarclay

posted on 11/3/05 at 10:55 PM Reply With Quote
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.






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Peteff

posted on 11/3/05 at 11:19 PM Reply With Quote
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.





yours, Pete

I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.

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gazza285

posted on 11/3/05 at 11:26 PM Reply With Quote
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]

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britishtrident

posted on 11/3/05 at 11:34 PM Reply With Quote
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]

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britishtrident

posted on 11/3/05 at 11:35 PM Reply With Quote
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.



?????????????

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clbarclay

posted on 12/3/05 at 12:19 PM Reply With Quote
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






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TheGecko

posted on 13/3/05 at 12:28 PM Reply With Quote
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

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NS Dev

posted on 15/3/05 at 08:25 AM Reply With Quote
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 will be using those too!!! that's a very nice price for alloy shocks!

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Mix

posted on 15/3/05 at 08:41 AM Reply With Quote
I've just recieved a set of Protechs from MK.
Lovely looking shocks and a very good price I thought.

Mick

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