Disc brakes and telescopic fronts

Post by **plastic_orange** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:52 pm

That's the kit I had in 1973 and it worked very well (MGB engine in car). The front shocks were still working well after 13 years, but the back do not like working at that angle, and were prone to failure - Konis are a much better option at the rear - you will be replacing them.
I used spax on my P6B (similar angle) and the first set on the front lasted a week, the second set a day, so I was given Konis - and no further problems.

Pete

Post by **Stig** » Thu May 31, 2007 8:24 am

Ah, that's virtually the same setup I've got at the front - the car came like that when I bought it, erm, 14(?) years ago. The upper bracket is welded rather than bolted though. I now know where to get replacement bushes, thanks ricombi! Had to order them through Spax themselves last time.

I've got one of the dreaded bolt-through-the-floor kits (EDIT by Andrew*) at the back and the dampers are angled in quite a bit at the top but still work fine after a few years - I think they are Konis. They're rod-ended and the bushes are cracking a bit so if anyone knows where I can get replacements for those please let me know.

*Edited 'cos "You agree not to negatively criticise any individual, organisation, product or service." - item 8 of the terms and conditions of the board

Post by **ricombi** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:12 pm

At the moment, the plan is just to get the car finished and going. The dampers are definitely for the Minor, as opposed to a Mini, as the kit is specific for the Minor from SPAX.

If i end up having to fit different dampers, then so be it, but at the moment I'm just desperate to get the car finished. I am concerned slightly about the angle, but we'll see. As long as it doesn't collapse first time out I'll be quite happy!!

Post by **dunketh** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:18 pm

I cant believe the front teles just bolt on that easily.

Sod buying a kit. I'll get a mate to make me some hefty brackets and buy some appropriate length shockers off ebay.

I was looking at cutting the inner wing brackets off a mini and using these, although they're not as beefy as the items pictured.

Post by **Stig** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:35 pm

Oops, sorry about breaking the T&C and naming the company. Actually I don't think it's such a dreadful kit but have heard a lot of criticism of that type of kit from others. Fair cop though, and my apologies.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:39 pm

The Mini brackets are fine - used them in the past - they just unbolt from the Mini - no cutting involved. My present front damper installation cost me nothing! Works great. Nice supple suspension with long travel and superb damping - soaks up dips and crests - never hits the bump or rebound stops.

Post by **dunketh** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:50 pm

May I ask what dampers you use up front? Or at least what car donated them so I know what to buy for mine.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu May 31, 2007 3:41 pm

I believe they were for the rear of a Vauxhall Viva !! But they don't go on Mini brackets. PM me an email address and I can send you pictures. I got them for nothing - brand new. A side safety benefit (which I discovered by chance) is that with these fitted the bottom trunion CANNOT pull away from the leg - even when badly worn. I use the tele dampers WITH the lever arm dampers filled with 20/50 oil. Great success!

Post by **wanderinstar** » Thu May 31, 2007 3:53 pm

Well I have now heard back from Ialaw. Here is his reply
Hi,
I use standard wheels so they fit.
But it is thight fit. I had to change mounting pins for the pads to a different type because the slightly touch the wheel.
Br Lars
So 14" wheels DO fit, albeit just.