Parabolic leaf springs for Minor?

[h20_mako]

Anyone have any idea if there are parabolic leaf spring for sale in UK?

[linearaudio]

I'm in discussion with Kevin at Jones springs at the moment about this very subject. They would be made to order, probably have to be 2" wide rather than our 1 1/2" wide, so would be shouldered to fit our spring hangers. They have done a set for an A30, so there is hope for us! He is doing the maths at the moment, will let you know when I get an answer!

[andy-harris]

Sorry if I'm being thick (I did try a search, honest!)
what is the story with parabolic leaf springs? Are they more progressive or something?

[h20_mako]

parabolic springs basically look pretty similar to normal springs. Only thing different is that it has a gaps inbetween individual leafs and less contact area which reduce rubbing friction and wear. It shape is also formed differently. That is what i understand. Can google more by searching mga or mgb parabolic springs as they are the most common at the moment. Correct me if i am wrong.

Linearaudio sure do keep me inform
Thanks

[linearaudio]

Sorry if I'm being thick (I did try a search, honest!)
what is the story with parabolic leaf springs? Are they more progressive or something?

In a word-yes (not about you being thick!!)

Also, being probably 2 leaf, with only end contact between the leaves, will make response to smaller deflections much quicker than having 5 or 7 parallel leaves rubbing against each other as they try to move. This brings its' own drawback in that the damping effect of all those leaves rubbing is removed, so the standard dampers will be no longer be adequate for the job in hand. So a shift to telescopic dampers is called for!

[h20_mako]

phew luckily i removed my rear lever absorbers/dampers and fitted telescopic dampers
Will any telescopic kit do? As there are a few kits in the market.

[andy-harris]

Thanks, they look very interesting. I'm surprised that twisting of the spring when you accelerate isn't an issue, but i guess if you can do it OK on an MGB, a (standard) minor should be fine.

[h20_mako]

yeah Andy i think likewise too. As both are pretty similar in mechanical and minors are more straight forward and simple

[StaffsMoggie]

Parabolics are very popular on MGBs, they give a nice ride, combined with telescopic dampers they transform the B, which already is a pleasant car to drive.

Parabolic springs are massively popular with the Land Rover scene. A leaf sprung Landie fitted with paras drives very similarly to the coil sprung models. Parabolic springs are the most popular modification to Series Landies, the original type leaf springs just sieze up solid.

A Minor with parabolic springs should be a very nice drive.

[libbor]

Hi,

How did you go with those parabolic springs. Did you end up getting some or didnt it work out

cheers

libbor

[rossrox]

is there anywhere you can get these? or is it strictly custom made for the mog??? im in need of new springs and i think these would go well with the tele shocks im buying soon

[Faceplant]

would be interested in improving my rear spring too, please let us know how you got on.

[linearaudio]

Sorry-been absent having an affair with an Austin 1100! Lovely to drive, but no luggage space, so Molly is safe!
Jones are making me a set at the moment at 120 lbs/inch which seems to equate to saloon rating. As my use is a Traveller, they are producing a second leaf to increase this to 175 lbs/inch, which should be close. i will let you know how it works out- telescopic dampers will be a must to cope with the absence of inter-leaf friction, though. Note- the second leaf for the Traveller application will only work on point contact, not as a parallel faced spring would, so the extra friction will be negligible.

[rossrox]

how much are they setting you back for them??? i think if these were for sale in a shop they would go like hot cakes

[linearaudio]

how much are they setting you back for them??? i think if these were for sale in a shop they would go like hot cakes

Should have a price organised shortly, but that will take into account me shouldering some of the development cost. If they work, and people are interested then that price would be adjusted suitably lower. All a bit in the air right now!

[rossrox]

ok cool! just emailed jones my self for a quote so lets see if we get the same price! haha

[rossrox]

got an answer from jones today,

Good Morning Mr Chamberlain,

Unfortunatley we are unable to manufacture parabolic springs for Morris Minors. The development costs for such a limited market would be prohibitvely expensive. We do make new multi-leaf springs for the Minor but as we are up against cheap imports we are considered expensive.

Regards,

Anne,
Works Administrator.

will have to search for another company...

[Faceplant]

shame.....

[PSL184]

It is a shame our suppliers don't buy the springs from them - Maybe they would last longer than 1000 miles !!!
I'd be going to them when I next need a set for sure....

[linearaudio]

got an answer from jones today,

Good Morning Mr Chamberlain,

Unfortunatley we are unable to manufacture parabolic springs for Morris Minors. The development costs for such a limited market would be prohibitvely expensive. We do make new multi-leaf springs for the Minor but as we are up against cheap imports we are considered expensive.

Regards,

Anne,
Works Administrator.

will have to search for another company...

Not surprising you got that response from the "Works Administrator"!

As I stated, these springs being developed at the moment and are presently in heat treatment. Costing has not yet been worked out, and as the development costs are being split in a mutually agreed manner, the job is being worked on as and when they have the resources. I really can't see your reason for chasing different parts of the factory about something which is a/ under development, and b/ not a current "production" item!

By all means go your own way and find another company to develop this product for you!