I have a couple of questions. My saloon needs new shocks, so do I switch the rubbers for poly bushes? Secondly, are there any major benefits for switching to telescopic dampers on a very standard 1958 saloon?
I've considered both in the past and would like to know how any of you find these 'adjustments' from the standard.
As long as you use white grease on em they shouldn't squeak. They give a firmer ride, everything feels a lot tighter and more uptogether - a definate improvement.
Make sure you get decent ones though, as au said Superflex are good!
Thinking of tele's on my Traveller when I get her sorted, and a 1300 engine and OD box. Thought with the extra power they may be a better bet that the standards. For my saloon I'll stick to the standard.
Has anyone used the 're-conditioned' units? Are they and good or should I get the "new" pattern parts?
Nah !! just consider the progress in dampers from the 40's and 50's to the modern day items. Correctly specified dtelescopic dampers are a huge improvement, whether oil gas ,adjustable or not. The critical aspect of these dampers is their mounting. Do your research on what is available and go from there. I'd certainly vouch for Superflex bushes too, they come with their own assembly grease, and are available in classic and sport versions.
On an otherwise standard saloon - there is absolutely no need to go to 'tele' dampers! If your dampers are leaking badly - then certainly they will need to be excahnged for recon units. If not leakjing - simply drain them and refill with new oil. The difference will amaze you - the old oil becomes thin (and v smelly) as the long-chain molecules are ripped apart by being forced through small orifices! New oil will give much better damping - and if you want to improve the damping even more - just use thicker(ie more viscous) oil. Stnadard use is SAE20 (20W50 is fine) for better damping go to SAE 30 or 40 (that's straight oil - not multigrade) - readily available for lawn mowers/motorbikes etc.
Last edited by bmcecosse on Sat May 16, 2009 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
There is no 'need' to perform any mods at all to the Minor if thats what you want to do The question was would they be better teles v lever arms to which the answer is a resounding yes.
The guy's going to fit a 1300 motor and o.d box too, so really discs or bigger drums are on the cards too.
Yep, on the Traveller... I'm even considering the nice spring replacements I've seen... ;) On the front....
Loose the torsion arms in faviour of some struts with coil springs..