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Lever arm dampers
MikeCapon - 28/7/09 at 07:49 AM

A pal of mine has asked me if I can rebuild/modify/uprate a set of lever arm dampers for him. These are fitted to a 3000 Healey.

I know nothing about this type of damper, other than they were apparently the work of the devil. Does anyone know of a specialist who does this kind of work?


nick205 - 28/7/09 at 08:20 AM

Can't suggest a suitable supplier but are they the sort made up of plates bolted together relying on friction to damp the spring?

Might be worth a look in Practical Classics or some of the other mags for a specialist supplier.


ETA...

A quick Google throws up some info on Midget suspension. Looks like exchange recon units are less then £20 with uprated versions available. Also looks like there are kits available to convert to more modern telescopic dampers too...

http://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_Accessories__ Front_suspension_31.html

[Edited on 28/7/09 by nick205]


MikeCapon - 28/7/09 at 08:31 AM

Thanks Nick. These dampers work via the lever arm which moves two pistons to create the damping force.

I'd seen the 'uprated' ones but knowing how a lot of people in the suspension business work I'm a bit wary.

What I'd ideally like is to find someone who prepares this type of damper for my pal to work with. The Healey is a race car so cost is less of an issue.


bartonp - 28/7/09 at 08:48 AM

Commonly done on Morris Minors - ask on here:
http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.php?name=PNphpBB2

Often involves little more than new seals and thicker oil....


miikae - 28/7/09 at 09:39 AM

If its for a 3000 then this might be of use to you Linky

Mike

[Edited on 28-7-2009 by miikae]


02GF74 - 28/7/09 at 09:44 AM

MGB had these type on the front and rear - they can be overhauled I as remember sending off a pair as exchange units many moons ago.

quick look in haynes says "No dismantling of a shick absorber is permissible other than the renewal of the lid gasket"


miikae - 28/7/09 at 09:45 AM

The dampers where made by Armstrong

Mike


smart51 - 28/7/09 at 09:51 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
quick look in haynes says "No dismantling of a shick absorber is permissible other than the renewal of the lid gasket"


Was it written by the Poloose Man in 'Allo 'Allo?


r1_pete - 28/7/09 at 09:59 AM

Try this guy, races them too and lists uprated dampers. He may also do telescopic conversions, worth while IMO, I've converted all the B's lever arms to tele's.


MikeCapon - 28/7/09 at 10:40 AM

Thanks guys. Please keep the info coming and if anyone knows of a shock specialist who can rebuild these units please let me know.


miikae - 28/7/09 at 11:02 AM

Rawlessmotorsport

Mike


MikeCapon - 28/7/09 at 11:24 AM

Wow guys! That's great. My mate will be spoilt for choice now. Thanks to all of you.

Pete. I agree with you on the coil over conversions. I actually used to make these for Moss for the MGB in the early 90s. Unfortunately the Healey guys are a bit traditionalist:

"Coilovers!!!! Good god fellow. You'll be wanting to fit modern engines and bike carbs next. Just not cricket, mumble, mumble....."


r1_pete - 28/7/09 at 12:44 PM

Yes I'm looking forward to those comments about my MGB, coilovers, Zetec, MT75 box, bike carbs, soon to be gsxr750 TB's......