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?
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]
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.
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....
If its for a 3000 then this might be of use to you
Linky
Mike
[Edited on 28-7-2009 by miikae]
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"
The dampers where made by Armstrong
Mike
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"
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.
Thanks guys. Please keep the info coming and if anyone knows of a shock specialist who can rebuild these units please let me know.
Rawlessmotorsport
Mike
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....."
Yes I'm looking forward to those comments about my MGB, coilovers, Zetec, MT75 box, bike carbs, soon to be gsxr750 TB's......