This week saw me take delivery of my new suspension units.
I have opted for Spax shock absorbers with Eibach Springs, reducing ride height by round 20mm.
I knew it was going to be straight forward. 14 years of road grime and salt had worked it way onto all surfaces and crucially bolt heads. Most came off with a lot of swearing, but others required further attention. Finally all bolts were off and the old suspension units on the rears were removed.
DSC00675
by
George Freeman
, on Flickr
At some point in its history, the rear callipers had been painted red and some of the suspension arms had been painted in Hammerite. I wanted to give the car a layer of under body seal so opted to do it at this stage, whilst the shock absorbers were removed.
DSC00676
by
George Freeman
, on Flickr
Whilst waiting for the paint to dry (didn't take long with the help of Storm Brian) I dismantled the old suspension units and built up the new shock absorbers and springs. They are adjustable dampers, (through a number of clicks) so will be looking online for optimum settings - I have read 12 clicks front, 15 back, but obviously depends on preference and conditions of use.
Shiny new units.
DSC00679
by
George Freeman
, on Flickr
Fitted. If you notice in this picture, I had actually fitted them the incorrect way round (damper adjuster not facing outwards) so had to remove and refit correctly. Doh!
DSC00677
by
George Freeman
, on Flickr
That was all for today, I will start on the fronts next weekend.
On an additional note, I have purchased some 4 pot AP brakes and 280mm discs that were fitted to the 160 Trophy for the front - I will probably just upgrade the discs and pads at the rear, after painting them properly. I've also purchase a full set of Goodridge braided hoses.