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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Jan 2015 : 13:27:25
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I've been reading the various posts about front struts and the various methods of renewing/replacing and was keen to go with new replacements from spax.
Until that is I read the description on their website which states "all models excl. Estates" and of course we all know the fastback is based on the estate.
I've tried speaking to spax but they say as it's not on the list of models they fit they won't comment, I've just sent an email to their engineering dept hoping for more info but figured I'd probably get more luck here.
This is the link to the page http://www.spaxdirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=117_490_491&products_id=3153
has anyone any knowledge of what seems to be a newish product, note 28 way adjustment not the old 10 way, or know why they are saying not suitable for the estate?
1972 Rapier H120
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retro68
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2015 : 23:56:59
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| Hi, I'm not sure about any new products but I bought and fitted spax adjustable gas shocks for my fastback from Motorsportworld last year with out any problems, Andy. |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2015 : 16:45:32
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Well spax shocks arrived today and despite them being described as struts and showing a picture of a strut they are actually just inserts.
Not sure now if to attempt a rebuild or just return them and send the whole lot of to Gaz and let them do it.
Does anyone know if the various other internals are available such as the top bearing and seal?
Cheers
Jon
1972 Rapier H120
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andyb
United Kingdom
367 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 08:42:57
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I sent mine to Gaz the cost was approx £170 inc return postage.
sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 12:32:04
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Yep that's were mine will be goingwhen it defrosts long enough outside for me to brave a set of spanners.
1972 Rapier H120
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andyb
United Kingdom
367 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 14:37:15
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are you re using the std springs ?
sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 16:22:43
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At the moment the car has coil clamps fitted, not by me, and I quite like the lower ride height so was thinking of getting some an inch or 2 lower and maybe just a tad stiffer.
I've seen a few posts about using the Sierra lowering springs so guess thats the eay to go.
All depends on Larkspeed at the moment, yesterday it was fine to return them if I didn't want to do the rebuild, today it seems they're not so keen and want to consult spax first :(
1972 Rapier H120
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retro68
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 17:51:32
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| Hi, my local garage managed to fit the spax inserts using original bearings etc and I used a company in Sheffield to make lowered and slightly stiffer coil springs, they have the pattern for the rapier and only require the year of your car. You don't need to send the old spring, Andy. |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 18:52:14
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That's good to hear it's a do-able job but I think the bearings maybe shot as there is a clear knock when you bounce the car.
1972 Rapier H120
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retro68
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2015 : 21:45:09
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Cheers Andy
1972 Rapier H120
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jan 2015 : 22:38:30
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So got the dampers changed today and actually not a difficult job at all. Now waiting to hear from the bearing place in the morning, fingers crossed, and it can all go together again.
I took a few pics while I was doing it so might post them up if anyone else is interested as it really wasn't a difficult job.
Also is it me or are www.coilsprings.co.uk a little odd!?
1972 Rapier H120
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Fastback Thomas
Belgium
423 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2015 : 21:03:41
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I've got my "new" uprated and shortened springs from Gartrac.
They don't really list them for the sunbeam rapier but I believe they were actually escort or sierra springs of some sort... there's another thread about it on here.. I'll try to look up the info I have...
 
'68 Sunbeam Rapier fastback {B341006846 OD/LHO} Restoration Project
'73 Sunbeam Rapier fastback {AAD 781863 } My Daily Driver
I like a car that looks normal but really knocks your socks off!!
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Fastback Thomas
Belgium
423 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2015 : 21:43:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Fastback Thomas
I've got my "new" uprated and shortened springs from Gartrac.
They don't really list them for the sunbeam rapier but I believe they were actually escort or sierra springs of some sort... there's another thread about it on here.. I'll try to look up the info I have...
This is what I found...
at first I was told early Sierra springs fit.
But eventually bought (Rally) Escort Mk2 Coil Springs, rate 175lbs x 11" free length,
they also have a ID of 105mm and they were £33.45 each inc Tax.
These came from Gartrac: https://www.gartrac.com
I haven't fitted them to my car yet but Andy Beaumont, who is also on the forum, has them on his rally rapier.
'68 Sunbeam Rapier fastback {B341006846 OD/LHO} Restoration Project
'73 Sunbeam Rapier fastback {AAD 781863 } My Daily Driver
I like a car that looks normal but really knocks your socks off!!
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JonandJude
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2015 : 21:46:59
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Bit more progress, got a set of top mount bearings on order as well as the springs.
Ordered the springs from coilsprings.co.uk but have to wait 3 weeks for delivery. Hopefully the bearings should be here Monday/Tuesday and I have the bushes to do so something to keep me busy for a while.
1972 Rapier H120
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Topic |
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Spax adjustable front struts
