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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Feb 2015 : 20:12:47
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Don't take any notice of that whole "the Fastback is based on the estate" thing, I think that story comes from them using the same rear-lamps.
The fastbacks have got just as much, perhaps more, in common with the saloons. A good read of the parts book will show that the Rapier has more in common with the Hunter GT and Humber Sceptre and the H120 with the Hunter GLS (especially with regard to engine, gearbox and springs).
Though if you need a rear axle - the estate and the 1500 saloon use the same ratio as the H120 (but all the axles from any of the 68-76 Rapier/Hunter/Sceptre/Minx/Gazelle/Arrow will fit).
On both my Rapiers I've used early model Sierra springs (40% uprated) - these are much narrower than the later Sierra and fit the 1973 onwards type of strut perfectly.
I used Spax 10 way strut inserts (it was years ago). Mine came with new aluminium nuts which were taller than the original. The big problem I had with these was getting the existing nut out of the strut. The strut was hammered into the nut to prevent it coming loose ("staked"). This stretched the metal and after bending the metal to get the nut out the new nut wouldn't stay in. I had to attack the strut with a hack saw and a welder to get the top of the strut back to the correct size - a right pain in the ****.
Lowering and stiffening the front end made a huge improvement to the handling - cornering is much flatter and the side winds on the motorway don't bother it anymore. You'll be glad you did it 
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Spax adjustable front struts
