rear spring conversion

[jono]

I have converted my rear struts to 2.25" however the spring tops are a problem.

I could re use the existing and install a machined alloy ring spacer between the new smaller springs and the pressed steel spring cup but this would not be an elegant solution.

The problem seems to be getting the threaded portion of the strut insert far enough up so that the castle nut can be fitted onto the Lotacone.

I asked Spyder if I could purchase a pair of their own along with a lot of other stuff I was buying from them but when they asked ?48 + VAT each I thought it was a pi$$ take. As a result I ended up buying nothing from them.

TTR do them for ?42 a pair, but do they work?

The other option would be machining down the existing spring tops and welding on a collar made from steel tube to accept the reduce spring diameter.

Any thoughts on the best way to proceed?

[rgh0]

Col Croucher at Elantrikbits in Australia also make reduce diameter spring tops.

cheers
Rohan

[elanman999]

Jono,
The TTR bits are not cheap but they fit and work well.
Cheers
John

[jono]

John,

?42 per pair from TTR versus ?96 from Sypder looks 'cheap' to me

Do you have personal experience of the TTR spring tops, it's just I spotted another post on here saying that the alloy wore badly after about 12 months?

Jon

[elanman999]

Jon,
Yes I have the TTR top caps on my Elan. They are not alloy but a sheet steel fabrication, well mine are.
The only problem with 2.25 springs is that if they are for road use you really need to make some kind of spring cover to stop the road grit getting on the damper shaft. TTR dampers being the price they are you can't afford to replace them too often!
I made some covers out of left over kitchen flooring rapped round the spring and clipped to the top cap. PM me if you want some pics.
Cheers
John

[steveww]

The TTR rear spring tops are pressed steel items, just like the originals but smaller. However they are made out of thinner gauge steel and IMHO not really robust enough.

I got some very nice machined items from the Elan Factory "down under" about the same price as the TTR bits including shipping to the UK. Alternatively I noticed that Kelvedon had some nice machined platforms on their stand at the show. Given them a call and see what they want for them, alas looking at the price of their other bits they may well be more expensive.

[bcmc33]

The parts I had from TTR last year had TIG welded flanges - and obviously a perfect fit for the job.
I had them powder coated with some other parts - I thought they should have been painted for the price.

[elansprint]

With regard to keeping the dirt out of the springs the touring car boys tie stockings(panty hose for those across the water) over the spring /shock assembly works very well & cheap
Ian

[stuartgb100]

Ian,

How often do those boys change their tights ? ..........

Do they recycle ......... in the wash Sunday night and then back on the car for next weekend ? .........

Regards,
Stuart.

[cabc26b]

I use an alloy cone shape spring seat. I got the last set from GB components, I have also seen them listed in the pegasus catalog (Carrara.QA1?) - really anybody offering coil over kits and or racing strut fabrication bits might be able to help.

There is a company in your backyard called gartrac that has a nice selection of escort suspension fabrication parts that could be adapted. - looks like you might be able to get it done for about 1/2 of what you are being quoted.

[alexblack13]

Spring seats....
You can just mod your own. I turned mine down to dia and welded on 2cm wide steel tube rings. Nice snug fit over the springs. Makes a difference having the machinery/kit to do this I must admit.

Keep your springs clean and the dirt out of the damper struts by cutting a couple of plastic (lexan) drinks bottles to length.(Use the parallel sections)
Split them longways.Note how they curl up and reduce in dia when you cut along their length! Fit them over the spring tops and secure with s/s clips.You can put a pop rivet in the bottom of them to keep the dia right but you dont need to.They work great,cost bugger all and you can see thro' them to check all's well.

Alex B....

[ceejay]

Hi All.
Yes, we have in the past supplied these kits....everything except springs... which we leave for the owner to source.
Col