Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Would like to get the rear dampers rebuilt.

Anyone know what they might be on a '67 plus 2?

Anyone had these rebuilt in the UK?

I didn't think the OEM dampers could be rebuilt, I always thought it was a case of renewing the inserts. I've vague memories of Koni's being able to be rebuilt but I could never be bothered with the delay whilst they were turned around.

I did my S3 earlier this year and bought AVO badged replacements from Pat Thomas but all the usual suppliers sold both standard and adjustable inserts from what I could see at the time.

Brian

The original shocks were Armstrong I believe but it would be unusual for the shocks to not have been replaced at least once by now in a car so what you have may be different.. But as others have said rebuilding is not the usual route even if you can find someone to do it and replacement much more common.

cheers
Rohan

I can get SPAX dampers at a decent price.

So, do I go for the ones without adjustable spring seat (TAG1008-I) or the adjustable spring seat (TAS216-I)?

John

Make the suspension adjustable and they will adjust it wrong -- look what they can do to a Weber carburetor in just a few moments of stupidity with a screwdriver.
- Colin Chapman

John

john.p.clegg wrote:John

Make the suspension adjustable and they will adjust it wrong -- look what they can do to a Weber carburetor in just a few moments of stupidity with a screwdriver.
- Colin Chapman

John

I am with you on this. I will never track this car, so don't need to corner weight it etc, so adjusting spring perches is probably unnecessary.

I should have bought adjustable track rod ends though...

Johnfm wrote

I should have bought adjustable track rod ends though...

I thought they all were?

Adjustable spring perches at the front are useful for keeping the right ride height. The front springs on a plus 2 are very highly preloaded and highly stressed and tend to sag over time so adjustable perch is good to get the correct ride height and compensate for sag over time and extend the spring life.

At rear not so critical but if going to smaller diameter springs for tyre clearance you may as well make the perches adjustable on the strut housing.

cheers
Rohan

MickG wrote:Johnfm wrote

I should have bought adjustable track rod ends though...

I thought they all were?

Not as adjustabel as these...but at ?185+VAT , too expensive for me on a road car.

John was down at Protech today in Melksham & looked at his alloy rear damper for the Elan which you can rebuild look very nice 01225 705553 if interested ask for Kev
Ian

Cheers Ian

But I can get a heft discount on the Spax dampers - and I expect they will do the job well enough for my non-racing needs...

Forgive me for perhaps stating the obvious but isn't the main purpose of those Kelsport bits of kit to make Bump Steer adjustments (with spacers) without faffing around with the rack clamps. As the track boys do.
Mike

miked wrote:Forgive me for perhaps stating the obvious but isn't the main purpose of those Kelsport bits of kit to make Bump Steer adjustments (with spacers) without faffing around with the rack clamps. As the track boys do.
Mike

Yes I think so.

Plus they look bloody brilliant! - Oh, and adjsuting toe and bump steer woudl be very easy too.

?185 seems a bit pricey - as I expect most of those components are available off the shelf.


The only possible 'custom' sized thing there will be the taper won't it?

yep, bit of jiggery pokery on the lathe and they can be made. Can obtain the type of taper off a normal track rod end. I have seen Formula ford boys alter the track arm hole to accomadate a parallel fixing. Actaully have two in the cupboard that i was given some years ago. I will ask who did the inserts.