Replacement lowering shocks (& springs?)

[Carledo]

Looks very nice, a little like mine

Before I started sorting the paint

MAN! anytime you want to come and mop and polish mine, you'll be welcome! Lovely job! But why did I think this was a French Blue car?

Steve

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Haha thanks, Nigel had painted it but it needed flatting back and mopping, it looks better than it is and still needs a lot more work, it’s also a bit thin in places so have gone through so will need some more paint.
Although weirdly I quite like it, looks a bit sort of ratty patina

[Boost All The Dollys]

… Now forgive my ignorance, but I don't KNOW if your 1500TC has the smaller or larger diameter front springs, but my suspicion is that it has the smaller ones. However the Gaz spring seats, as supplied are for the larger diameter springs, so you MAY need to change the springs and topmounts to match the shox. If you do, I can supply a couple of larger dia topmounts to complete the setup.

OTOH, I may be wrong, or the coilovers could have been replaced earlier with bigger ones, it's been known! But I suggest you measure them! I'll dig up the numbers tomorrow.

Steve

Can confirm Steve, pre-76 1500TC definitely has the smaller diameter front springs. I ran into that when I tried to fit the lowering springs the first time around.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Haven’t been up to the unit to check yet but sounds like I’ll need springs as well!

[Boost All The Dollys]

Haven’t been up to the unit to check yet but sounds like I’ll need springs as well!

I will also say that the Uprated springs on the 1500tc will make it ride high as the spring rates seem to be for the sprint which has a slightly heavier nose. I fitted the 1” drop springs to mine when it was stick and the nose sat about an inch higher than standard.

I’d suggest getting the 1” drop springs but the 175lb/in ones as it’s slightly stiffer than stock but not much. You might be better getting sprint shocks as well just incase the spring perch height is different

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Although I still havent made it to the unit to check yet but its looking like I'll need shocks with adjustable plates (just to be fully safe for height settings) on top of replacement springs (preferably std sprint) and new front top plates....

Assuming that the current set up is as per standard 1500tc!

Thanks for all the input though people.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Popped up and checked the springs but no idea if they are standard thin 1500 ones or larger dolomite ones, anyone tell from these pics?!

[Boost All The Dollys]

They look like the smaller 1500 ones. The dolomite shocks have the spring perch lower down on the shock body.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Ideal, or not actually but thanks for confirming.
Have to be new springs shocks and top plates then!
Bum, thought I might be able to drop it on the cheap!

[xvivalve]

I've just measured a pair of Sprint springs and they are 4.5" diameter

I have a full set of four good used standard Sprint springs, your's for £50 inc postage (within UK) if interested?

I also have a pair of rears that seem to be standard height (free length 11.5") but they have an additional coil so would be stiffer/higher poundage.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Perfect, the standard spring ones would be great thank you!
Send me your bank details and I’ll send you some magic money through the ether!?

Just need a different top plates now and will order the shocks

[xvivalve]

PM sent.

I need to check in my lock up, but I might have Sprint top plates too; I'll try to swing by that way tomorrow. I've a vague notion they may have already been put to use...

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Xvivalve has sorted me a 4 springs and 1 top plate and rubber, if anyone else has a spare top plate and rubber to go on the other side?! Obviously will pay not expecting free