front suspension assembly

metcoptiger · Post by **metcoptiger** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 6:28 pm

My mk1a has been at a body shop for a number of years being restored. As it slowly gets towards being painted I am considering how to re-assemble the front suspension. Normally it could be assembled on the car with engine in to provide the downforce. I would like to assemble the suspension so I can take it along with the rear axlel to the body shop to be made into a rolling shell to move elsewhere for assembling the car.
Any suggestions, recommendations?

V8 burble · Post by **V8 burble** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 10:30 pm

The assembly procedure is pretty straightforward but you really need an original Churchill RG.50D or a home-made coil spring compressor (see pics).
Perhaps somebody would be good enough to scan/submit my original article from CW No 13 (donkeys years ago) detailing the complete removal and reassembly process (E. & O.E.).

metcoptiger · Post by **metcoptiger** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 11:44 pm

Thanks for the info. I was guessing a suitable spring compressor would be needed but was hopeing not. I should have CW 13 so will check it out

Mal · Post by **Mal** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:53 am

V8 Burble, is the middle pic a home made compressor. I have my front end ready to assemble, and was wondering what sort of spring compressor i needed. I could make that.

I don't have CW 13 so if it could be post the article it would be a great help.

Cheers Mal

V8 burble · Post by **V8 burble** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:21 am

Mal,
Yes, that second pic is the home-made compressor which I used prior to my original Churchill tool resurfacing in a friend's garage after umpteen years.
The original Churchill tool is about 580 mm long. You may not need it this long, especially if you are fitting the shorter stiffer springs (equivalent to Hillman Husky Export ones).
Find a piece of 13mm threaded rod and 2 deep nuts/bar sections, at least 35mm long. This is important, otherwise you run the risk of stripping the thread and causing an accident. Be careful, those new springs are very strong. I have known several Tiger owners who have come very close to serious injury when not removing/reassembling the springs correctly.
You will also need a piece of (4mm+) steel plate to fit over the lower shocker mounts. The central hole should be large enough to allow for radial movement as the tool is tightened/released. The final item is a thick steel washer.

Look at the bottom of the Tech Tips page of the STOC site. Click on the “archive index” link and email a request to STOC for a photocopy of “Front Suspension Overhaul” from CW 13, pages 16 to 18.

NB Do remember to put the lower fulcrum pins in the correct way round! Identify the "larger" ends, mark them and make sure that they are fitted to the rear.

martin172 · Post by **martin172** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:35 pm

We really need to get these tech tips online. It seems such a shame that all that info isn't at people's fingertips.

V8 burble · Post by **V8 burble** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:46 pm

That is a good idea in principle but I suspect that the sheer enormity of the project would be too great for somebody to undertake. Any volunteers?

In addition, is there sufficient free space on our site?

I think it is time for Graham to chip in with some "web tech" observations.

martin172 · Post by **martin172** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:00 pm

The issue of room on the site did cross my mind.
I'm prepared to offer myself up as a volunteer.

bigbob · Post by **bigbob** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:18 pm

My dangerous, but successful method was to put spring in loose, stand on crossmember & use a 6ft bar to lever down wishbone until joint nut could be wound on! Helps to be 125kg.

Post by **gvickery** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:21 pm

Yes loading the Technical Tips Archive on to the website is one huge mission - scanning every article is the killer. There is capacity at the ISP server to carry it all but I haven't got the capacity to do it. If another can undertake to scan all the stuff from past issues of 'Cats Whiskers' then I can create a specific Forum subject that a 3rd party could post links to where the stuff is stored. There is a probably a brighter solution out there!!

In the mean time here is a trial run of 'Tiger Tech Know' which kicks off with some of the earliest contributions made by Godfrey Green (if not a founding member of STOC then a very early one) to 'Cats Whiskers '- starting with: Assembling the Front Suspension:

I'll probably add subsequent items as links rather than images.

Please remember this endeavour was written in 1979 - names & places mentioned may no longer exist!!

What does 'the team think'?

Graham
STOC Editor

H, Sunny 65 · Post by **H, Sunny 65** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:01 am

I liked it, as the shorter Morris track rod end mentioned, is the solution to my tracking proplem, due to the spacers fitted to my steering arm's. So even old technical tip's, still have a place.
would be nice to see a few more, if it can be done.

Mal · Post by **Mal** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:35 am

Yahoo, thanks guys

Cheers Mal

Tomaselli · Post by **Tomaselli** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:03 pm

Godfrey, that's a great piece of "tech" advise detailed in the article. It really is beyond me and amazing that you were furnishing this detailed and helpful information in the 70's.

Me, well I just give my car to a specialist and then just drive it.........

garyv8tiger · Post by **garyv8tiger** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:49 pm

I give mine to specialists ,but always repair it b4 i drive it as they are not as special as you think

martin172 · Post by **martin172** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 2:29 pm

As I've said, I'm happy to help with getting the tech tips onto the website.

I do feel that this is something that we need to get on with otherwise it will soon fall off of the radar and that will be that.

We need to formulate a battle plan on this one.

Anyone out there who is time rich with a full compliment of CWs?