Hillman Hunter Help

[Hunterjames]

Hi Everyone
Well my hillman hunter has seen better days and new shocks all round are required. The rear dampers were easy enough to find as they are generic (well, allmoast) but im having great trouble finding front replacement shocks. They dont have to be exact copies, ie: if MK1 escort struts will fit, they will do, but im not sure about what else will fit. Preferably im looking for the full assembly, as pictured but i dont mind building them up myself
Here are some pictures of the shocks along with a couple measurements i have taken...
uncomperssed length- 28"
Compressed length- 23"
3 bolt top cap

[52classic]

I think the answer is to refurb your own struts with a strut insert kit. That enables you to replace just the shock absorber bit.

[restoman]

If you go to www.speedyspares.co.uk you will find that they can supply front strut inserts for the Hunter at £30 a piece. Gaitors and bushes are also available.

[Hunterjames]

Thanks for the help guys
I took the struts apart earlier and it looks like they have been used for a long time with no oil inside so they are pretty nackerd, which is why I was wanting to change the whole assembly. The hubs and top mounts are OK so I can re use these with a good clean-up, but any info on possible replacements is much appreciated

[tr7v8]

Restoman got to the SPeedy SPares link before I did!
http://www.speedyspares.co.uk/ROOTES/HUNTER/hunter...

[Chester Drawers]

If the front legs are still usuable then you can get inserts from speedyspares as already noted - if you want to slightly lower the car and increase the spring rate at the same time then Sierra front springs are a direct fit (I had these on my old 1968 Sunbeam Rapier which is basically a Hunter with a party frock on)

[Hunterjames]

Thanks For all the help guys.
After pulling apart the other shock to find it was just as bad, if not worse i got on the interweb and found a set of Adjustable Spax shocks for the hillman.
Ill put some pics up when im done and say if there any good just in-case anyone else has this problem?

[Chester Drawers]

Hunterjames said:

Thanks For all the help guys.
After pulling apart the other shock to find it was just as bad, if not worse i got on the interweb and found a set of Adjustable Spax shocks for the hillman.
Ill put some pics up when im done and say if there any good just in-case anyone else has this problem?

Spax adjustables are what I used to have on my Rapier, they're fine, a big improvement over standard.

[aeropilot]

Chester Drawers said:

Hunterjames said:

Thanks For all the help guys.
After pulling apart the other shock to find it was just as bad, if not worse i got on the interweb and found a set of Adjustable Spax shocks for the hillman.
Ill put some pics up when im done and say if there any good just in-case anyone else has this problem?

Spax adjustables are what I used to have on my Rapier, they're fine, a big improvement over standard.

First time I've ever heard anyone say Spax Adjustables are fine

Vile things....but, I guess it's a needs must scenario.

I'd seriously look to get those original legs refurbished by a specialist.

[Chester Drawers]

Well, let me qualify the word "fine" by saying that in comparision with the original shagged out OEM dampers they were fine :-)

Needs must was indeed the reason