B GT: Existing front telescopic damper conversion - options?
Discussion
Hi all,
This is my first entry into the hallowed halls of pistonheads.com - thank you for having me
I have a bit of a head-scratcher for the forum:
My 1966 chrome bumper B-GT has had a front telescopic damper conversion kit fitted in the distant past. I have no information whatsoever about the kit itself. The fitted dampers have no obvious identifying markings (I have not removed them for closer inspection at this stage). The floating sensation from the front end leaves me in little doubt that it's time to turf the old dampers...but what do I replace them with??
Does anyone know any history about these conversion kits? Which ones were popular, say, 20 years ago? What size/length damper am I looking for? Or are the possibilities endless?
Is the only solution to remove the dampers, keep the car off the road and wait while a specialist evaluates the old ones?
Would pictures of the current kit/dampers in situ help?
I'm appealing to the pistonhead collective genius for some direction...
This is my first entry into the hallowed halls of pistonheads.com - thank you for having me
I have a bit of a head-scratcher for the forum:
My 1966 chrome bumper B-GT has had a front telescopic damper conversion kit fitted in the distant past. I have no information whatsoever about the kit itself. The fitted dampers have no obvious identifying markings (I have not removed them for closer inspection at this stage). The floating sensation from the front end leaves me in little doubt that it's time to turf the old dampers...but what do I replace them with??
Does anyone know any history about these conversion kits? Which ones were popular, say, 20 years ago? What size/length damper am I looking for? Or are the possibilities endless?
Is the only solution to remove the dampers, keep the car off the road and wait while a specialist evaluates the old ones?
Would pictures of the current kit/dampers in situ help?
I'm appealing to the pistonhead collective genius for some direction...
Hi and welcome to PH.
The B front conversion came in a number of ways, best thing to do is post a picture of urs, most however used the same damper spec. Which can be got at the MGOC site or from MGBhive look at there sites.
If the dampers are shot the ride will not be good for sure. You may want to look at replacing teh bushes with the polybush ste at the same time a very worthwhile upgrade. Also ckeck the pin wear and add some grease. The antiroll bar bushes may be worn as well. Lost to look at on the front.
Get us a pic and we'll tell u what you have , send it to Shane or Sandra at mgbhive as well they will have the shocks to fit at good prices.
The B front conversion came in a number of ways, best thing to do is post a picture of urs, most however used the same damper spec. Which can be got at the MGOC site or from MGBhive look at there sites.
If the dampers are shot the ride will not be good for sure. You may want to look at replacing teh bushes with the polybush ste at the same time a very worthwhile upgrade. Also ckeck the pin wear and add some grease. The antiroll bar bushes may be worn as well. Lost to look at on the front.
Get us a pic and we'll tell u what you have , send it to Shane or Sandra at mgbhive as well they will have the shocks to fit at good prices.
Hello NBRSK2K, welcome to PH. Without pictures it's difficult to know which front-end kit+dampers have been fitted. There are a number of kits on the market, all readily available from MOSS, MGOC etc. If you can't post any pics you should go online to MOSS's website and place order for their catalogue; see pages A08 to A13. This link http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/MGB.aspx will take you to the MGB pdf catalogue you can download.
It may be that if dampers are red or black they're Classic Koni, blue & gold Gaz, yellow & black Spax, yellow Bilstein, blue Boge.
Good luck
It may be that if dampers are red or black they're Classic Koni, blue & gold Gaz, yellow & black Spax, yellow Bilstein, blue Boge.
Good luck
Thank you very much you guys!
@chormy: I've recently had all the work you've recommended done on the front end, including new coil springs. Unfortunately I went with standard bushes, I guess I'll have to change them next time around. The ONLY thing we didn't touch were the dampers - first impressions were that they were fine, but having done the rest of the work the car still wallows a bit - hence the focus on the dampers now.
@v8250 - the dampers are indeed blue, so possibly Boge?
either way it sounds like I'd better get some pictures up here - I'll do that ASAP. Will call MG Hive at soonest opportunity too. Thanks for the pointers!
@chormy: I've recently had all the work you've recommended done on the front end, including new coil springs. Unfortunately I went with standard bushes, I guess I'll have to change them next time around. The ONLY thing we didn't touch were the dampers - first impressions were that they were fine, but having done the rest of the work the car still wallows a bit - hence the focus on the dampers now.
@v8250 - the dampers are indeed blue, so possibly Boge?
either way it sounds like I'd better get some pictures up here - I'll do that ASAP. Will call MG Hive at soonest opportunity too. Thanks for the pointers!
is the wallow up and down or side to side?
what ever grease point you have at the front you want to make sure they're full of clean fresh gease and grease them regularly, every 6 months (or 3) plus just before an MoT
probably not the cause but still worth checking
- that all the rear suspension is secure (U-bolts have been know to come loose) and bushes not worn out
- front wheels and tyres
- that any of the previous work hasn't come loose or and everything is tight and secure at the front
- that new parts aren't faulty - leaking dampers are possible, broken springs very unlikely but always check never dismiss as Sod's Law is that it'll always be the one thing you ruled out and didn't check
what ever grease point you have at the front you want to make sure they're full of clean fresh gease and grease them regularly, every 6 months (or 3) plus just before an MoT
probably not the cause but still worth checking
- that all the rear suspension is secure (U-bolts have been know to come loose) and bushes not worn out
- front wheels and tyres
- that any of the previous work hasn't come loose or and everything is tight and secure at the front
- that new parts aren't faulty - leaking dampers are possible, broken springs very unlikely but always check never dismiss as Sod's Law is that it'll always be the one thing you ruled out and didn't check
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff