ok so its restore

[cav773]

Started stripping out today. Hope to get some photo record going soon. One more
thing (Well two more actually) its hydro which I will convert to dry, whats best
to do re front shocks and its auto whats best to do re from subframe ie replace
with manual subframe or keep auto subframe. Would this cause any probs with
steering rack???? Any ideas anyone . Thanks

[camelotr]

Why dont You keep it hydrolastic and automatic?

[cav773]

Would like to be able to adjust suspension height and make up my own mind as to when to change gear. it seems a lot of power is wasted in the auto box mini. Not
looking to over modify just to make it more driveable.

[camelotr]

Its Your car...
Though a hydrolastic automatic is something very rare and exotic.

Soo if going to dry suspensio, You should change the front suspension to a dry, but early item. You will also need to modify or replace the upper suspension arm (the damper bolt wont fit). The rear subframe can be modified to accept the rubber cone, but if rusty, You should change it to dry-type.

[cav773]

Yes the rear subframe totally rotten have sourced new dry. All subframe mountings shot. The hydro units were all well past it which was another reason for changing.
the good news is that cross member and tunnel are good. Work has started on
bracing shell.

[guru_1071]

cav

you can buy mounts to convert a auto frame to a dry one, you can also convert the auto frame to accept rubber dry cones - its an easy job - the hardest part is drilling the top arms for the shocker pins.

the holes for the shock brackets are already in the shell, though sometimes the captive nuts are missing, so you have to sort this why the frame is out the car as its impossible to do it when its in place!

[cav773]

Thanks Guru will keep that in mind.