Front shock absorbers, series 1

[Simon S]

Here's a conundrum:

I want to go back to the factory supplied Girling shock absorbers at the front, which are non - adjustable.
I have a lighter aluminium bonnet (which only needs 1 bonnet spring on each side to hold it up)
Will the Girlings be too hard? Should I get adjustables?

Torsion bars and anti roll bar are standard, and adjusted to give correct ride height with the lighter bonnet.
I'm happy with the ride, but the shock absorbers need replacing, and I prefer the look of the Girlings which have recently been replaced at the back.

Any thoughts??

[mgcjag]

Hi Simon..
Check out the fully open length of any replacement shock you use....iv heard that some are again too long..so on suspension on full drop when you jack up the front check you have correct angle track rod ends and your not pulling down on the steering rack...Steve

[Simon S]

Hi Simon..
Check out the fully open length of any replacement shock you use....iv heard that some are again too long..so on suspension on full drop when you jack up the front check you have correct angle track rod ends and your not pulling down on the steering rack...Steve

Thanks Steve,
I will check before fitting, but the Girlings I'd like to use are item C20011G from SNG Barrat which are supposed to be the correct replacement OE part, so dimensions should match.

It's mainly the stiffness I'm trying to get a handle on...

[mgcjag]

Iv heard that they are not dimensionally or operationally the same as original....Steve

[caveman]

You are correct Steve.
SNGB front shocks, from their product details are 8 x 8 x 45cm. Maybe their site is out of date but 450mm is too long and should be approx 390mm. I recently thought about reverting to Girlings but couldn’t find correct sizes - all too long. Sellers also don’t understand the problem and some refuse to measure before sale. It shouldn’t be this difficult.

[dlgis]

When I bought from SNGB they were happy to get one from the store and measure it for me

[rfs1957]

I tried to use “Girlings” from SNGB but after several attempts, including having them measure them before shipping, gave up.

They were all too long, in that it is the fully extended length UNDER THE LOAD OF THE TORSION BARS that determines the full-droop position and geometry.

Nobody in the classic car industry GAF so they keep on selling the same crap to customers who ask fewer questions.

I ended up ordering specific length shocks from GAZ, who were initially hopeless and diffident, albeit in a different way, and I eventually got what I wanted and needed, aka shocks that on full-extension stop at 390mm.

They work well and, from what others report, I would expect them now to last forever.

PS - I put “Girling” as this is all just branding on boxes, and bears no relation to who actually made them nor where they are actually made.

[Simon S]

Blimey - many unhappy owners!
I went for the GAZ adjustables from SNG, at only £10 more expensive than the "Girlings"
Set towards the soft end of the spectrum, the car handles beautifully, and just glides over speed bumps.
Also, they look very similar to the originals, unlike the SPAX set that were on there.

[Series1 Stu]

Here's an alternative.

I've just watched Jonny Smith's latest Late Brake Show episode featuring his visit to Project Heaven in Apethorpe to have his Dodge Charger dyno tested. During his look around, we were treated to a few seconds of the damper manufacturing facility as it seems they bought Leda, the damper manufacturer. During the brief conversation, Peter Bulbick (owner of Project Heaven) says that they can make dampers to your precise requirements. You may not get something visually identical to the Girling originals but at least they might give the right damping and have the correct overall length. Maybe a few of us should get together and place a bulk order.

I'd never heard of Project Heaven before watching that show but they seem to be impressive. On their website their list of services includes all aspects of restoration and even Surelock cold casting repairs. It doesn't seem to mention the damper side of the business. They don't seem to be in palatial premises where customers are made more comfortable than at home. Just simple no-nonsense restoration work.

No connection.

[Gfhug]

Here's an alternative.
Maybe a few of us should get together and place a bulk order.

Stuart, in a year or three I shall need new dampers. I’m willing to add my name to a list. Anyone else?

Geoff

[265bhp]

Depending on price I am interested in a group buy
Regards
Jonathan

[rfs1957]

Blimey - many unhappy owners!
I went for the GAZ adjustables from SNG, at only £10 more expensive than the "Girlings"

Mine have done about 4.000kms now and I would agree that the ride quality is very good.

My reservations are not about the product per-se, but about the fact it took months to extract from Gaz the correct bushes and sleeves.

However, you really ought to check their true droop length, Simon, because I had it from Gaz themselves that SNGB used, at some time in the past, to specify a special shorter length damper (sub 400mm from memory) but that at some point that spec evaporated and they now get a longer version which, in my experience, is too long for the suspension geometry and the TRE’s to cope with.

There are reams of exchanges on this subject (dampers, TRE’s) if you’re not familiar with the issues, under other headings, which any search will throw up.

I’d be interested to read what you find.

[rfs1957]

I have recently been exchanging drawings with GAZ and am confident that they will now supply dampers with exactly the right top and bottom bushings, if anyone were hesitating.

Just be sure to specify max-extended-droop of 15-1/2" - as they still talk in inches