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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Identify this suspension

http://mollymidget.tumblr.com/post/56070133722/shocks

Embarrassed to admit that I’d only had the rear wheels off once in my 9 months’ ownership. That previous time, I clearly didn’t have my eyes open, as I failed to spot the glaringly non-standard rear suspension. Conventional struts are fitted instead of lever-arm dampers.

As the car seems to handle really rather well, this must presumably have been a well-executed upgrade, probably by the restorer in the 2000’s.

If anyone can tell me more about what I’ve got, by looking at the pictures, I’d be delighted.
PA Chase

Im not sure I see the problem...it appears the be just a tube shock conversion, it is simple enough to convert back to lever shocks if you like....I dont see anything that would prevent the down grade

Good luck

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Btw ... if you are in the usa, not sure about the UK

The tube shocks are from a dodge colt late 70s to early 80s

But id think any good wheel alinment shop can match up a pair based on what you have....just guessing at that

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Most of the standard aftermarket telescopicshock absorber conversions use a bolt on bracket for the upper location point. But an alternative is to utilise the bracket at the top that would otherwise take the rubber axle retaining straps. Typically this would use a classic mini front damper as it is one of the few that is short enough for use in this application. That looks like what you have on Molly Midget.

Incidentally, the original lever arm ones are pretty effective when in good condition. Not "crappy" at all!. Especially the rear ones which don't have the additional task of acting as a suspension arm like the fronts!
Guy W

Thanks for the responses.

There's no problem, as far as I know, and I'm not planning to switch back to the original set-up unless something goes wrong. I just was interested to know what was on the car. I'm new to Spridgets, though not new to old cars.

Perhaps I have been unfairly turned against lever arm shocks, due to having once owned a Morris Marina that handled rather like the boat that its name suggests. Now I think about it, the two Midgets that I tried before I bought mine both went around corners properly. Maybe not quite as nicely as mine does - but then I would say that, eh?
PA Chase

Often, telescopics are fitted to replace badly worn out lever shocks, so the improvement seems dramatic, and levers consequentially get a bad reputation. But good condition levers are pretty good too!

The other reason for telescopics is that you can get adjustable ones and set the suspension up more accurately for a specific tune of car.
Guy W

You can get adjustable levers, too... Just contact these folks:

http://www.nosimport.com/

Here's an example:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/safety_fast/2619661513/in/set-72157605873860590

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Hey PA

You have to remember... the spridget is one of the most customisable car there it, so midgets that are concourse orginal are just not on the menu....if you can dream it, it can be applied to the midget

prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Looks like a Frontline kit, usualy with Avo's.
Arie de Best

I will warn you though

Fitting the upper bolts through the fitment designed for the check straps puts far more strain on the mounting point

Be aware of this and be prepared to have to weld stiffeners to the upper bracket and floor/roof, that bracket is spot welded to the bootfloor above it, not seam welded


feel free to ask why I have mentioned this, ;)

I may be able to find a picture of my emergency Pre MOT fix a couple of years ago...


I would go back to lever arms any time if my Mini Shocks ever gave way, it has not made a massive difference to the handling of the car
Bill1

This thread was discussed between 24/07/2013 and 25/07/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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