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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Information on Woodhead dampers anyone?

Greetings All,

I have a 79 midget that I have been working on, seemingly to no end!

Anyway, the guy I bought it from put a "Moss rear tube shock conversion" on it, and it is STIFF. Like it would shake your teeth fillings loose. I'd like to get the specs for these tube dampers and find different ones to remedy this.

All I see stamped on them is "Woodhead, England, A0 6428 51B". My Google-fu has yet to produce information on these.

With the car jacked up under the differential, they are about 12.5" in length.

Does anyone here know anything about these?

Thanks!

Bri
owensdad74

Hey bri

Are they yellow and black... that would be sprax

High dollar

If there just run of the mill I venture to say they are the (dodge colt shock ???) Ill have to check my note files

It seems a popular thing to do is install them upside down, i seem to recall that helps soften the ride

Its a michigan invasion :-)

Prop....long live dixie

Prop and the Blackhole Midget

It does not seem logic but: rear shocks on a midget should be very very sloppy for good road holding. Te original Armstrongs are the ones to choose. If you cant believe: read all about it in Tune to win by Caroll Smith.

Flip


Flip Brühl

@ Prop: Nope, they are all black. Not adjustable as far as I can tell either. Someone else suggested they may be from a Mini? Hell if I know.

We are coming Prop- run for the hills! :)

@ Flip: This is my understanding as well. I would love to go to rebuilt lever arm shocks, but for money reasons I thought I'd try to make this work.
owensdad74

found this...


" Later Len joined Woodhead Manufacturing, an original equipment shock absorber manufacturer based in Essex, England. After 5 years at Woodhead Len decided to set up on his own and founded Chelmsford Suspension Services with his wife Carol, which became Leda Suspension Ltd in 1985."

Which leads here : http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Jonas_Woodhead_and_Sons


Then found this guy on LinkedIn

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-wardill/b/610/535


but I all the modern links point to an Indian based company.


For my money I'd be cheeky and ring Leda, see if they can help.

Malc


and Prop, I had Spax on the back of a Rover V8, they lasted less than a year, the worst shocks I have ever owned ! Come to think of it, they were shocking !!
Malc Gilliver

Hello Bri

Here is a great read on the conversion it covers the pros and cons of mini front and rear shocks for the midget

http://www.mg-cars.net/mg-midget-sprite-technical-bbs/diy-rear-telescopic-shock-conversion-2011012010355528883.htm

Prop

Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Malc....that is sad, and expensive....I have no experiance with sprax

On my future build im using carreas adjustables...i got them several years ago...new never used off ebay from a guy that had a failed midget project he was parting out.

Could be interesting to convert to coil over springs , and ditch the leaves, but thats probably a little more advanced then im capable off

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Hi

If Woodhead-Monroe became just Monroe, they are still around:
www.monroe.com
http://www.monroeshop.co.uk/

If you are looking for Mini dampers look at Minispares which shows a range of what's on offer: http://www.minispares.com/shop/classic/suspension/shock~absorbers.aspx?1910
Or for USA members, Mini Mania:
http://www.minimania.com/morris-minor-parts.cfm?category=SUSPENSION&catname=Suspension&child=SU_SHOCKS&parentname=Suspension

If you want info on Triumph Spitfire, Vitesse or Herald shocks contact Canley Classics: www.canleyclassics.com

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

This thread was discussed between 17/09/2013 and 18/09/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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