Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

[Nigel c]

I have a marina based roadster, a few years back fed up with the very wayward nature of the rear of my roadster I made a couple of mods, first I improved the leaf spring and poly bushed it, then fitted anti tramp bars from the top of the axle casing forward to the chassis, as well as a panhard rod across the axle. I've since removed the rod because it was making the suspension to stiff.

So this leaves me, as I see it a couple of steps away from 5 link and ditching the cart springs, for coil-overs, if I fit trailing arms from the forward leaf spring mounting point to the bottom of the axle, and a pair if coil-overs, job done after reconnecting the panhard rod.

just thinking out loud. has it ever been done and if not why not.

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

Think they do that with Morris Minors and rally Ford Escorts - loads of hot rods/custom cars use it - its not rocket science - just measure twice and cut once !!!!

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

Typical hot rod set up

http://www.swracecars.com/store/Street-Rod-4-Bar-Kit-OSCARItem_369=40-124.aspx

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=7

£1100

[Nigel c]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

the Escort kits you can buy off the shelf from rally design, fitting the coil-over the the space available could be a challenge

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

I've considered it many times...just not got around to it (yet)..!
I think you'd want to bring the coilover forward of the axle casing and add a turreted top-mount...could impact boot space but as there's sod all anyway who cares..!
If you have the later-type seat-belt towers they may get in the way.

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

I know that one roadster has a jag rear end which is a nice rear end !!!!!

[Nigel c]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

Big bucks for the moggie kit but that's about how it would look

[Nigel c]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

I have the early seat belt mounts so not a problem, and like you say forward mounting would probably be the way to go seat belt mount could go on the turret

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

the american one is just over £200 plus carriage - should be an easy job if the back body section is off the chassis !!

[Cornish Wrestler]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

Why not go for a five link set up but with slipper springs as per Gp 4 escorts etc , think there is a kit of sorts for these from Gartrac which might adapt ??

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

To Dbaz's point...not quite so easy...
You need a relatively short upper link and a much longer lower link (assuming you use the leaf spring pickup as the lower pivot and the upper arm picks up on the upward sloping chassis rail).
Cranking the upper arm to a single shear mount on the outside of the chassis rail would equal up the arm lengths but I'm not a fan of single-shear suspension pickups.

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

I meant a lot easier with no rear body and just a bare chassis - having built a couple of hot rods with Jag rear ends - then using that USA 4 bar with a panhard rod with lots of measuring should be ok - you might have to add some more cross-members for the top shock mounts and the front end 4 bar mount..I am fitting a new rear body section on mine so might alter the rear suspension ??

[andyf]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

I'd be really interested in seeing pictures if anyone does go for it.

[dbazdavies]

Re: Roadster 5 link coilover conversion

Just sent for these approx £7 posted to the uk

http://www.rodplans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1278&Itemid=665