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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
 Posted - 14 May 2010 : 13:20:27
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Got a few steps nearer.
Got the engine out and the front suspension removed.
Been to see a local engineering company to talk about ways to connect the Avenger suspension bits to the Rapier suspension bits.
Trial fitting of the Avenger cross member should happen this weekend.
I'll try to get some photos uploaded so you can see what all the fuss is about! |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2010 : 01:04:02
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Thanks, thats very kind! I better get my finger out and buy a car to put them on! haha
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2010 : 20:51:33
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Found some Escort stuts in Norwich on Saturday. These are much the same as the Avenger struts (too short). I think that Capri are similar but haven't been able to find any yet.
But - I have been having a good look at the struts and I think that it will be possible to make an adapter plate to fit the Rapier struts to the Avenger suspension arms. I don't have the tools for this, but there are a lot of small engineering companies nearby that I'm sure could make them for me. I need to do some measuring and make some drawings and then go see some if I can get them made.
If it all works I'm sure it won't cost too much to get a couple more made for you |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2010 : 23:36:10
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I think I'll wait till you have sorted yours out...and then buy it off you LOL!!!!!
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2010 : 19:34:44
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But - now I have the Avenger suspension arms I can see how long the bottom arm and steering arm need to be.
I can also take these bits and go hunting for a strut that's bit taller. I think a trip to the local classic Ford spares place might be worth it, especially as I want to investigate Capri 2.8 rear springs (they are single leaf and just a little too long). |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2010 : 19:20:53
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Not going to be as easy as I'd hoped; if the Avenger strut was 2 inches taller I think it would just bolt on, then I'd just need to fabricate the engine mounts and various brackets for the steering column.
Need some weekend time to unbolt a few bits and see what will fit what. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2010 : 19:01:19
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Sounds quite a complex job......
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2010 : 20:02:00
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Got a complete Avenger strut from Talbot Spares.
It's very similar to the Rapier strut but, unfortunately, about two inches shorter.
So the next step is the remove the driver's side strut from the Rapier and compare the two.
Possibilities are:
- Use the complete Avenger assembly with the Rapier spring and with a custom made 2 inch extension at the top of the strut.
- Use the Rapier strut and find a way to connect it to the Avenger lower suspension arm and steering arm.
- Use the Rapier strut with shortened Rapier suspension arm (carefully cut and welded) and custom made steering arm.
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Edited by - 1922 on 14 Apr 2010 20:02:35 |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2010 : 14:15:36
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Nice one johnc
Have made a bit of progress with the Avenger strut plan.
Got some information from the Avenger and Sunbeam Owners Club. They tell me that the Avenger struts and Sunbeam struts are interchangeable and have put me in touch with Mal Stuart Motorsport who, hopefully, can find me some secondhand struts.
Interestingly the guy that replied, Steve, said that he had sold a complete set of front end suspension to a guy in Scotland who was, he thinks, working on the same project. |
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johnc
United Kingdom
212 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2010 : 18:27:08
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| With the motor connected you have power steering and self parking,a boon in todays traffic. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2010 : 02:47:58
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Not really......they are off the windscreen wipers!
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
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Holbay120
United Kingdom
177 Posts |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2010 : 14:14:44
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I think that any Avenger, Chrysler Sunbeam or Talbot Sunbeam will do to prove (or not) the concept. Unfortunately my favourite breakers yard closed down a few years ago, they had stuff back to the 1940s!
For the real thing I would want Sunbeam Lotus struts and brakes.
I would not want try to stop a Rapier with brakes from a base model 1 litre Chrysler Sunbeam!
The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus club is very active and it used to be easy to buy race, rally and 'boy racer' bits for the Sunbeam Lotus.
Big brakes, quick racks and various shocks and springs should still be available. Wheel stud spacing is the same too - so the wheels will go on. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2010 : 00:21:13
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Interesting stuff Derek. Would any talbot sunbeam frontend do? Might just be able to find one in a scrappy. Unfortunately for us, everything roots is rare nowerdays.
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
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Topic |
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Steering box
