Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Tuning & Customising 126 Models => Topic started by: Tate on July 23, 2012, 05:43:03 PM

Title: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on July 23, 2012, 05:43:03 PM

Bolt-on conversion kits are very expensive and I'm trying to desing own conversion to my car. The biggest problem seems to be the shock absorbers.

Any hints where to buy shocks + springs with a reasonable price? Are these from some another car or is Fiat 126 the only one with this kind of fastening?



(http://www.mrfiat.com/images/500rearspringskit.jpg)

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: thepuddlejumper on July 23, 2012, 10:13:42 PM

I looked at doing this, can't remember the which company was the best deal.  Check out AVO, most of the main companies will be able to provide the correct mountings.  Middle Barton Garage do sell them htey have a hook up with a local supplier who makes units up to suit 500's.

Ralph

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on July 24, 2012, 07:00:15 PM

Would somebody have this dimension?

The dimension is from orginal leafspring mounting point (to the car body with two nuts) to the "upright" mounting point (with one bolt).

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/tatex1/Fiat%20126%20-73/Suspensiondimension.jpg)

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Rusty's Uncle on July 24, 2012, 07:23:31 PM

Oooo ! a bit of engineering , I like it. Inspired me to step outside and get that measurement. I make it about 24.5 cms.  :D

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on July 25, 2012, 05:15:40 AM

Quote from: Rusty's Uncle on July 24, 2012, 07:23:31 PM

Oooo ! a bit of engineering , I like it. Inspired me to step outside and get that measurement. I make it about 24.5 cms.  :D

I make it about 25cms :) So we have a good reference now... Thanks Rusty! ;)

I have contacted AVO and GAZ and asked if they could provide me shocks and springs. Right now I'm trying to determine the right natural frequency and spring rate. Also the open & closed leght of the shock absorber is giving me some headache.

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on January 29, 2013, 07:58:06 PM

Its time to wake this topic up!  ;D

Does anybody have these coilover shock absorbers so that you could measure the open and closed length of the shock absorber?

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/tatex1/Fiat%20126%20-73/openclosed_zps2c9746ef.jpg)

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: madbaz on January 29, 2013, 08:36:05 PM

Hopefully have one of mine off tomorro an ill check for you.

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on January 29, 2013, 08:46:10 PM

I appreciate if you can check it  ;)

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Amateb8 on January 30, 2013, 01:06:39 PM

Ricambio also sell a set for 500/126, but is pricey.

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on January 30, 2013, 02:12:25 PM

Yes I know, but those bolt on kits are very expensive. Thats why I'm trying to make my own set. Hopefully it will help others as well.

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: kev126 on January 30, 2013, 04:47:18 PM

Does anyone know how low you can get the front end with those bolt on kits?

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: grubscrew on January 30, 2013, 06:24:36 PM

Those coil over jobbies are no more than glorified motorcycle monoshock units with a few simple mods, but that said , for my motor bike (Honda ST1100), the mono shock fo that costs around the £350.00 , so yes its a costly mod for a car.Mike.

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Tate on January 30, 2013, 07:26:52 PM

Quote from: madbaz on January 29, 2013, 08:36:05 PM

Hopefully have one of mine off tomorro an ill check for you.

I'm waiting......  :D  :headscratch:

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: madbaz on January 30, 2013, 08:53:16 PM

I need more time! lol....( read as iv lost my tape measure :$ )

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Mr.fiatniki on February 21, 2013, 02:34:54 AM

Any more information on this? Very keen to do myself

Adrian

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Kowalski on October 13, 2013, 07:10:58 PM

Hi Tate, i've seen the car is pretty much done now,

what about the front axle? is a coilover solution mounted?

Title: Re: Front axle coilover conversion
Post by: Konstantinov on August 09, 2014, 11:01:12 PM

anyone has the size of the front shock absorbers ?