Mark:
I believe that the 'gold' colour on the shock bodies indicates that the
shock is a 'factory' rebuild - from the days when the factory was still
doing this. Same as the red colour on the gearboxes, which indicated a BMC
rebuild. I know for sure that this was done in Canada, and I would think
that it was likely system wide.
The front shock bolts should be 1 inch (I just measured) - that is long
enough to engage all of the threads in the mounting plate captive nuts, and
won't foul the spring plate below. Alan's observations are good - I
re-install using grade 8 shouldered bolts. I also use a flat washer, as
well as a lock washer, and a bit of blue locktite on the threads. Success
depends on the flat washer spreading the load on the shock flange - damage
on the shock body will not allow a reliable grip, and the shock will loosen
over time, not what we want!
No question about it being a bit of a weak point in the design.
Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark and Kathy" <mgtrcars@galaxyinternet.net>
To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:35 AM
Subject: Shock Curiosity
Listers,
One question and one observation today.
Curiosity has got the better of me today. Through my LBC years I
have noticed on some of my cars that some of the shocks have been painted
"Gold" in color. I know this was not an "off the line " color so what
was
the significance of using this color. Rebuilt? NOS aftermarket?
Better
quality units?
Now my observation. While doing a trial run on fitting my front
shocks on my BT7 this week I was curious about which of the wide assortment
of
different lengths of 3/8 inch bolts I should use. I know we have hashed
over the "grades" of bolts to use but I don't remember that the length was
covered. Anyway, after researching my supply of manuals for this info. I
finally came across the explanation of the bolt codes in the Anderson/
Moment
restor. book. ( "God bless you gentlemen for your efforts on this book) All
the codes are in the Parts Service manuals. One inch is what I have
"decoded" . Just out of curiosity I thought I would see what happens if I
went with one of the 1 and a half inch bolts. Sure enough, they Won't do
the
Job. They "appear" that they work but just about the time that they look
like they are securing the shock down they are also bottoming out into the
spring tower. Now since I have the luxury of shinning a flash light into
the holes and crevises in the towers and plate I can obviously see this.
But
my thoughts were that if my springs and rest of the assembly were in the way
or I just didn't give this problem a second thought, my shocks would bearly
be held in place if I was to use the 1 and a half inch bolts. It appears
that the 1 inch is the only way to go or maybe something in between these
two
sizes.
What length are your bolts?
Mark
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