Styling £320???

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Styling £320???

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I just got my first quote from Charlie Browns (Trafford) for new front and rear shocks + springs – They wanted £320. Considering the upper mountains are not to be included I wonder if the springs are made of gold.

I was looking at around £110 for springs and shocks + Mountains, and the price for someone to fit em. It won’t be them at their price.

Anyone know someone/where reasonable around Manchester for suspension?

Perhaps the guy clicks a button if your in works uniform to charge extra?

Regards All,
Louie Bee.
 
OK below is a quote for suspension parts (inc Vat) - shocks and springs from http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/sitemap.php.

I’ve noted the springs are the same for the UT, which is heavier, so drops 40MM. However, I’m about to fit a Turbo front bumper, which will catch on my drive – so I could do with lift at the front end.

Has anyone any advice on which shocks and springs to go for?

KYB Excel-G Vat +Vat
RR Right Hand : 343189 £18.94 £3.31 £22.25
RL Left Hand : 343189 £18.94 £3.31 £22.25
FR Right Hand : 333833 £26.43 £4.63 £31.06
FL Left Hand : 333833 £26.43 £4.63 £31.06

KYB K-
Force Lowering Springs
(Not Mk2 LB5088) £54.34 £9.51 £63.85


Total £170.47[/RIGHT]​



Where would the rest of my £320 be going I wonder?
 
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GMAX 60mm lowering kit Vs speed bumps

Cheers luke1985.

Will lowering help my fog lamps off the drive and over speed bumps? I have a turbo bumper to fit, which is lower to the ground, but if I’m not careful my standard bumper already bottoms out.

Will I need bigger wheels perhaps if my car is lowered?

Rgds,
Louie Bee.
 
Re: GMAX 60mm lowering kit Vs speed bumps

Louie Bee said:
Cheers luke1985.

Will lowering help my fog lamps off the drive and over speed bumps? I have a turbo bumper to fit, which is lower to the ground, but if I’m not careful my standard bumper already bottoms out.

Will I need bigger wheels perhaps if my car is lowered?

Rgds,
Louie Bee.

You should always keep the wheels the overall same diameter otherwise you'll screw your gearbox, the performance will be crap and your speedo will be wrong... So you can keep 13" ones on. Personally 14" ones are the best compromise as the 15" ones do have slight impacts on performance.

Wheels and tyre sizes...
14s with 185/50 tyres
15s with 195/45 tyres

if its lowered you'll have more problems getting over the bumps easily, but then its a stiffer ride so you wont bump up them so much. Swings and roundabouts really (y)
 
Ive got a set of Jamex springs and shocks, lowered 60mm, and apart from the front not settling quickly im really pleased now!

The ride is excellent, not that harsh (i thought it was quite harsh at first but after changing my rear top mounts its great now!)

Got them from Cooper West in Urmston (or Super West, Raceparts Manchester, Racemodz, what ever they want to call themselves :p ), i think thats quite close to you Louie, they were £180.

Oh and hi Luke! :wave:
 
Cooper West for £180 (ish)

Nice tip for Cooper West chrisunoman M8. They’re just round the corner – Literally.

I see you’re an Urmston guy, or at least you visited the station (in your gallery) Nice car M8! Top web pages too! [ http://uno.ne1.net/ for anyone that’s missing a link].

Did you have OEM rear upper mountains fitted? I got a pair from Priory a few weeks back. The temp one gave way (I think) yesterday morning – but it did well considering…

Regards All,
Louie Bee.
 
;)Thanks for the tip Dunk. ;)

Thinking about it I ain’t seen it happen – so maybe the current bumper (which is badly cracked) isn’t actually grounding – just sounds like it is.

I could always smooth off the drive - cement needed LOL

Louie Bee.
 
Hi All,

After alexGS’s monster post on https://www.fiatforum.com/showthread.php?p=289164#post289164 :cool:

I still have concerns
[BTW Last but 3rd paragraph is essential reading if you have your suspension modded!!! ]

I can’t wait to be glued to the road; however, my main worry now is can my back take a 'choppy' ride? – Me having 2 cracked theoretic vertebrae... Were no fun sitting on that Fiat Van’s wheel arch for 6 X 360s… on its roof? I came round as my m8 was freaking out about killing me… :rolleyes:

Ne way… I now have a spare set of rear top shock mounts (perhaps I accidentally said rear when ordering and looking at front upper mounts – I doubt it) never mind Its not worth posting em back or the hassle.

I need further guidance (+ Alex I PM’d you): -

Should I have the OEM or Non-OEM ones fitted? :confused: The Non OEM ones are just cheep replicas – not an upgrade.

I really could do with a quick response!! My Uno is booked in for fitting (if my shocks and springs turn up from Holland) tomorrow, else (my Uno) will be dropped on Monday.

Hopefully www.shop4parts.co.uk will save the day with FRONT upper shock mountains. Early indications look +ve!!! They’r back online wi faster responding pages ;) (y)

Ill keep you all updated!

Regards,
Louie Bee.
 
Louie,
I did get your PM but decided to reply here so that others can chime in :)

I'm a bit confused. First off, *front* upper shock mountings don't seem to give problems on the Uno, exactly which bit is being replaced? I've changed struts, oh, about half a dozen times, and the top mountings always look OK to me. They have a roller bearing inside that allows the strut to turn with the steering. This is good, because the rubber part above that doesn't seem to wear out. Sorry to add to the confusion, but just didn't want you to be paying for parts you might not need... anyway, if it's too late, make sure you get the old ones back for another time!

Now, rear shock mountings. They are easy to change. You just need 17mm and 13mm spanners, and probably a pair of vise-grips to grip the end of the shock absorber spindle (OK, OK... so you should use a 10mm spanner, but you might need more leverage ;)) What I'm saying is that it's not too much of a panic if they don't get fitted when your shocks are changed, you can easily change them later.

Always go with your newest option for bushes/mountings: so if you have non-OEM replacements that are new, fit those. You'll find, if you inspect the originals, that the rubber starts to split around the centre. Eventually, the shock absorber spindle just breaks free and floats up and down, and does three-tenths of sweet... you know the drill.

No 'upgrade' really applies to these rear shock absorber mountings: they wear out (split apart), you replace them, pretty simple! They do seem to wear out quite often, I took apart four Unos before I found two that were good enough to use! They are supposed to be a little flexible; it's normal for the flat washer on top to be visibly moving up and down as you drive (fold the back seat down, take off those plastic covers, and watch as someone else drives... I think you'd be quite surprised!)

Anyway, I hope the rebuild's going well and it's not putting you too much out of pocket!

Oh and by the way, yeah I'm not really into drum'n'bass, I guess I could be, but couldn't afford the money for tickets at the moment! Thanks for the thought... ;)
-Alex
 
Oem?

Thanks Alex,

I forgot to say I have 2 new pairs of rear upper shock mounts, so I have a choice of OEM or Non OEM to have fitted. I was in a bit of a panic yesterday as one supplier sent more rear mounts instead of front ones. I had to find someone (Wi em in stock) who could deliver by this lunchtime.

As I’m having new front upper mountains fitted (mainly) as it’s probably the best time – new springs and shocks all round, so new mounts.

I remember on my first Mk 1 Uno the steering squeaked. An AA guy told me to keep spraying WD40 on down the front upper mountains. My Mk 2 is around the same age as when the squeak started (on mk1) so just anticipating same problem. I don’t think WD40 dose the plastic parts any good in the long run…

There is probably nothing wrong with the front suspension, the back N/S is week, and so I’m having the lot done.

Cheers for the tip on keeping the old parts Alex, I always take home any old parts I can… I might be able to sell these on if I’m happy with the new… I don’t think anyone would bother fitting 2Nd hand OEM shocks + springs – but you never know…

I’m a bit out of pocket at the moment, but I reckon Ill be keeping her on the road for a few years, so it should be worth it in the long run.

With the DnB, I don’t go out much; I get the odd free bee ticket as a housemate is well in the Manchester DJ circuit. There are some places to stream / download DJ sets, so I mainly drive to Drum N Bass.

Hopefully when my car is sorted, Ill be able to re-start buying records, and DJing out myself around the UK, and beyond. I just need to make a couple of tracks that other DJ’s play and brake into the scene…

Regards 2 All,
Louie Bee.
 
Re: Oem?

Louie,

Now that you mention the squeaky-steering and WD40 issue on a Mk1, it reminds me... early models were deficient in the sealing of the upper mounting (there's a note in the Haynes manual to that effect) so that's probably what was wrong. I haven't seen that problem myself.

Getting out and about in the DJ scene sounds cool... (y) hope you get that big break! probably just a matter of time...
-Alex
 
Now Monday 4 drop

Hi All,

Cheers Alex, I spotted the note (in Haynes) re RTV Sealant, but my squeaky one was a later 1986 model :confused: (903 Formula base).

Ill have to wait till Monday for the 35MM drop. I had to nip to work for a couple of hours this AM and missed the postman. When I get to the sorting dep, I find they close at 12:00. I’ve got no chance of ever catching them in the week… One Postie said he’d arrange for a dropoff tomorrow – Helpful guy!

That means www.shop4parts.co.uk met their promised deadline – Well done S4P! Delivery within 18 hours of an order + a quick call!! – :D NOW HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY LOUIE BEE -------- (y) !!! (y) ---------

www.racepartsmanchester.co.uk made no promises about when the lowering kit would arrive, so maybe I’ve also let him down. Hopfully if all goes to plan it will be Monday for the drop ;).

Which era of DnB (90 – 05) you into?
alexGS said:
hope you get that big break! probably just a matter of time......
-Alex
And dedication…

Luke M8 it’s like riding a bike – get back on after too long and you’ll be a bit rusty :) but you soon remember… - Every man has his technique – I know the BPM of every track (at +- 0 pitch) I’d play out a' my bag; its just then a case of reading the dots :cool:.


Keep It reel ya All,
Louie Bee.
 
£271.13 + Upper Mountains all fitted.

Hi All,

I now have the JAMEX SPORTSLINE 35 MM lowering kit fitted. It is close to £320 total – with front Strut Brace and Upper Strut Mountains it will be a little over…. But the original quote didn’t include these parts or extra fitting.

OK it’s a day or two late, that was only a combination of Language barrier (We don’t speak Dutch - yet;) ), and me not being avail yesterday afternoon.

I didn’t manage to make it over to the camera shop yesterday, hopefully by the end of today…

Ill post another thread about the strut brace soon!

:cool: Any way big thanks to Martin at http://www.racepartsmanchester.co.uk and all at Supper West. I’m impressed with their finish!

Old and new upper mounts are attached,Edit: Old Ones to left.

Regards All,

Edit: is the font size + Arial lol.
 

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New Camera!

Hi All,

I Finally have a digital cam - at last :eek:

I had a nice drive to the shop yesterday! I love the new ride!

She still clears all the usual speed bumps now wi added grace :). The massive bonus is the CD player skips a lot less now :cool:.

icon1.gif
So this is what my lowered Uno looks like today

Regards All,
 

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