Technical Trying to identify adjustable shock absorber

[ClassicFiat500]

I have a 500 1972, when I bought it Dec last year the previous owner had fitted disc brakes all round (waste of time on the rear) he had also taken off the front leaf spring and fitted independent adjustable shock absorbers all I believe purchased from Ricambio . My problem is one of the bush's on the drivers side has disintegrated, there is no make on the adjustable shock absorbers or the complete front suspension, I have found a picture ( image) on Google but cannot find replacement bushes, Ricambio are out of stock & don't know when they will have them & can't help me with a make. Does anyone know a supplier of unnamed poly bushes or rubber ones as now? how I can identify the make? I would prefer to replace all the bush's on both sides. Or has anyone ever bought a independent adjustable kit from Ricambio 5 or 6 years ago that would be able to help me identify them , I know it would be helpful to include a picture but I don't know how to. The outer spring is red 10mms thick with aluminium shocks threaded on the outside 52mms in diameter for the adjusters I believe they sold for around £ 700 for the whole kit with no make of identifying name.

 

[the hobbler]

Whilst I can't give you specific details for replacement bushes, may I suggest that you contact either "GAZ" or, "Polybush". GAZ are in Basildon, Essex (01268-724585) and manufacture coil-over units--they even make them for the 500/126 models ( 500 front units are:-- p/number GP6-5289, about £100 per corner), so they might be able to match the bushes.
"Polybush" are the company that maufacture the 'polybush' suspension bushes---if you can send them the good bushes, there is every chance that they will be able to match them with their own (high quality) bushes. They are at Wrexham, North Wales (01978-664316).
Just for interest, did the previous owner fit a brace-bar between the top of the front damper units? I am looking at doing the same front suspension mod and have a pair of the GAZ coil-over units sitting in my study waiting to be fitted when I can find somebody who will supply me with JUST the cross-link and the lower wish-bones.
You are correct in saying that the rear disc brakes are a waste of time, it is something I have been saying for a long time. It might be sensible for you to revert to drums at the rear (and if you do, use the smallest slave cylinders)

 

[ClassicFiat500]

Copy of your question - Just for interest, did the previous owner fit a brace-bar between the top of the front damper units?
No I don't think so, both n/a & o/s are totally independent to each other.
Many thanks for your recommendation, coincidently I sent an email to Polybush today with lots of pics and dimensions , just waiting for a reply probably be more next week now.
The guy I bought the car from last year went over the top with everything including discs all round, oil cooler , Weber 40 carb, 126 engine with a very lumpy cam, 123 ignition plus totally body rebuild & re upolstered. I wouldn't recommend the Weber 40 it's great when it's warm & very fast but a nightmare to start from cold.

 

[the hobbler]

The brace-bar (if fitted) would fit across the front luggage compartment, just in front of the fuel tank and goes from damper top to damper top---you would see it as soon as you opened the bonnet. The Weber 40 is a big carb, and often difficult to jet well---I have a Dellorto 32/28 on my (tuned) 650 engine--easy to set up and a good starter hot or cold. I have a 35/75/75/35 cam in my engine---goes very nicely, pulls well and a pleasure to drive.
Can we have some pictures of your car please---sounds interesting. Where about are you based?

 

[ClassicFiat500]

Hi based in Bedford uk I will try & upload some photos. Definitely not got a brace bar fitted but it would make logical sense to fit one as the stress from the wheels go straight into the top of the wheel arch. I cannot see how they can charge £70 or so, it would be an easy job to make one up.
I will try and upload photos later not sure you to do it as I am using a kindle fire, although I have an Apple Mac I think that would be easier. All the best thanks for sharing your advice.

 

[rizzo360]

Something like this.

 

[the hobbler]

Here's a challenge for you "ClassicFiat500" (sorry, I don't know your name)---if you can make a good version of that (adjustable) brace bar for less than £70, put me down for one please! It has to be adjustable in order to get the tension correct and it has to be that shape in order to go around (in front of) the fuel tank. I am just outside Chester---but INSIDE Wales (Flintshire) by 200yds!

 

[lazylobster]

hi Tom, that brace from Nanni is 58 euros'. Plus some postage. So not too far off your less than 70 target?

Cheers
Rob


https://www.fiat500sport.com/en/pro...d-resin-paint-finish-and-adjustable-coupling/

 

[ClassicFiat500]

Hi re the brace bar is it worth fitting , can you notice any difference on normal driving? Or is it more of a safety factor strengthening the suspension?

 

[ClassicFiat500]

I have continued my thread on ==Rear Coilover / Coil-over Suspension Install Issues --Any ideas?
This has been really helpful as they are identical to the question I first submitted