15 replies to this topic

[ludylandy]

I went to the Newbury sort out today and one of the stalls had a rear axle coil spring conversion for a SWB series. I've never seen one before and just wondered if anyone else has experience of them.

[P H Services]

I had one for a while it was half a leaf spring that was fixed at the front end and protruded out behind the back of the axle which is where the coil spring was mounted. The top mounting was a channel that fitted over the chassis and was drilled and then bolted through the chassis to locate it. It did work well greatly improved the ride but i could of done with better shock absorbers on the back as they didnt damp very well and was a bit bouncy !!!! All in all it worked very well and i was pleased with it.

[tuko]

Rear axle coil spring conversion kits use to be advertised in LRO in the early days, I'll see if I can did up an old ad.


Todd.

[FridgeFreezer]

That sounds, erm, quite nasty

[MattMatt]

That sounds, erm, quite nasty

Agreed - where does it get side to side strength from? Surely the whole axle could move about without the rear shackles?

[Retroanaconda]

There was a panhard rod too, to locate the axle horizontally.

Not sure I'd want to go to all that bother myself

[Snagger]

A decent set of parabolics and gas dampers would be easier, safer and less likely to raise eyebrows from MoT inspectors, police or insurers.

[Muttland]

http://www.designa-c...o.uk/88coil.asp

[Mike Brownlie]

http://www.designa-c...o.uk/88coil.asp

New chassis made for that function I think is the best way to go.

1. Its a new chassis and even though your changing suspension components, you have enough points to avoid "Q" plate.
2. Modifying your own chassis is a little risky on suspension geometry etc, and also would gain a "Q" plate, and need SVA test.

[Phil Hancock]

1. Its a new chassis and even though your changing suspension components, you have enough points to avoid "Q" plate.

But its not the original spec as it has coil mounts, very grey area and who is going to be the test case in court.

[FridgeFreezer]

If you've ever cut a coiler chassis apart there's an awful lot of internal bracing and double-skin bits inside, all there for very good reasons, and simply not possible to achieve if you convert one yourself.

[RobotMan]

I have a Designa chassis standard galvanized. Its nice and has survived serious abuse.

Wouldn't bother with the coiler conversion nowadays.

[Mike Brownlie]

1. Its a new chassis and even though your changing suspension components, you have enough points to avoid "Q" plate.

But its not the original spec as it has coil mounts, very grey area and who is going to be the test case in court.

No grey area at all.

If you use a brand new chassis and provide a receipt to prove,(from a recognised chassis manufacturer) even though its non standard worst case scenario is an SVA. They can not issue a "Q" plate because the chassis is new manufactured and not a modified DIY affair. The purpose of the system is to avoid DIY cut and shut suspension/chassis mods and you would not be penalised for using a new chassis.

It may require to be re-registered, but as the chassis is new "Q" plate is avoided.

[Snagger]

No grey area at all.

If you use a brand new chassis and provide a receipt to prove,(from a recognised chassis manufacturer) even though its non standard worst case scenario is an SVA. They can not issue a "Q" plate because the chassis is new manufactured and not a modified DIY affair. The purpose of the system is to avoid DIY cut and shut suspension/chassis mods and you would not be penalised for using a new chassis.

It may require to be re-registered, but as the chassis is new "Q" plate is avoided.

That logic wouldn't stop a 90 being rebuilt as a 130 or a 1958 SII being rebuilt as a 2011 Defender. The specs of the chassis have to match the original too - it's not just a matter of it being brand new.

[Phil Hancock]

Hence my comment.

[Mike Brownlie]

That logic wouldn't stop a 90 being rebuilt as a 130 or a 1958 SII being rebuilt as a 2011 Defender. The specs of the chassis have to match the original too - it's not just a matter of it being brand new.

It falls under the catagory of Kit Conversions;

Kit Conversions
This is where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle or old parts are added to a kit comprising a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque bodyshell. The general appearance of the vehicle will change and result in a revised description on the registration certificate.
A vehicle will retain its donor registration mark if either the original unmodified chassis or unaltered monocoque bodyshell and two other major components are used. If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer is used (or an altered chassis or bodyshell from an existing vehicle) together with two major components from a donor vehicle, an age related mark will be assigned. The mark will be based on the age of the donor vehicle. An IVA, ESVA, SVA or MSVA test will be required to register the vehicle.
Where there are insufficient parts from a donor vehicle or in cases where the original registration mark is unknown, an IVA, ESVA, SVA or MSVA certificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

I can get extracts from the manuals if you feel this is not enough. But the chassis from designa would be considered a "Kit Conversion"

I would make sure though that whatever you do regardless of either chassis or modifications ensure all engine numbers match those on the v5 as its a proper headache if they are queried.