16 replies to this topic

[chezz565]

Please help, I am converting my rusty shock brackets to the upgraded coilover brackets so I am fitting the coilovers too. I am welding 2 large 2mm mild steel plates over the rust and holes where the old shock absorbers brackets snapped off. Using upgraded bolts and nuts to screw them on. I am having to take off the rubber cones to prevent them melting during welding.......
Type of car :

Classic mini sports pack

Year :

2000 (W reg)

Description of problem :

I am wondering if I should just use the coilovers and dismantle the cones and leave them off, just running on the coilovers? Can they take the weight? will it be safe? The other option is to buy the smootha ride kit and fit it with the coilovers, is this a better option?

Thanks

At work alot, so e-mail address is [email protected] and mobile number for texting me : 07738 119468



Need to get this car back on the road ASAP!!!! AGHHHH help me please? lol

Joe[/size]

[Ethel]

If you manage to melt the cones by welding shocker mounts you'll have more to worry about than toasted rubber - it would mean you've put an immense amount of heat in. Coilovers are springs to replace the rubber springs you won't want both fitted.

[Pooky]

I am welding 2 large 2mm mild steel plates over the rust

Please make sure you treat this rust before re-inforcing the area!!

[Bungle]

treat it more like cut it out

[Dan]

You can't fit 2 different sets of road springs! Or bumpstops for that matter. No offence but do you even understand the conversion you are making?

[TopCatCustom]

[Tommyboy12]

I hope your planning on converting the rears to coilovers too? You cant safely run coilovers at the front and cones at the back. They have different spring rates and will really upset the ride. You also need to re-inforce the areas properly. The shock mounts arent designed to take the full load of the car through them. Thats what the cones do! You will end up damaging your inner wings.

[mk3cortina]

with coilovers i welded 3mm plate over where the top damper mountings are and about 20mm larger than the coilover mounting to spread the stress into the inner wing. really though if you are asking these questions then you shouldnt be messing with this.

[Pooky]

treat it more like cut it out

Treat it to a session with Mr Angle Grinder!

[Cooperman]

I'm from the old school and firmly believe that the rubber cones were one of the most brilliant designs ever and helped to make the Mini what it is. They are truly 'variable rate' springs.

[Yoda]

I'm from the old school and firmly believe that the rubber cones were one of the most brilliant designs ever and helped to make the Mini what it is. They are truly 'variable rate' springs.

Ditto

+1

[Ethel]

I see what Dilligaf is saying & I suppose my original answer is a little ambiguous - coilovers replace the function of the rubber springs, but not literally in the same location & aren't to be confused with the metal springs that do, like Minitastic's.

I'd agree with the others that rubber cones take some beating on a road going Mini.

[ian2000t]

I'm from the old school and firmly believe that the rubber cones were one of the most brilliant designs ever and helped to make the Mini what it is. They are truly 'variable rate' springs.

Ditto

+1

If that is the case why do so many people rate the Minitastic spring conversions?

Also, metal springs last a lot longer than the rubber cones that sag!

[Cooperman]

I think more people rate the rubber cones. Remember, coil spring conversions are a waqy for certain component sales companies to increase their revenues by selling stuff that is not necessarily any better than the original, but suits those who are prepared to spend on parts they see advertised.
My rally 'S' has the same rubber springs as it had when I prepared it over 15 years ago and it's done 32 rallies, some really rough in the forests. The cones were top quality when bought. It's the 'cheapie' ones which sag, not the proper originals.
What are the so-called advantages of coil springs over variable-rate rubber springs? A coil-spring can coil-bind, whilst a rubber spring just gets higher-rate at high deflection levels.

[Yoda]

Some people prefer the coil replacement over cones purely for a more comfortable smoother ride, I have used both and definitly noticed a lack of performance when driving hard. I have now opted for yellow spot rubbers for my fun car and standard rubbers for my daily.

also dont confuse coil replacements for coilovers which can make a difference but more so for track racing where you dont see bumps, holes and tree stumps.