Frontline Suspension Install

[bill_powell]

Hello All:

I decided to convert to the Frontline suspension on my '69 Midget. I thought I would document the process here for any who might be interested.

I will be installing:

Front suspension:
Front adjustable damper kit
11/16 anti roll bar
Uprated coil springs
Upper outer trunnion bush set
Lower inner wishbone set
11/16 anti roll bar bush set

Rear suspension:
Rear adjustable damper kit
Rear saddle pad bush set
Rear shackle pin bush set

I may go with their RTL (Rear Traction Control Link) later, depending on the initial results.

First step was forking over the cash. In return, I have been rewarded with:

I'll be unpacking that box and starting up in two to three weeks. I'll update this thread as things progress.

And special thanks to member mrsprite/Mike for advice, encouragement, and generally egging me on. Oh...and Maggie at Frontline. Real class act folks over there.

What fun!

 

[vagt6]

Bill, that's exciting and great that you've decided to document the install here. Lots of Spridget owners would like to have that kit, I tell you!

Frontline has so many goodies on their website, I go there to drool over it often.

Please keep us posted, with lots of photos. :thumbsup:

 

[JPSmit]

and just to clarify I'm pretty sure the clean white shirt goes on last - at least that's what my wife tells me.

 

[mightymidget]

Bill: fill me in on what the suspension will be used for, Race or fast street fun. I will keep my eyes on your build.

 

[bill_powell]

vagt6: No worries; I will be posting photos. & I've done my share of drooling, too. This has taken all year to prepare for...i.e. saving the cash without annoying the wife.

mightymidget: This is for fast road use; I do drive the car nearly every day, rain or shine (or snow), and over some pretty windy roads and sections of 75MPH highway. Crappy highway, too. (Nashville area)

JPSmit: The wife has already hidden the shirt. She thinks I'll "ruin" it.



edit for photo: Just a few days ago, as the snow was receding:

 

[Gundy]

Look out...I see a hunkered down giant killer 'bout to
prowl.

 

[JPSmit]

JPSmit: The wife has already hidden the shirt. She thinks I'll "ruin" it.

she's likely right. We're packing for a cruise and my wife has already explained the need for me to pack a couple extra shirts for the inevitable oops. (I hadn't ever noticed before - really :wink: )

 

[JPSmit]

Oh and one of my very favorite Charlie Brown lines "Pigpen is the only person I know who can get dirty in a snowstorm."

 

[bill_powell]

UPDATE:

Finally starting work! (Been busier at 'real' work than expected, but that's a good thing.) Started on the front install, and have decided to also do the brakes while I'm at it, so a day's delay for new pads. Will be back at it tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully some pertinent photos tomorrow evening.

 

[bill_powell]

Busier day than expected; the install will have to continue tomorrow.

For now, it's out with the old:

Old ARB and springs on the floor, new stuff unpacked! But I got to go back to 'real' work, so that's all for now.

...more fun tomorrow~

 

[58Custom]

Oh, it's getting good...

 

[bill_powell]

Oh, it's getting good...

Yessir, it is.

I was expecting, (as I had a heads-up by mrsprite) and do indeed have, a brake line routing issue, but things are moving along:

more later~

 

[mrsprite]

I was expecting, (as I had a heads-up by mrsprite) and do indeed have, a brake line routing issue, but things are moving along:

At least you were smarter than me and waited to reroute the line before putting it all back together. As soon as the upper 'control arm' settled I snapped my brake line in half.

Keep up the good work!

 

[bill_powell]

It's only due to your warning that I was ready to deal with those lines!

Coming along well now:

Soon we'll be on to the brake job, some adjustments, and then the ROAD TEST!

 

[vagt6]

It will be really interesting to learn what this does to your handling, ride comfort, etc.

Cool docu-drama!

 

[mightymidget]

It is goofy that the shock is upside down

 

[bill_powell]

I decided to go with the upside down shock so that the adjuster was more easily reached; does look a little goofy, but, hey, it's a Spridget.

All is assembled, and did a 20 minute test run (in a thunderstorm.) WITHOUT having had a proper alignment done, my initial impression:

Shocks set about 1/2 way, good feel, not too stiff. Could even go a little tighter. Very little body roll with that 11/16 ARB. Feels pretty good to me so far, but then again you're talking about someone who has driven Minis as daily drivers since 1976!

The steering requires <span style="font-style: italic">more</span> input than before, which surprised me, but, again, I have not yet had a proper alignment.

All in all, so far, so good. Have to get aligned, and some real road time.

Then it's on to the rear.

Couple more pics so you all can see the effect:

A fun day! Be back in a couple/three weeks and we'll get that rear kit in~


EDIT: oh...and she stops now, too. Embarrassing I let those brakes go for so long...I can be a lazy SOB sometimes.

 

[v8mgbal]

Hey Bill, just curious where you got that scoop and is it for looks or for use thanks.

 

[bill_powell]

I installed an HIF6 carb using a manifold intended for a Mini. This can result in hood clearance issues in a Spridget. Also, the HIF carbs' float bowl is more susceptible to heat from the header.

I decided to solve both issues by installing a functioning air intake; gives me clearance, forces cold air on the carb.

That particular scoop is from a Beachcraft Bonanza (airplane), intended to draw air into the cabin. Found it on eBay, of course.

I know, it does look a little goofy. And again, I think that's in keeping with the general idea of the Spridget.

 

[v8mgbal]

Yes, I am in the process of installing a HIF44 carb. and I shaved some of the intake, but not sure yet if it will clear. so I am looking for a cool scoop. I did not even think about A/C parts and I work for an airline. maybe that inlet for a 737 ACM I saw the other day LOL.