Midget MK1 Shock Conversion

[jtsauls]

I'm still working on "restoring" my 1964 Midget MK1 car. I have been debating on switching to the telescopic rear shocks instead of the lever action ones. I know there are various opinions on the switch. I am not out for a 100 point resto.
I have seen kits advertised on some of the popular sites but I'm not really interested in the "expensive" Spax setup. Most articles I have read about the conversion have applied to MKII and later cars. Does anyone on here have experience with a MK1 conversion and can offer feedback? Any brand preference? part numbers to look for?

Thanks for any assistance!

 

[tony barnhill]

It will result in a car that rides hard.....why not just buy rebuilt shocks & forget about them for as long as you own the car?

 

[DrEntropy]

With all th' faffin' about to mount th' things, the harsher ride and subsequent "hunt" when the things need replacing, it makes more sense (both practically and monetarily) to replace the things with a good rebuilt set and drive on.

 

[Pythias]

and by a good rebuilt set everyone means from Peter C. at NOSIMPORTS.com

NFI

 

[v8mgbal]

Also if yours are not worn and leaking why not just clean and flush and reuse them and spend the money on something else.

 

[JPSmit]

Also if yours are not worn and leaking why not just clean and flush and reuse them and spend the money on something else.

Flush with? and how?

 

[jtsauls]

I appreciate all of the advice and feedback guys. I understand where you are coming from. I'm still curious if anyone has any info on a MK1 conversion that they have done though........ I'd like to hear the other side before I make a decision.

 

[aeronca65t]

For a street car, I'd encourage you to try to flush out the existing oil in the rear shocks and then replace with clean oil (#20W motor oil or motorcycle fork oil). Some fork oil has a "seal sweller" additive than may reduce future leaks. Can make an acceptable improvement.
I did this with my brother's street Midget (he only cruises to McDonalds with it anyway).
Or send the shocks to Peter C. as mentioned above.

I have not done a Frog, but the newer half-eliptic cars are easy to swap to tube shocks.

Please check your Personal Messages for more info from me.