Failed its CT (MOT)

[philip_cooke]

After expecting my beloved Chim 500 to sail through its CT (Control Technique - Belgian equivalent of an MOT) I was bitterly disappointed to discover that it failed on the front shock absorbers. I now have a need to replace the front shocks and have looked in the bible for info. I now know that Bilstiens were fitted as standard but no part numbers, lengths, travels etc etc. I have also searched much of the previous postings for damper info and found that some folk like GAZ dampers and they are reasonably priced. What dampers do I need for a 96 Chim 500 running standard wheels?

I also need new tyres for the rear (worn on the inside on both sides of the car - not too bad for 18000 miles I guess!!) I have SO-1s on the front which I bought last summer - no problems sourcing SO-1s!! However, In Belgium, I can't seem to get SO-1s. What do folk recommend?

[trackdemon]

Hi Phil,

Re dampers I'd do a quick search in this forum - its a common topic. GAZ & AVO's seem to be popular (and a good improvement on standard).
Re Tyres, I'm running Toyo Proxes TX-1's. Excellent tyres, great value. OEM on the Tuscan so must be good!

[philip_cooke]

Thanks trackdemon about doing a search - why didn't I think of that (oh yeah I did as I wrote below!!! ) Previous threads mention a lot about whats make of shocks but no tech spec - anyone???

[shpub]

The tech spec goes as for as defining what colour the springs are... There are a lot of variations. Either go for TVR units or if you want others quote the car.

[philip_cooke]

Thanks for the reply - it doesn't make it much clearer to me though. I know your book says red springs as standard, will my shock absorbers already have the springs on them? I'm not sure but I don't think so, therefore I already have the springs, it's the dampers I need and hence (without taking them off the car) I need the lengths (expanded/travel) and the diameters as I'm sure if I walk into any Car accessory shop and ask for dampers for a '96 Chim they will look at me with a blank face, search through their books and come up with zero!!

[shpub]

They are custom units for the car. They won't come with springs but it is a good idea to replace both springs and dampers as the springs tend to get tied.

You won't get them from anywhere except a TVR specialist or a damper specialist that knows TVRs.

[philip_cooke]

I have just spoken to Dave at Dampertech who tells me that GAZ shocks are £102.64 +p&p + VAT each but will take 3 weeks to supply (springs incidentally at £30 the pair + p&p + VAT). As my car has failed its MOT and I need them NOW, does anyone know of a good damper to fit and where I can get them from?

[Trefor]

Castlesport (advertise on PH) have several types listed.

Also Peninsula Automotive in Cullompton offer Nitrons which are said to be about the best thing you can get (at around £200 a corner).

Both have website with a fair bit of info.

Good luck.

[xain]

I wonder why you were quoted £102 per damper... did you ask for something special? If I was happy to use their springs then I was quoted £70 per corner. It went up to £75 if I wanted dampers that were compatible with the original TVR springs...

I had to give them 2 measurements to get the right fit (I was very paranoid... without any reason as it turned out. Perfect fit!) They wanted to know the spring inside diameter (hard to measure when they're still on the car!) and the bottom bolt to the lower spring facing plate.

They said 3 weeks to me, which I was expecting, but they were ready sooner than that.


>> Edited by xain on Friday 25th April 11:45