How to fit an adjustable height coil-over conversion
on Bilstein struts
This is how I fitted my weld-on coil-over conversion
kit to my "group4" Bilstein struts. Make sure you get
it right for your car, as this one will be severely lowered,
hence the threaded sections being a fair way down the strut...
The strut before work, note the Capri 2.8i vented disks, with
spaced M16 calipers. |
Close up of those "Group4" brakes! Also note the fillet
plates to brace the bottom of the strut. |
A view of the ingredients, note the old spring cup has been
CAREFULLY ground off the strut, and the tube taken back to bare
metal. |
The threaded section in place. The position depends on the final
range of ride heights you want available to you. |
As the tube is a "slack" fit, I spaced it out with
paper to get it 100% parallel with the strut body. If you get
this wrong the spring can rub the tops of the threads, very
annoying trust me! |
Spot welded in place to reduce the risk of initial heat distortion!
Remove the paper before the neighbours call the Fire Brigade
and.... |
...weld the gaps up. Try to find a safe/non bearing surface
to clamp, in case you damage the surface. Do no clamp the top
lip for this exact reason!
|
The resulting weld. I don't recommend welding the top as (a)
you'll trash the threads and never be able to fit the rings
and (b) you'll damage the bearing surface inside at the top. |
Painted and drying in a custom made rack! Make sure to get paint
down the gap at the top of the threads to keep rust/water out. |
This is the result! Well worth the effort. |
The bits to complete the assembly. Note the "roller bearing
top mounts", these make for lighter steering. |
Assembled. Note that the shock sits lower when fitted to the
car!!!! |
