Quality of parts.

[atc40]

I completed building a TR8 from a new body shell and all new parts about 3 years ago. It has sat in the garage ever since, but I have arranged for it to be MOT`ed tomorrow. Checking it over this afternoon I found that the front strut gaitors have completely disintergrated! During the time it has been completed the suspension has not moved, just very surprised by the quality of these parts. Is this a one off or do thay all fail in such a short time? They were supplied by a well known parts supplier. Can anyone suggest a supplier of good quality gaitors as I do not want to have to replace them again, presumably in a shorter time if the car is used.
Also is it possible to obtain the large washers on the subframe mounts in stainless?
Many thanks.
atc40

[FI Spyder]

Often rubber parts are of substandard quality. In the case of seals and rebuild kits it pays to spend a little more and get a brand name supplier. With things like gaiters it's a gamble. I put new gaiters on in winter of 2006/7 and they are still good (last I checked this spring). It looks like I got them from Moss (UK).

Large washers (sometimes called fender washers) in SS I would take sample into an industrial fastener place and see if they cam match it up.

Over here it would be a place like Fastenal etc.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex





- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[silverseven]

my Moss gators lasted about 5000km along with the County shock DEFECTIVE crap they also sold me at the same time......not impressed at all with the quality of product sold through this retailer and will never use them again.

My new parts (KYB shocks + new gators) came directly from the Wedgeshop (humm , wonder who supplies Woody?)
....so far after two years they seem to be holding up !

Ron.

[Neil W]

You may find all the TR7 Suppliers use the same source for parts as they don't manufacture themselves.

I usually look for known brands which not only fit TR7/8's but other cars - this is quite common as the car is a parts bin on wheels from other cars.

Strut Gaitors maybe harder to find other than after market but maybe the new set you fit can be cut down the seam & glued back to save dismantling the complete leg.
It is very anoying doing a job twice - after a year most suppliers don't want to know - in that case I move onto the next company & vote with my money.

The washers may have to be made up specially, any engineering firm can make them up from a solid roll I expect - but won't be cheap.

[Ianftr8]

I have found the Robsport front strut gaiters better than some of the others on the market - but as Neil says lots of parts are made for one of the suppliers who then pass them round to all the rest.

If you could find NOS ones these days I think they will be deteriating so wont be much good.

Have a word with Simon.

Cheers
Ian

Ian Freeman
1979 TR8 DHC
Triumph Courier
Triumph owner for 31 years

[Workshop Help]

From the shelves at the Auto Zone over the hill. Part # 143061, and it includes the built in bump stop. It is secured with a nylon tie at the bottom. Being a synthetic, it lasts a long time in the heat and cold in this neck of the woods.



Mildred Hargis

[tr7sprint1]

here is the link to Autozone,

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 33203_0_0_


Thanks, Mildred for the tip. I'll try those for my front struts build-up.


<b>"GETTING SPEED OUT OF A LOW POWERED CAR IS OFTEN MORE REWARDING, THAN WITH TIRE-SMOKING BRUTES" </b>
<h4><center>http://cliffstr7sprintconversion.blogspot.com/</center></h4>

[darrellw]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Century Gothic, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Mildred</i>

From the shelves at the Auto Zone over the hill. Part # 143061, and it includes the built in bump stop. It is secured with a nylon tie at the bottom. Being a synthetic, it lasts a long time in the heat and cold in this neck of the woods.

Mildred Hargis
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Mildred,

Do you install it with the bump stop at the top, or bottom?

-Darrell


Darrell Walker
66 TR4A IRS-SC CTC67956L
81 TR8 SATPZ458XBA406206
Vancouver, WA, USA

[Workshop Help]

The bump stop is installed at the top as in the usual position. The bottom is secured to the top of the strut housing with a nylon tie. I suppose the more ambitious will want to use a hose clamp, but that would be overkill.

Mildred Hargis