david_kelly(at)ineos-a.com wrote:
> Whilst working on my lever arm dampers I noticed that the 'strap' or
> webbing between body and axle has all but disappeared. does anyone know
> what length this should be? and what material? I still possess all the
> fixings and pieces of material that are left beneath them but
> recommendations for something that doesn't rot would be appreciated
>
> Dave Kelly
>
Dave and Gary:
Here is the needed information from Ole Olsen, who is still helping up there
somewhere!
Date: Sun, 12 May 1996 18:05:10 -0400
From: OldeAlp(at)aol.com
To: alpines(at)autox.team.net
Subject: Rebound straps
This question came up a few weeks ago, now I can give some answers.
The strap is 22" long by 1 1/4" wide. It is made up with a core of 1' wide
woven webbing wrapped in a wider piece folded in three, giving a 4 layer
finished strap. The ends attach under the buffer bracket using what Rootes
calls a lock washer - a 1' x 1 1/4" piece of thin sheet metal with 30 1/16th
inch holes punched in it - half from each side - to give a cheese grater
effect.
There seems to be a lot of slack, but it becomes taut with two inches of axle
drop. On the side with the broken strap, it dropped 2 5/8" before the
springs, shocks, whatever stopped it. These observations were on an empty
car sitting in the garage. The dynamics of power, motion, and load were not
considered - mainly 'cause I don't have a clue as to how to do that.
Caveats- the straps on my Series 2 are not factory - they were obtained from
Rick McLeod about 1982 but seemed right. My shock absorbers were rebuilt by
Apple Hydraulics about six years ago - the one on the side with the good
rebound strap is now leaking. The springs and bushings have never been
touched - but probably should be.
The broken strap shows signs of a lot of friction before it went away. Guess
the rear axle windup from all of those power launches took its toll.
"Ole"
I used a good quality nylon webbing and had them sewn together (layers) by a
local tent and awning firm.
Ron Tebo - Series I - B9000627
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