Europa TCST

[GavinT]

Decided to put the rack on it to see how much extra access I created ....

That access hole looks good . . and the 'mood' lighting makes it easy to see. 
Did you do the lip with that bobble-stick or joggle-stick  . . or whatever it was called?

[TurboFource]

Gavin,
I used the " Bob stick" to do the flange on the opening.

The "mood" lighting is because the body to my car is suspended from the garage ceiling
And blocking some of my lighting....the "Europa" effect.....

[TurboFource]

Thankfully my Koni's look usable! I will probably upgrade down the road but it is nice to save that money for any surprises that may be hiding in the Twink......

[tedtaylor]

if you're going to all the trouble to restore the car, don't go cheap on suspension since THAT is what the Europa is in essence.   Save money yes, but find some other area to go cheap on....not the drivetrain in a Lotus!!!

[BDA]

 

Those Konis are going to be really old. I think Koni will rebuild them for you so that is one point to consider.

Another point is what spring rates do you think you'll want. The Koni front shocks used the stock front springs which is a larger diameter spring than many newer shocks take. r.d. sells slightly stiffer springs in the original sizes (i.e. they would fit your Konis but make sure with them first). Ray at r.d. said that he sells SPAX shocks that utilize the stock front springs and similar. Most other shocks use a smaller diameter (1.9") ID spring (the same as the rear spring ID).

You can get springs of any length, diameter, and rate (within limits of course) so the springs don't have to dictate your decision but I find it a little easier to have the 1.9" ID springs because more shocks support them and they are a bit more compact.

[Exlimey]

The green TC I recently met mentioned that he wished he hadn’t had his shocks rebuilt and now has the nose up stance. Time to buy some adjustables ,and maybe shorter springs.

[TurboFource]

I didn't really expect much response when I posted the Koni picture.

They were a period upgrade that was done by the original owner and still on the car when I got it.
They probably don't have that many miles on them as the car sat for over 40 years, they stroke in and out smoothly, don't leak and will work to get the car going......

[Bainford]

I have heard some Europa owners who fitted Konis back in the day, found that they worked very much better as they accumulated miles. Out of the box, they were to 'tight' for the lightweight Europa.

Second hand info, just passing it along.

[BDA]

I had also heard that Konis were a bit harsh. Back in the day, they were the only option to the stock shocks, at least in the US. Given their age, if you plan on using them, I think it would be a good idea to see if they will rebuild them for you.

[TurboFource]

So Koni's get better with age like the rest of us.....

[BDA]

We'd certainly like to think so! 

[cwtech]

Kraig:  I think you have some paperwork on the Koni shocks.

My C.R.S. is slowly progressing to C.R.A.F.T. , but I believe those Konis were adjustable for ride stiffness.

IF I remember correctly, the shock needed to be fully compressed and rotated to adjust to 1 of 3 different settings.


Note:  Just found this which may help ??   http://www.koni.com/en-US/Cars/Technology/Adjustment-Guides/

[rjbaren]

I had a pair of front Konis on my car too.  The car only had 45k on the clock so I cleaned them up with a little Chevy orange engine paint and had the shop use them with the stock springs.  Once they put the body on they said the body sits too high and the shocks were no good.  The Konis stroked fine for me too by hand at home.  I ended up with the Spax from RD Enterprises and new springs from some other Europa project the shop had laying around.
There is a shop in Ohio that rebuilds the Konis but I think I recall they were equally or more expensive than buying the new shocks.

[TurboFource]

Thanks for the Koni input to all!

On to other things......"some assembly required......."

I will make a post at a later date if the master cylinder works out.....if not I will quietly take it off, toss it, delete this picture and try something else....

[Rosco5000]

I rebuilt the Konis in my Elan+2.  They turned out great and work perfect.  New o-rings and clean everything up.  They didn't new glans seals.  Oil just got old and mucked up.  I used some new Lucas shock oil for motor bike forks and I've had 2 trouble free years with them.   I think somehow people end up running those adjustable Konis at the hardest setting.  That's how they came out of my car.  I dialed them back and it totally smoothed out the +2.