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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Healey Frogeye (IoW) rear suspension help!

Does anyone with an Isle of Wight Frogeye recognise these shock absorbers? I understand that the factory used either Mini front or rear units, but like many items, they seemed to vary. Mine is a 1990 car so it would be a Mini from around then. The stamped lettering says Warning do not ??? or open, the number is 72566 and below that Made in France 09 041. Any help sourcing a new pair would be much appreciated.


C Whiting

Can you determine the open and closed length of your units? (jack up, support on axle stand, unbolt one end) If so then it should be possible to find a match.

e.g. https://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/C-STR306.aspx
AdrianR

I will be taking the units off, but unfortunately they do not look like any of those listed on the mini site, which all have standard round top lugs with bushes.The tops of mine are a thin vertical threaded rods, which are attached by a single nut to the top of the rear wheel arches. But many thanks for the suggestion.
C Whiting

Crispin,
can you get a better photo, perhaps remove the light and let the camera flash do the work. As with many things on a car looking at something black against a black background isn't easy.

I can see other letters and the number 7?5666 (thre sixes).

Looking up 725666 did turn this up, which will also give you other cross reference part numbers, how accurate the information is I wouldn't know but it shows a NOS damper that's not all black so easier to see the shape of. - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115077770174




Nigel Atkins

Whoa!That's the one. I failed miserably googling 725666 Mini but foolishly added France, as they are stamped Made in France. The existing units are OK, but the axle is coming off for a serious rebuild, they are 30 years old and at less than £17 each it would be daft not to replace them. I'll measure once off, but I'm sure they are the correct ones with the unusual top threaded rod. Many thanks Nigel!
C Whiting

No problem.

I notice I missed the last e off three (sticky keyboard but I'm too tight to change it).

I've found Google very hit and miss for a few years now with not being able to find stuff that I've found before or stuff missing now even stuff I've put on the 'net' myself. It's normally better if you're looking to buy something but its algorithms are heavily influenced by what is most common and perhaps American (and originally young white male programers) biased.

I think I found that on 'damper 725666' as it was previously stuck on Monroe struts.
Nigel Atkins

The "unusual top threaded rod" is the standard fitting for Mini rear shock absorbers.
(a proper mini that is).
D Stanfield

Mini Spares (front and rear) shock absorbers (other suppliers available). - https://www.minispares.com/shop/classic/Suspension/Shock~absorbers.aspx?1910
Nigel Atkins

I also have an IOW frog with slightly different suspension set up front and back. This link is pretty good for seeing some quite distinct differences between different manufacturers.
I was also recommended protect shocks and I will probably buy theirs.
For info, I have mini front shocks fitted to the rear suspension of my car.....don't ask! Also a Frontline conversion on the front with AVO shocks.



https://www.minimania.com/Dampers___Fitment_data
aj robinson

that should be protech shocks, not protect!
aj robinson

Eagle eyes is dead.

New phrase is born.

Nigel eyes.

anamnesis

🤣 If you could see what I don't see through my eyes (and mind) you'd think more of Mr. Magoo.
Nigel Atkins

Lol. I'll shall forever think of you in that image now Nigel.




anamnesis

More hair and much better looking, otherwise ...
Nigel Atkins

😄😄
anamnesis

My IOW Froggy is a restoration assembly number 143 delivered in early 1990. The rear shock absorbers have a spike on the top and were originally Armstrong telescopic part no. 15319 (according to Keith Brading). When I replaced them several years ago I used telescopic Spax adjustables (Mini, rear, standard size) from Minispares. They fitted perfectly and the adjustment was useful. However, with the steady development of these cars by the factory, specs changed and I know of some with round bolt on top fittings.
Good luck.

Nick
J.N. Williams

This thread was discussed between 06/07/2022 and 26/07/2022

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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