rear suspension

[4jagsjohn]

I am in the process of a ground up rebuild of a 1964 mk2. I have seen Vicarage and Manners offer a coil spring conversion kit for the rear suspension in place of the leaf springs , anyone any knowledge about these and are they worth fitting. Thanks John

[Martec]

The basic structure of the MkII is not very stiff as I found after replacing both inner and outer sills, front box sections, front and rear jacking points and many other parts, all plug welded and seam welded into place, plus all the stiffening plates welded in as recommended by Ken Jenkins.

With all the original steel replaced the rear end still flexed, I have looked at pictures of the underside of Vicarage cars and they seem to have re-engineered the sill and back end before fitting a form of independant coil sprung rear suspension. I also looked at D Manners version and asked Ken about it.............. I still have the original rear leaf springs on. Some recommend using a rear anti-roll bar but I was told to forget it and use a later stiffer front one.

I have only seen one fitted on a car at the NEC many years ago.

I hope that give you something

[4jagsjohn]

Thanks for your reply. D.Manners are no longer doing the kit but say they will have a newer one in a few weeks. Have yet to speak to Vicarage and don't know if they supply only or would want to do the convertion as well. I may not bother and use the original set up which I have overhauled, just somewhat curious as to wether it is beneficial.