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68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 11:20
by Byron510
Hi all,

Does anyone know of a source for stock front strut inserts for our 510's?

Is there a cross refference for newer models that will fit our various lengths of 68-73 stock front strut housings?

I tried a few when assembling the Greg Terry car, didn't find anything very close. Now I need something for Ole Blue. I have diagnosed an issue with the bushing, so simply rebuilding with new seals and oil is not an option.

Any assistance or a source would be greatly appreciated.

Byron

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 08:19
by Byron510
In this case even a list of shock insert dimensions would be of great help. Since the application is for a stock 510, I am not even looking for a performance shock.

I have tried a ZX insert with the stock spring -no go. Without shortening the spring there is an incredible amount of tension and preload on the shock, it would just be constantly banging topping out on the travel.

If anyone knows of the insert dimensions for an early 68/69 insert when they were available, that would be very helpful. I have not even kept an original insert over the years. Didn't think I would ever need to. Funny how that goes.

And if anyone knows of a source that simply lists various insert dimensions and their applications, we could find an application that would work.

Byron

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 11:37
by 510-Trevor
They show up in the latest Tokico catalog: http://www.tokico.biz/catalogue/img/04catalogue.pdf
Surprisingly Part No. S3002 for '68-'69 seems to be available while Part No. S3001 for '70-'73 shows as being discontinued.
Using ctrl-f on the pdf indicates that S3002 is used on quite a few different models including C30/C130/810 ...

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 12:41
by Byron510
Hi Trevor, thanks for the link and PN. However I have been unable to find anyone in North America who can get this strut. Also, the PN is apparently different in the North American dealer network. I did find one guy at Shox Shop who gave me a person to contact during the week, we'll have ot see if it pan out.

The guy I talked to at the Shox Shop knew right off the top of his head that there were three different lengths - cool to know that a parts guy on the phone on a Sunday afternoon is that knowledgeable, it's inspiring. But we still didn't find a solution I'm still looking into it, maybe this part number can help.

What I did find out is that Tokico was out of the North American market for about 18 months, and is now warehoused in California at a new site, starting all over. So I was warned that a new part number could take a while.

In the meantime, I have wrote KYB North America as well, to see if they can help out. 10 years ago, KYB carries struts for all 3 lengths of PL510 strut, so the information is archived within that company. I asked if they could cross reference to an insert that is close and still in production.

In the case of an original ride height 510, the problem is that the spring is compressed too much, and preloads a shorter shock too much and it tops out hard when driving. I'll keep searching and keep this thread updated as to what I can find. I have spent quite a bit of time on this today again.

Byron

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 13:04
by Byron510
So to take this one step further for comparison, Tokico has eliminated the one strut length option, while (in this catalog) supplying struts for the 68/69 and 71/73 sedans and wagons - omitting the 70/71 models which I believe were the longest ones that came to North America.
Now we just need to find them here in North America with the North American part numbers.

What I do find interesting is that the 68/69 insert is listed as the same for the Sunny, which is the 1200.

Byron

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 14:38
by newbee
Hi Byron
Not sure if this helps but i have some B110 strut inserts
body measure 16 1/2
fully exstended 25 inchs

Have a great fathers day Carl

Re: 68-69, 70-73 stock front strut insert availability

Posted: 15 Jun 2014 14:39
by 510-Trevor
The last time I ordered stock 510 strut inserts was back in the late 90's. Even then finding something local was difficult. A friend at a local speed shop ended up ordering them from Monroe (I think), they had a service back then for ordering discontinued/non-stocked struts. I can't remember what is was called but essentially they could build the struts to order. I can't seem to find any reference to this service anywhere though.