Has Anybody Tried to Take Apart a Bumper Shock?

[justinevert]

About to get messy shortening the bumper shocks on Lola, but I got to thinking if any one tried to go the disassembly path instead, thinking that a controled splattering mess would be possible

I know that there is a large nut on one end but trying to undo that proved futile (sp?) is there any other option out there.

Furthermore, I am wonder if by taking out the fluid and replacing the internals with old valve springs might be a better solution to have some cushioning (sp?)

Thank you in advance!!

Justin

[JHG762002]

The nut is welded on. I drilled them off of the front bumper shocks and used the tubes to make some T-bar style bumpers. To be able to drill them you have to keep the nut from rotating. I think I jammed a screwdriver or something in there to keep it stable. The outer sleeve is a larger OD than the tube that attaches to the bumper so you would have to adjust the mounts. You may also need to cut the bumper down to make it fit that close to the body. I didn't reinstall mine on the front, so just speculation check before you cut em up.

On the rear I just drilled the shock as is most commonly done. There wasn't much oil spray and the middle rear shock is spring loaded, I just left it out when I put the rear bumper back on.

[eurotrash]

That sounds like a lot of work, and drilling isn't that messy. I did a write up on my nip/tuck in my blog (link in my sig) if you want to check it out.

[fwardell]

I'd say just drill and compress 'em. The mess isn't that bad. The trick is to do it out of the car on a bunch of newspaper or better yet, inside a cardboard box. Importantly, get a piece of cardboard about one foot square with small hole in the middle. Put drill bit through the hole and drill the shock such that cardboard deflects any spray. MOST IMPORTANTLY: wear goggles or glasses and latex gloves!

[cliffwarren@yahoo.com]

Don't know if anyone will see my reply to this older thread...

Dumb question, but when you say drill them... where? Through the end with the non-removable bolt? Any special drill bit needed?

Once the shock is compressed, what keeps it there? Does it have enough friction to just hold in it's place?

I'm getting ready for a four-day weekend, and want to accomplish this and a few other things! thanks

[eurotrash]

check out my blog. The link is in my signature. It describes the whole process.. tools, techniques, etc. Page 1.