Avion adjustable front shockabsorbers

[andrewc]

Hello,

Has anyone fitted adjustable front shocks/dampers to an Avion. If so any ideas on what's the best make/type for this application? I've had kitcars with both Spax and Avo's in the past, but never tried Gaz, which I see is touted as a 2CV racing damper, but i'm guessing horizontally in that application, whilst the Avions are mounted vertically. I've also seen information that the original fitment is a Dyane front shock, is that the case?

Best regards,

Andrew

[Geoff Ryall-Harvey]

Original is a BL Mini front shock. I don't know where the idea it is a Dyane shock has come from - a look at the build manual will confirm it is a Mini shock. So any adjustable damper made for a classic Mini will suit. I fitted a new pair last year - good quality ones are about £15 each.

Mini Spares do a Gaz adjustable for £40 each;



http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... .aspx|Back to shop

Pete & Jakes hot rod gas shocks will also fit - these come in chrome and are available shrouded and unshrouded;

[Ken Hanna]

Especially when a Dyane damper is exactly the same as a 2CV damper...

Original is a BL Mini front shock. I don't know where the idea it is a Dyane shock has come from - a look at the build manual will confirm it is a Mini shock.

[andrewc]

Thanks for the replies

The build manual that came with my car is identified as Feb 1997 first edition, amended Jan 1999 - it doesn't seem to include any reference to the dampers being Mini parts that I can see, or any kind of supplementary parts list. Section 12 on the front suspension just talks about installing the various parts.

Hence my googling for info., which lead me to the page with the path below, which mentions vertically mounted Dyane dampers.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/5553268618/

But I'm happy to learn they are Mini items - Minisport are just down the road from me and seem to currently be a tad cheaper

[Geoff Ryall-Harvey]

Not sure who that guy is but the car belongs to Tony Mellor. With regard to the rest of it;

"Blackjack Avion (2002) Engine 602cc flat two. Production approx 120-130 (Not true - some where between 63 and 65)

The Blackjack Avion is supplied by Blackjack Cars, in Cornwall and comes either fully built or in kit form. (Only one was built to order - for Noel Jones of Holywell. It now resides in France)

This one was supplied in kit form in 2001 and completed by the current owner in about six months and road registered in 2002. (I think that's wrong - Tony may post and clarify)

Powered by a powertrain and front suspension with vertically mounted dampers from a Citroen Dyane. (They're Mini without a doubt - I have the manual and the receipts for the ones I bought in 1998 and the ones I bought last year)

The rear suspension has a swinging arm with a spring and damper unit. (It has a single coil over that was custom made for the application).

The body is made from polyester moulding with subframes and a moulded wind screen. (There were three windscreen options - the one shown is not moulded)

Around 15 vehicles a year were sold before being replaced by the VW powered Blackjack Zero in 2004 (No - see the Zero website....)

"

Feel free to ask me directly about any Avion issues. If I don't know the answer I speak to Richard Oakes a couple of times a month and he will certainly know.

[blackjack56]

Hi Geoff, The photo is certainly my Avion and does have mini shocks and a vee screen to take a hood and keep the wind out of my face! The car was built late 2001 to mid 2002 a little over six months although I had already acquired and refurbished a Dyane engine and gearbox prior to this. The car No56 in production is now over 12 years old with 27000 miles on the clock several extras and mods and goes as well as ever.

[Geoff Ryall-Harvey]

Tony - it certainly does go well and looks as good as when it was first built.