DIY man!

Only manly men sew...

 

Yes they were dirty upon last inspection. I had used marine grease knowing salt and water would be an issue. I'm definitely going to whip up some covers for these bad boys, but I am probably going to make use of all the extra parts proto-typing this set of shocks up and make a winter set for the front end as well.

My only concern with sewing yourself is coilovers don't wear doll clothes. The sewing machine better be top notch to get through cordura-nylon and a velcro-strip. You are talking sewing machines for boat sails and leather making, NOT your typical household sewing machine. And my idea of man sewing is my rivet gun, ducktape, and zipties. Of course, not necessarily in that order.

 

Now I'm wondering where I can pick up a used/blown set set of these Ebay Junk coilovers so I can do this in my garage and make my own Koni set up...

Thank you Honda Chemist for documenting your process

 

Lower brackets.

Ksport Adjustable Coilover Systems, Camber Kits and Suspension Products | Ksport Store

KSport previously offered coilovers in 50mm for the GD3. They should have brackets, or a die/template to produce.

As for the dampers. Ebay or go dumpster diving in the classifieds for the blown dampers. Doesn't matter the forum/make so hit up Honda-Tech and such. Or make it official dumpster diving and hit up the Nissan and Mazda threads. Them guys play with coilovers all day long.

 

A point to mention here. I am in NO WAY promoting the above product. I simply modified the core adjustable dampener unit to house aftermarket race inserts.

From what I have read from hours of scowering the internet; Most of the coilover companies marketing for the Fit, and basically every other make automobile all source the same adjustable damper aka. strut, shock.... you get the idea... not the spring/boing part.

From here:

BC Racing North America

which is actually:

????????????-Taiwan Bor-Chuann (BC-racing)

Available in diffident valving depending on the requirement. For what it is worth, and completeness; the above ebay junk... I know..but I wanted red perches. sigh.... any how:

Front valving: M1
Rear valving : A1

Then "USA" manufacturing companies engineer/copy....steal the required lower brackets and upper mount for fitment into each different model vehicle.

Speaking of upper mounts. Can somebody make something! I'm about to tear-down and inspect everything so I will take apart the windshield cowl for a better pic of the area. To be honest, I am already leaning toward the Mini-Cooper for a donor on some adjustable upper mounts.

Something like this. I know it can work, just don't have the time or funds right now.


http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13693146400397

With that said..... have a back-up plan, and good luck.

 

Check out this thread: https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/1st-...available.html

I VERY much want a camber plate made for the Fit...

 

that's a great read. I saw those spherical upper mounts, but was concerned with how they would mate to upper-spring seat and tear up our oem rubber bushing.
Amazing job on your upper mount bearing. I have her back on jacks for inspection. I have a low speed sound I do not like and assume it is the upper mount. I'll let you know. Plus I have the plastic cowl apart for a better view from the top-side for what we are working with.

 

Pretty gnarly stuff you got going here, Amigo. Respect, man. Respect.

 

My apologies for such a delay since the last post. Been crazy busy! So I have been really curious to see how the resin held up. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. The race inserts are snug. The resin filled the 0.5 mm "total" 0.25 mm split around the unit.

I pulled the bottom plate to see what shape the resin was in. It was like a perfect mold.





In addition, the previous picture displaying the torrington needle bearings is not indicative of how the unit sits.



The strut is secured with the circlip originally securing the "gland nut" of the origninal damper, as well as seated in the supplied from Koni groove on the top of the unit. Seen in this pic.



I got an alignment. Rides sweet. Need to work on my caster/camber. Our upper mounts are bunk. I am currently using the upper spring seat as a washer. I feel... ehh. Dug for a pic of stance too, and here is the best I have for the profile right now.

 

Not sure if it is me, but the pics didn't auto load. Clicking on the pulls it up, so give it a go. I'll check in to see if there is a problem.

 

more pics that didn't upload