1981 "Zagato" Shocks?

[alsgro33]

Hello from Southern California. Fairly new here and working on an '81 that I pulled out of a backyard in April. It sat in a garage most of its life and was last registered in 1997.

Anyway, after pulling the tank and having it acid dipped, etc, replacing fuel lines plus all 4 injectors refurbished, plus a bunch of other odds and ends, I FINALLY got to drive it around our parking lot over the weekend, and there are NO shocks, just bounces around like a donkey cart on the springs.

Anyway, I've been looking through the many shock/strut related posts, and I understand that they're hard to find... That there are inserts and some things I can do to possibly convert my current setup? I'm just wondering if someone can break it down for me. I'd like to buy inserts and try to make them work, but I figure the '81 won't take them? I had a look at Mark's store, but not quite sure what avenue I need to take.

Any direction greatly appreciated.

- Al

[Neil-yaj396]

An 81 car will have sealed units as I think you have worked out. As these are pretty much no longer available the usual solution is to buy a conversion kit. The top of the strut is cut off and a new collar welded in place to accept an insert. Quite a skilled task.

Having said that, it looks like Betaboyz parts currently have a few rear sealed units in stock but circa £400, so not cheap.

Hope this helps.

[stableblock]

Hello
I dont have direct experience of Zagato/spider but I have fitted inserts to a coupe.  Its quite straightforward, you dismantle the strut, throw away the old pushrod and valve and replace with the insert.  Mine came with new securing [nuts] but I think some use the old retainers.  Put a little oil in the strut before inserting the insert to help heat dissipation.

These days there are oil and gas versions.  Marks shop lists replacement rear struts for the spider so that might be an easier option if a little more costly.

[alsgro33]

Like to thank you both for you replies. I think I'm going to try and figure out the insert option, and I wonder if Mark's kit comes with instructions on the mods necessary?

[Nigel]

Like to thank you both for you replies. I think I'm going to try and figure out the insert option, and I wonder if Mark's kit comes with instructions on the mods necessary?

The kit from Mark does come with instructions.
I used the weld-on collars/strut inserts on the front of my HPE.
Measure 10 times, cut once!

Good luck
Nigel

[alsgro33]

Thanks, @Nigel.

Curious if anyone's ever taken a swing using something (dodgy) like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324452288077

81 Lancia Beta and HPE are listed in the MANY compatible cars. Sorta hilarious, but also... maaaybbbeee???

[peteracs]

Hi

There are some folk who have gone coil overs from memory, but no specific info and not a trivial change. The replacement insert is the simplest route even if you have to have the collars welded on.

Peter

[WestonE]

I have Gaz Gold coil overs. BUT this was custom developed just for me with Gaz and involved a number of visits to them some years ago taking existing struts hubs wheels etc. The Spax inserts from Mark are the next best option unless you can find someone in the US to make you Coil overs. Note I used front top mounts on the rear and Ford Escort adjustable on the front.

You can see photos on members cars. 

[alsgro33]

Many thanks to you all!

[alsgro33]

As an update for those in the USA, I found someone in Pennsylvania (Lancia Spares) who was able to source a set of new front & rear from Italy and ship them to me in California.