9 replies to this topic

[mini-clive]

When i bought my mini, there was a brand new genuine Dunlop suspension cone in the boot. I now need to replace the front cones. As dunlop don't make them any more i opted for an Aon cone from minisport. The fitting of the cones looks different and i'm worried about having uneven rubber properties. I do have adjustable front shocks so i can level the car if they sit differently.

Do you recon that the fittings or differences could be a problem?

I'm aware of the importance of getting a genuine cone. That they must have "Moulton" and "763432". My cones have the following:

u.k. No763432 under Moulton patents MADE BY DUNLOP and patents in other countries

Designed by alex moulton made by AVON VMS england and the number w18062 on the inside

Opinions and answers please?

Thankyou

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Edited by mini-clive, 26 July 2010 - 11:59 AM.

[shorty]

minispares sell the genuine dunlop rubber cones, but they are a bit pricey. but they are still made
clicky here.com

Edited by shorty, 26 July 2010 - 12:13 PM.

[defmini]

Just brought 2 from DSN even came with the metal rings fitted (unlike the rears which were from minispares)

[GraemeC]

Assuming you mean the metal band round the outside of the wide end of the spting, if MiniSpares supplied some without metal rings fitted then you should've rung them up - without those (which are bonded on as part of manufacturing) the spring would be pretty useless.

If you have fitted them without that band then I would be swapping them quickly!

[mini-clive]

I'm not sure what you mean by the metal band. The bottom of the cones seem fine. From underneath they're identical. And no i haven't fitted them yet.

Cheers

[GraemeC]

Sorry, my post was aimed at defmini's immediately above mine.

As for your question - personally I would ensure you have a matched pair on there. Although I am sure MiniSport will have produced their alternative with close attention to the original spec there could be differences in spring rate.

As said above - Dunlop cones should still be available through MiniSpares (and probably other reputable outlets) and with the TMF+ discount would work out slightly cheaper. I would send the MiniSport one back for a refund.

Edited by GraemeC, 27 July 2010 - 10:18 AM.

[MRA]

Miniport didn't produce them..........

They have been produced in Partnership with Alex Moulton by Avon, Avon is the original company that produced the very first donuts for Austin / Morris, once the Mini went in to production Dunlop beat Avon on price for the quantity asked for so won the contract, Avon in the mean time just sat on the tooling, when Dunlop stopped producing them a few years ago..... Avon got the tooling out and dusted it off MS or so I have been informed invested in the first and possibly subsequent batches to get the quantities "kicked off" for production

The original tooling from 1957/8 is being used, I think with some added modifications, and yes they are a little higher than the Dunlop version, which will run out as there is only a certain amount left in stocks.

[samsfern]

I do have adjustable front shocks so i can level the car if they sit differently.

im guessing you mean youve got hi-los fitted on the front, you cant adjust the rideheight on the shock absorbers.

[mini-clive]

Yes, the shocks adjust. There are two large bolts at the bottom of them. My mechanic who is a specilist in cllassic cars recomends bying two new dunlops and fitting them to the front then putting the other two at the back. see how it goes. The rear ones don't take too long to get them out so if it's not right then not to worry.

Thanks people:)

[Spitz]

Your mechanic made the right suggestion.

The odd one you have may be one of the cheap immitation ones offered a couple of yrs ago.
I was sent a pair of these.....one installed fine on the front, the other, under compression from the tool, pulled the bolt right through the metal! Scared the living brown stuff out of me....was very loud. I'm glad I didn't have my hands underneath getting the trumpet out at the time.