1968 Hillman Minx Estate - 08/10/21 - Road Trip!

haha ok No worries... probably a bit cold to go for a paddle anywayz

have to say.. out of all the cars i have had, the hillman estate I had was one of the most sedate and calm things to drive ever, always did what I wanted.. ok acceleration wasnt anything to write home about but it just felt so right on the road, handy enough road holding not to be a slow coach.. and enough space in the back to move house with...

Thanks crewkid. S'funny actuially 'cos a coupe of weeks ago a bloke came up to me when I was in the West End, told me he'd seen a photo of the car in Retro Cars or somewhere and that it was "Cool as fook"

Wow! Some news!

Back on the last page there's photo of a pile of junk parts that I picked up via Ebay. In amongst it all was a pair of saloon springs. I was tied up doing the Herald for ages and daren't risk taking the Hillman apart when it was our only running car so I couldn't do anything with them but finally took the plunge today.

I'd allowed most of the day to get this done but amazingly everything came apart as though it had only been put together last week, not 42 year ago. Here's the first spring I took off next to one of the saloon ones. You can see the different number of leaves.



The arch of the springs was near identical.



Rootes went through a couple of different designs of front end bushes but the manual says its fine to swap between as long as you do both sides. Original estate one is on top.



I'd bought a set of new shackle bushes to fit while I was at it.



So what happened? I'd measured distance from arch to ground before starting. The difference side to side is because the front wheels weren't quite level on the ground I think.



That looks bang on what I was expecting and indeed wanted. Around about 3/4" lower. I can compensate for the weaker springs by pumping up the rear air shocks when I need to.

Photos I hear you cry!

This shot was taken a year or so ago as an idea of where I started. There's even a full bottle of welding gas in the boot weighing it down a bit.



And now? I headed to what I knew ought to be a deserted car park only to find a fair setting up. Used that to my advantage



Yeah, that's better. ;D Arch to whitewall distance is near identical.





And on the way home. What year is it again?



Now hopefully people will buy some of my stuff so I can justify buying some tyres.

Looking good Seth, what are these shiny rims you tease us with?

That would have been me popping my head in your window on Shaftesbury Ave on Saturday Night Seth?...Unless somebody else has done it too?! Nice to meet you briefly. Car looked sweet, my friends thought i was a bit weird for chatting to a stranger in an old banger

i also spotted Matt Jones looking cool, cruising in a yank tank about 20 mins before you... I must get mine out and have a cruise through the west end one sat night....

Where was the black and white photo taken? i'm a fan of 30's suburbia- i live in a street just like that

Cheers,

Paul.

I live a short drive from there, i will have to go for a wander one morning. I'm in the process of restoring my 30's semi which still has its original windows and many fittings...will be good for insiration, Thanks

Even awesome-er stance! Can't wait to see what the wheels are..

Love the adjusted stance - that's absolutely perfect now I reckon! Nice one!

Just read through this whole thread! I started off just wanting the front strut build info but ended up reading it all again haha.

Can't wait to see the new rims!