Brimod shock build-up

[dinglem]

I have posted these up on a few FB pages over the last couple of days, but thought I would add them on here as there have been a few posts about Brimods over the recent years. One mentioned how hard it was to add the cap O-ring seal without it squishing down onto the threads, but the instructions I have actually talks you though this stage. Somebody may find it useful anyway.

I have been collecting these shocks for quite a while as they were made very close to where I grew up, and I remember them being THE shocks to have in the mid to late 80's, especially at my local indoor club (Perry Common Buggy Club). They were extremely expensive even back then - well out of my price range at that time - but I always wanted some. They go for silly money these days, if you can even find them, and I have steadily amassed 3 sets altogether now. They actually came in three different lengths, short, intermediate and longs. In my eyes they are a pair of absolute beauties.

I picked up a new-in-bag pair of fronts a while back, so scratched the itch and built them up a few days ago.

[dinglem]

Build up...

[dinglem]

And just for reference, Brimod also developed a prototype car in '88, but I never actually saw one and I don't believe it ever went into production. All I ever saw was these magazine pictures of it. The aluminium engineering is plain to see carried over from their exclusive shocks. Mid engined 2wd in the late 80's??!

[winner_evo]

Nice, I remember when they first started showing up at the clubs I used to race at. Before those, RC10 shocks were a common upgrade but as you say, Brimod's were expensive and there was no chance of me getting a set

I think I first saw them in 1986 and If you look at the front cover of the original CAT instruction manual the shocks look very much like Brimod's. I wish they came in the kit as my schumacher shocks leaked like a sieve.

What do you plan on fitting them to?

[dinglem]

Yes it is commonly believed that the initial CAT prototype cars used Brimod shocks, and they made specific shock sets for the Pb Mini Mustang also, along with other upgrades.

I have a set to go on to one of my custom RC10 builds, another set for my original CAT XL and the third will be going on to my ex Rory Cull Hotshot (which is a pretty cool and heavily modified car in itself with or without the Brimods).

[winner_evo]

The last car I had back then was a GRP chassis'd HotShot. It was owned by a few people and originally had a very thin and flexible chassis that was later changed to a thicker and much stiffer one. The car was very easy to drive on carpet with the flexible chassis.

I'd swapped it for my swb CAT in 1988 and then sold it back to the guy a few months later along with all my gear. I gave up racing when I started work, no idea how I managed to race for 3 years on pocket money!

[dinglem]

This is the Rory Cull Hotshot which I now currently own - pic taken from an early RRC magazine race report.

[Coelacanth]

Nice restoration of those Brimod shocks. I had some fun restoring a set of those, too. The shock caps really polished up nicely.

https://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=30722&p=322309

[Ruffy]

Dignlem, you lived close to where these shocks originated from?
Do you recall if they ever came out red anodized?
I have a car that has a full set in red anodized color. Not sure if it was original or someone before me had them anodized.
The shocks look fantastic though.

[dinglem]

Yes, the next village pretty much. My wife actually grew up within walking distance from where they were made.

I can honestly say i have never seen any other colour than the plain silver, either back in the day or now seeing them pop up on vintage cars.

I can only presume somebody has done an anno job on those, but I will do some more digging for you and see if anybody else recalls coloured sets. Thanks for posting!

[naushad]

Those instructions are useful. Thanks for posting these. I have a full set to build...

I have posted these up on a few FB pages over the last couple of days, but thought I would add them on here as there have been a few posts about Brimods over the recent years. One mentioned how hard it was to add the cap O-ring seal without it squishing down onto the threads, but the instructions I have actually talks you though this stage. Somebody may find it useful anyway.

I have been collecting these shocks for quite a while as they were made very close to where I grew up, and I remember them being THE shocks to have in the mid to late 80's, especially at my local indoor club (Perry Common Buggy Club). They were extremely expensive even back then - well out of my price range at that time - but I always wanted some. They go for silly money these days, if you can even find them, and I have steadily amassed 3 sets altogether now. They actually came in three different lengths, short, intermediate and longs. In my eyes they are a pair of absolute beauties.

I picked up a new-in-bag pair of fronts a while back, so scratched the itch and built them up a few days ago.

36889843_10157570130411258_5212443276170231808_n.jpg

3 lengths.jpg

advert.jpg

60759601_10158484975426258_726922145401143296_n.jpg

60507404_10158484975696258_6532924043543183360_n.jpg

60464673_10158484975866258_5772191765264072704_n.jpg

60357965_10158484976211258_5005173201051844608_n.jpg

[dinglem]

I was hoping they might come in handy for somebody matey

The cap seal detail is key I think, and easy to get wrong if you don't have the instructions. You have to use the adjusting ring to hold it in place as you fit the cap. It works well if you get it right.

[dinglem]

Two more new in packet pairs, this time intermediates and longs. Happy days!

[Mike73]

You need to update this page mate and sell me some as well

[dinglem]

You need to update this page mate and sell me some as well

Yes... the shock timeline has been detailed a little more since this post was initiated. I have made quite a number of brimod posts now though detailing bits and bobs. Maybe I should put a reply together for this thread with some pics and examples....