Dominator 88

It's not really possible to refurb Girlings etc as they were never made to be rebuilt. NJB have a good reputation for quality products at a reasonable price.

http://www.njbshocks.co.uk/

There used to be a company that rebuilt shocks called Rustler racing. The shocks may be Armstrong and not girling.

Previously robert_tuck wrote:

There used to be a company that rebuilt shocks called Rustler racing. The shocks may be Armstrong and not girling.

Hello Armstrong shocks made in Beverley East Riding of Yorkshire I foundthis nice bit of filmfootage do enjoy Norton Only fitted Britains best yours anna j

Hi Anna,

A very interesting cine film, reminded me of my apprenticeship days.

The date was shown as circa 1954 but I recon it was nearer 1958 as the opening sequence shows 2 Morris 1000 cars and a Vauxhall Victor passing the factory. the Morris didn't go into production until 1956 and the Vauxhall in late 1957.

I'm just nit picking as usual, keep up the good work.

Regards

Dick

Previously robert_horsley wrote:

I am reviving my 1954 dominator off the road for many years. The rear shocks have seized. Is it possible to have them refurbished? Also is there a source for

the original silencers with attached bracket.

Hi Bob,I am rebuilding a 1956 Dommi 88 which has the original Armstrong shocks at the rear. I was able to dismantle then by levering the collets out

at the top, be careful, thick gloves and eye protection. the damper units still had resistance in them so I reckon they will be ok. It will be a while till the bike is on the road so time will tell. I got the original chrome replated and the units put back together not easy but doable. If it is Armstrong's it is worh having a go they look great. Campbell

Hi Robert,

I am in the same position with my 57 99, the shocks were changed for the 57 spec from Armstrong to Girling but mine being first registered in February 57 still had Armstrongs. Trying to get rid of old stock as one is dated April 1995 and the other April 1996. they look Identical but the early one has split collets at the top an the other a single collet with a wide gap to clear the rod.

It didn't help mine being stood outside in all weathers from 1970 for 8 years before having the comfort of a garage

I agree with Campbell, be very careful when removing the collets. I gripped the lower trunnion in the vice with the shock vertical, grip the top spring cover with both hands (gloved) and depress the springs to free the collets. it is easier if the shock is on the softer setting, practice holding it down and when you feel confident get someone else to flick out the collets with a screwdriver then slowly release pressure on the cover until the springs are fully extended.

You can then remove the top cover, main spring, chrome adjusting collars and lower spring.

Clean the piston rod thoroughly and if the chrome is good soak the gland with WD40 for a couple of days then try tapping gently on the top trunnion to see if it will move. If it does try pulling the rod back out and clean it again. repeat until full stroke can be achieved. If there is no evidence of an oil leakand you can feel the hydraulic resistance you may have got away with it so re-chrome repaint and reassemble.

One of mine unfortunately has damage to the chrome on the rod so I am going to (attempt to)machine the peened top of the cylinder to remove the gland and rod assembly, refurbish and fit a new rod and reassemble. probably drill and tap a pair of filler/drain holes thro' the gland at the same time as I don't know how much oil to fill with. Sounds easy but still all depends on the condition of the main bore.

Sorry to be long winded and if they aren't Armstrongs it won't be of much help anyway .

Regards Dick

For what it's worth....

After seeing a reference on another forum to using a modified mastic gun I made this (see photos). It worked well but I did make sure I kept fingers and other vulnerable bits well clear....... And of course I'm not suggesting anyone else does anything as foolish.

Holding it in the vice helped to ensure that it couldn't all spring apart.

When I was young and strong I had no trouble compressing the springs by hand......