Advice/opinions on work required.

[OliS]

Hello again all!

As per my recent posts (column welding & exhaust replacement) my g'friends Williams needs a bit of tlc, and she has bitten the bullet and borrowed a bit of cash to get the car sorted once and for all! :D

The list of work is:

Steering column
Exhaust - cat back
Heater matrix
New shocks and springs

She wants to keep her Williams totally std, even if it means paying more for std parts than aftermarket replacements, so we know that getting this work done is going to be very expensive, but she loves her car and is happy to pay what it takes (she is also not keen on welding the column, so this is going to be replaced rather than welded).

The reason why we want to do the shocks and springs, is to try an make the car handle like it did from the factory (if it is possible?). Are there any other parts that we should replace when fitting the new suspension? I think I remember seeing a list of parts that someone recommended you should replace if you want you Williams to handle like new on this forum, but I have tried to search for it and cannot find it?!

We are currently waiting for a quote from Rentech for the work, as we hope that by going somewhere like Rentech we will be able to save a bit on dealership labour costs, and have the car worked on by someone who enjoys what they are doing. Are there any other specialists in the south east who could be worth contacting?

Finally, are most if not all of the parts that we need available from GSF? I have had a look online, and they don't list many parts for the Williams, do they actually stock parts specific to the Willy?

Apologies for the essay, but I know you lot can help us make the right decisons!

[stew]

Ok...heres my advice!

Exhaust - take it to powerflow or such like, get them to make a std sounding, std looking exhuast for you. lifetime warrenty. all fitted for circa 250 notes!

Steering column - get it welded - 20 quid. job done - they should have come outa the factory welded!

heater matrix and shocks and springs - GSF online dont have as many parts listed - but go into your local one and they can get all the parts you need.

to get it handling as it should/used to - get new bushes all round on the suspension setup.

[OliS]

Thanks for the advice!

I'll give Powerflow and GSF a call on Monday, it's on my list of things to do!

The missus was concerned that welding the column could be dangerous, which is why she wanted to go for a new replacement. I've been in contact with Ballcrusher, and he is happy to do the welding, but we just want to be sure it is the right thing to do.

When you say bushes, which particular bushes are you refering to?

[MatBrown]

Get new wishbones with the bushes fitted and new track rod ends.



Mat.

[OliS]

New wishbone assy's This is going to get very expensive!

Had the track rod ends done 18 months ago when we replaced the steering rack.

[MatBrown]

Ok, they should be fine then, Wishbones are only £55 each from Reno, cheaper from GSF/Euro.



Mat.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Mat, can you not just get new bushes for the wishbones? Just wondering as I'll be doing my suspension soon.

I thought you could just fit new bushes.

[MatBrown]

Can do yeah, but a lot easier and not much dearer to buy the complete wishbone, especially on a 16v.



Mat.

[Swervin_Mervin]

What d'you reckon the cost is likely to be then for all new bits?

Shocks, springs, top mount kits, wishbones, ARB bushes, ball joints.

[Zollo]

I did this to mine...

Front and Rear shocks - £120
Front springs - £40 for 172 items from eBay, £80 each otherwise
Wishbones (comes with ball joints) - £46
Anti-roll bar bushes - £24
Top mount kits - £51
Strut bolts and nuts - £4
Front bearings - £74
Track rods and tie-rods - £98

Those prices are from Renault with 20% discount

Hope that helps