Rick's Rebuilt Rubber Baby Bumpers - sounds like a nice cottage industry... I've re etly pulled out cones that looked pretty good, didn't install but may have started throwing out, I've gone springs. Another need it after you bin it moment.

Anyone ever try the poly Delta cones from Japan?

If you can get genuine Rover ones they work fine.

The new set I installed in my mini about 5 years ago never even settled by any noticeable amount, after the first week or so. In fact, I left the adjustable cones a bit on the high side in anticipation of settling but it never did.

Norm

I just bought a set of four from the other main UK Mini supplier made by Avon and endosed by Alex Moulton (whether that means a lot or not) especially if they are manufactured in China so i will let you know how these work out, definitely a job i won't want to do twice.

I thought genuine rover ones were still available?

I believe you I just have not had it happen to me. I have a pair of the adjusta ride or smooth a ride cones the very tall ones. Have had them for several years as we did not use them on a job. I also have cones I have removed and I write on them front or rear date removed and who's they were. Steve (CTR)

Clean bits are always easier to work with...the rubber we will load test before install.

I heard privately this a.m. from a Board Member installing new cones only to have the threads blow out on one cone under load with...a big bang...fortunately not hurt in the process.

Smootha Rides might be the final solution for ROO since the Mini will travel.  I had a test ride in a Smootha Ride equipped pickup...very impressed!

It is too bad that repainting the metal part does nothing to restore the aged and hardened rubber itself

Using old cones is fine, but sure does result in a harsh ride (because the spring of the rubber does go away over time).

I wonder what our parts suppliers are doing to remedy an apparent issue with poor quality parts?

Norm

Are you interested in buying old cones? I've pulled a couple sets recently, I think they're still laying around.

Steve, I installed the new cones with new hi-los in the rear (hi-los already up front), new knuckles at the 4 corners, new wiggly pins/bushes and new on car adjustable lower arms, new on car adjustable tie-ros/bushes and new track rod ends and reset the Koni Sport adjustable dampers to 1.5.  Then had the Mini laser aligned.

The dang cones collapsed almost immediately, the harsh ride developed and we had to stop and readjust the ride height...twice at the rear.

When we talked at Mid-Ohio, there were 11 threads exposed and 5 washers on the left rear to keep it up...barely.

I will use the 4 best older cones and with the hi-los should be able to get a much better ride.  Interestingly, the tallest cones came off welded steel trumpets that I took off a '62 Morris Woody that was essentially scrap...they are still in the molases/water bath.

When we built my son's Mini (1976) almost 20+ years ago we simply switched the cones front to rear...worked a charm for 10 years and, who knows, may still be in the Mini now, wherever it is.

Rick

While I heard you talking about having problems with your new cones at Mid Ohio I did not get the full story. I'd have to go thought the box and count but I suspect I have replaced at least 100 cones over the years. When I replace them and retain the trumpets I shorten them a little. First one came out perfect ride height right away. Within 30 days it was rubbing the fenders and I had to remove and shim the knuckles. That adjustment stayed stable for years. I now cut less off and suggest Hi Lo s with the job. I installed new ones on our car two years ago this month. After they settled and were adjusted they have been fine. The ride is improved over the new ones I installed 12 years ago and went though the same process and drove those close to 90,000 miles. Our car is heavy with lots of sound deadening and twin tanks with a large left side tank. Maybe 1700 lbs no where near what you haul. I guess the question is what exactly happened to yours? Steve (CTR)

Yeah, I'm also getting really tired of crap quality. 

Edit:  Rick, when are you coming to Copenhagen?

Rick,
Although I'm sure there's a fervent few that will stand beside you (myself included), do you really think that war with England is the answer?

Come on Dennis, how about a little action on the rolleyes?
 

The reality is that the "old" cones are a known quantity and with adjustable cones can be used...certainly longer that the crap rubber springs that have been on offer in some parts...and which I was sent AFTER ASKING LAST JANUARY IF THEY WERE THE GOOD ONES!

Don't misunderstand me, we will test the crap cones, good old and new ones and write an Open Letter to Mini Spares, whose wrapping was on the cones.

If our suppliers will NOT self-regulate the supply of parts on offer, we are all in very uncertain waters.

240 years ago, citizens in some of the 13 colonies rose up to oppose abuse from those they perceived as uncaring colonial masters...nothing less is required today. 

"94" , just lean in the opposite direction!

What about when the are collapsed and the car sags?

With not inexpensive NEW cones failing immediately, I'm refurbishing a group of older Dunlop/Moulton cones.

Sand blast, tap, mask, paint...2 more in the molasses/water bath.