I don’t know if it’s widely known that Leda are still in existence and are able to supply both front and rear suspension for the Coupe?

Late last year I decided to replace my rear shocks and contacted them about the options. They build units to order so were able to work out exactly what I wanted (opted for a fast road/track damping rates) but if you were clued up on the rates you wanted then they could accommodate. They are bump and rebound adjustable (although not independently) and come fitted with PU bushes. The quality looks top notch so I’m hoping they’ll last a good time.

I then decided that I might as well replace the fronts with something that matched, so I contacted Leda again. I sent them a set of Bravo top mounts so they could build a spring cup to suit – based upon the conclusion that the Bravo design is superior to the Coupe. They were able to advise on a suitable spring rate and supply the springs. Again the units are adjustable damping and I requested that they shorten the overall length of the damper so that it would still have full travel at the ride height I want to run. The quality of them looks really good.

Fitment to the car was un-dramatic and I’ve since covered the journey to Spa, round the track there a few times at a reasonably hot pace and then back and forward to work. Overall the comfort compared to the previous setup is the biggest improvement. They are a bit less ‘focussed’ (I was running spherical bearing top mounts) so lost a bit of feel of what the front tyres are doing but it’s definitely a change for the better. I haven’t had a chance to play about too much with damper adjustments so ultimate handling still has to be concluded – and I’ll get it on the track again later in the year.

So overall very happy, Leda were very good at communication and helpful to accommodate my requirements. Also thanks to Jimbo for his assistance and feedback on the units they made for him some time ago. Costs wise it came to more than you’d pay for the full Gaz setup (with the solid top mounts) at around £1500 for dampers, springs and top mounts. I’ll add some photos later.

Despite the price, I'd be interested in these, but I really need to see how well they cope with a British winter - I was strongly warned against the Gaz as I was told they would require monthly treatment to prevent rust - not exactly a "fit & forget" item then...

I'll certainly keep you up to date as far as I can. Did you ask Matt about alternative options on the plating or material selection to increase weather resistance?

I know Taz posted up photos recently of his Leda shocks after several years (9 I think!) on the car. They looked pretty good but then I dont know how much miles he does (few, I'm sure compared to you) and whether his car is garaged.

Nice one Matt

Did they make the front dampers slightly shorter for you ?

Also, I'd recommend fitting some coilover covers to the fronts, mine still look as clean as the day they were fitted and I only greased the threads when I fitted them. Obviously the lower section that isn't covered has some surface corrosion on them but nothing that wouldn't clean off with some wire wool, it really is only surface, thats after nearly 4 years on the car.

Yeah, that reminds me I need to get some of them. I was hoping actually they'd supply them with units, but no. Got a link?

Yes they made them shorter. I think if I wound the height adjustment down as far as it'd go the subrame would be on the deck.

Thats good news, no running out of travel for you then

I've just searched the entire internet for these dust covers and can't find them ?

I'm positive I bought them from Demon Tweeks but I can't find them on their site, give them a call and they may be able to help find them on their rubbish new internet site.

Yeah I tried a search there too but it didn't come up with anything. Any links I found on forums etc to Demon Thieves seemed to be dead too.

I'd just call them Matt, I gave up trying to search the web site, I did email them to let them know how crap the new look web site is though.
I am becoming Victor Meldrew !

Hmmm.. I should probably buy some of them too (coilover covers that is)

Here's your original thread which linked to demontweeks Jimbo

http://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=553664

Matt do you have a dual spring on the front? also what are the front and rear spring rates?

300lbs/in on the front - just went with the main spring rather than a helper or tender. Rears are 20% stiffer than standard, whatever that equates too although I already had them on the car. I'll need to replace the rear springs at some point as they've gone quite rusty - haven't decided what to use.

If you want std style rear springs the gaz rears are 375lb or you can get adjustable platforms from a alfa so you can pick your rear rates.
I would be interested if you could find out what lb your rears are!

Matt, I got an email back from Demon Tweeks, they do have them in stock, just under £20 for a pair of covers, give them a call and they will sort you out.

Cheers Jim. I took some photos before and after fitting (not too many though as it got to the point where I was more concerned about getting the car ready to go to Spa than worry about such things ).

http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/bryce_matthew/Leda/

Matt, it's good to see the build quality has improved, it was shocking in the old days

the Nickel plating is much better now, they musty be using a better plater, seeing as they've relocated.

I must admit, I was going to refurb my rear LEDAs, still may do, but the hotbits ( which are a newer version of what you had are very good ) in fact they are too hard now & I need to set them up, but it's just too hot & I can't be arsed

Let me know your thoughts on them, as I found them to be a very compliant ride, I still have my hydrid fronts on, as in the early days they failed dramatically to build me a set of proper coilovers ( top mount issues ).


I like the PU bushes, finally a damper maker with some common sense !

Yeah, I'm chuffed with them and the ride is really good. I think ultimately the hotbits were better for the track, but I'm confident that if I wind up the damping on these then they'll do the trick.