Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 M3W 2014 model.. How is yours

I can't help thinking that if sliding pillar was that good it would have been adopted by other manufacturers, unless Morgans patents explicitly denied the use of the idea to everyone.

Being relatively new to Morgan, I would be interested in a proper discussion of the pros and cons of sliding pillar, in a new thread natch.

Edited to add, that I have started a thread in the Malvern Arms on this subject, so it will be interesting to hear peoples views,

Actually it was. I knew that Lancia used a type of sliding pillar suspension for many years. I went looking in Wikipedia to see just when they stopped using it. It was 1963. Nobody ever accused the Lancia of being a poor handler.

Wikipedia has an entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_pillar_suspension

The last of the Lancia with sliding pillar suspension is mentioned at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Appia

I also started following links, the way one does, and found
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_suspension
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_wishbone_suspension
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_long_arms_suspension
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bump_steer

Whilst not being engineering texts they make interesting reading. Wikipedia may often have items subject to dispute but I see it as a valuable resource that can form a part of the research on many subjects.

PS. Just saw that Paul has started another thread on this subject so I will add a (modified) copy of this post there.

Actually the MacPherson strut comes very close to the sliding pillar design, albeit a self-contained strut compared to lots of smaller sliding parts. Being all pre-lubed internally for up/down right/left motion, it places the ball joint pivot centerline on the center line of the tire much easier than about any other setup. You don't have to have a wide rear offset wheel to accomplish this feat.

Even though there is a lower control arm and ball joint to allow for the rotational axis of the strut, it's still a very simple design. VW was very successful with it when they came out with the Super Beetle in '70.

Or even if you look at the first link that Gambalunga listed, the one with the pillar and red external shock, think how easy it would be to take this simple design to the next level. What if you just removed the coil springs, compression/rebound, from the pillar and replaced the shock with a coil over that would be fully adjustable. With front steering linkage place the coil over on the rear and place rubber boots on the exposed pillar for protection.

There are so many designs it boggles the mind.

Dan, I hope you don't mind but I pasted the above into the thread I started in the Malvern Arms, as I felt you had an excellent point about the Macpherson strut.

It's time for my tupance worth.
Just gone through the 10.000 miles mark , the last 4000 with the comfort kit.
Cost me 120 quid and money well spent. The old girl handles fine now and I like the relatively lively feedack I am getting with the Blockleys. IMHO the overall dynamic of the 3W means that it doesn't need a superb perfect suspension set up. The major part of the fun is the compromised imperfection of a three wheeled cycle car. This isn't bump steer apology, it's realism. Come on guys how many miles have you got on your 3W's if it's less than 5000 your not even entitled to an opinion( tongue firmly in cheek)

Matty , I've been holding back from commenting again ....but I agree 100% with your comments !

I did 8000 miles before getting the comfort kit fitted and had to put up with a lot of stick from the bsd because of my complaining . Many had never even driven an M3W .

I then did around 2000 miles with the comfort kit , as you say although not perfect it is fine , really good infact .

I then had a broken chassis , the factory replaced the uprights at the same time and the car has been transformed again . I've now done around 3500 miles with this setup and it is fantastic .

I'm sure there are theoretical problems with the geometry but in practiice it works just fine . I agree about the low ( or NO !) mileage armchair experts and their right to post comments !

Good stuff HJP
Was talking to local dealer( who I have a great deal of respect for) this week about getting a fixed valuation for insurance
While there a salesperson commented that at 10,000 miles mine was a very high mileage example and that he could buy as many three wheelers as he liked for silly money (16 to 19k) with only 500 to 1000 miles on the clock. He seemed to think this was a normal state of affairs and that to put any reasonable mileage on a Morgan was somewhat irresponsible.
I have to say that although I think his figures were somewhat exaggerated or underestimated depending on your point of view, his view of what constitutes high mileage does apear to be shared by quite few few Morgan owners. How anyone who owns any kind of Morgan can do less than 4 or 5000 miles a year amazes me. I didn't buy my 3W as an investment, I bought it to use. The more I drive it the more I love it

Ah, yes, whilst I have absolutely no interest in Ferrari's, I believe the same mentality exists in their community too?

Anyway, the mileage would appear to rule me out then, having only covered around 1250 in my first 2012 Three Wheeler, and 2500 in my 2013 car, so far. What a wimp I am. So, to paraphrase, I'm out!

Or not....................

I do love the banter though, keep it up. I almost wish my chassis would break so I've got an excuse to upgrade, anyone got a sharp hacksaw blade?

Matty, Hugh,
Bang on.
The chassis and the grip available are the limiting factors. The comfort kit or the 2014 uprights take the three wheeler to a good place for fun driving on the road. If you want super high grip and handling on the road then triangulate the chassis, sort out the suspension and steering geometry, fit four proper modern lightweight rims, proper modern sticky tyres, get a nice smooth high revving powerful motor and paint a big 7 on the nose. Or just buy a Caterham.
If I had both the cash and the garage space I'd have a Seven alongside the Three in an instant; the perfect Ten?

Just drive it Paul , especially as you're still under warranty , it'll break eventually !!

Seriously though the new chassis and uprights have transformed the car and as Matty says the more I drive it the more I drive it the more I love it .

Matty regarding the low mileage cars available at bargain prices , most of them will have none of the problems sorted , they'll probably still have the original bendy wishbones etc, etc .and most likely very little warranty . The higher the mileage the better IMHO !