Thank you for such a quick response gents.
I need to measure the the length of the front and rear struts from the bottom (outer strut tube) to where the chrome rod enters. Are these measurements shorter when compared to the original struts?
I'll elaborate a bit further as to why I'm asking for these measurements.
I'm currently running AVO adjustable coilovers with camberplates from
http://www.abarth-online.de/Einstellbare-Domlager-Autobianchi-A112alle-TypenAbarthX1/9
I'm also using a strengthening shock tower plate, I'd estimate to be 2mm thick. I've modified my shock towers so the camber can be adjusted on the car without having to dismantle.
The car sits at the level shown in the picture .which I'm sure you will agree is not excessively low, but looks right. The ride has been awful, to the point that I've given up driving it this year. Further investigation revealed the dust covers had compressed and were acting as bump stops. As they were completely deformed, I removed them completely.
A quick test drive later and the ride was much improved, until - wham! A small bump in the road caused the top of the spring perch to smack the strut tube. I've now had to raise the height of the car significantly get to the point at which the bangs no longer occur and sadly my X1/9 now looks like it's heading off road, 4x4 style!
Whilst I cant recall the measurements of my shock tubes, when placed next to 1500 X1/9 struts, they are exactly the same height. If the Vick auto struts are shorter than the originals I'm tempted to sell the AVOs, replace and be done with it.
If they are the same height, I'm back to the drawing board.
Fitting the springs and camber plates was a massive pain in the backside! Some components had to be re-manufactured to get them to fit together and allow the top nuts to secure everything.
The top hat is dome shaped rather than flat. This takes up valuable space up the chrome rod.
The camber plates are thicker than the original top mounts, thus adding to ride height.
The 2mm (estimated, it was a while back) thick strut plates I doubt have bent into any form of shape thus adding to more ride height.
The Mid West camber plates look like they can be fitted on the top of body which would help my situation if I converted mine in that way, although I still have reservations over that design.
Thoughts and feedback welcome! Thanks everybody!
Rob