DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Hi all
I now have replaced the Boge units all round with new Boge units. The car has covered 174k miles and I can’t say the units were original but there was no evidence they had ever been changed. The rears were replaced completely and new inserts went into the front.
The front sleeves were renewed and as the top mounting brackets were rusty they came out and were renewed.
Looks great under bonnet now however the original mounts were surrounded in a black tar/ seal. The new are not. What was the purpose of the seal? Will Road grime / brake dust now enter the area?
Should I silicone around the units?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

unless you really want a factory look, no one ever really coats the top mounts with the same sealant paint stuff as factory

hot66 wrote:unless you really want a factory look, no one ever really coats the top mounts with the same sealant paint stuff as factory

Regards
Mike

I have had my 73T for 30 years on the road, and I have never noticed muck and grime coming into the front past the top mounts ever.
I guess if you drove it in the weathers we are having everywhere now there will be some ingress, but every time you have the geo done every technician will dread adjusting the tops with all that sealant in there. If you are worried I would grease well the gap between the body and top mounts to act as a water seal readily removed/displaced if adjustment is/will be needed.

I have on my car applied a light grease film over the mating surface of the top mount (the convex area) to stop rust more than anything. The 3 allen bolts and schnorr (sp) washers are assembled dry and fully torques after geo is completed.

Just my take on your question, but I am no slave to originality!

Great info thanks. Do I have to consider geo what ever that is as all I have done is replace like for like? ie. new rears Boge rear and Boge inserts front ? I get a small impression that those that know better than me think I have not done the right thing going for Boge again v Bilsteins but I just want a comfortable road tourer?

The front top mounts are moved in and out and front to back to alter camber and caster respectively.

If these went back in exactly the same place and if it was previously set up properly then you’ll be fine.

It’s worth getting the settings checked though as a poorly set up car is scary, and a properly set up one is an absolute joy

Ian, if it helps, I would use Boge on my ex-hillclimb/road hot rod and ditch the custom valved Bilstiens I currently have to get a softer ride.

Can't remember if you can get the strut insert out and leave the top mount in place because I've always removed the lot out of the car when needs must.
If the top mount is still fixed in place then a Geometry Check/Adjustment (slang: 'GEO') then you should be fine, but worth a check by a specialist as Sladey says.

Thanks everyone. Just need the oil pipes / cooler/ thermostat back in -see post re ‘ I’ve made a big mistake’ and will report findings on new suspension. Talk soon .