1957 & 58 front suspension diaphragms

[Roger Zimmermann]

A good friend from me, Paul Lamping, is owning a Brougham which is still on air. As the air suspension diaphragms are no more available, he let reproduce the front ones. Last week, he wrote (the translation is mine, I hope you can understand it):

For your information: I let manufacture new diaphragms for the ’57 & ’58 Brougham front air suspension.
These reproduced diaphragms are now installed on my Brougham for testing purposes. So far, they are air tight and I have no trouble to report.

The reproduced diaphragms were carried out by an on rolling diaphragms certified company in Germany. The necessary steel tools and templates as well as all components were also manufactured in Germany by qualified specialist companies. 
The related tissue membrane is resistant to high pressure and was further sewn 6-fold; iron inserts are made with stainless steel. The finished bellows were tested to 200 psi pressure. A special mix was used for the rubber which is UV, oil and fuel resistant.
The development took about 4 months and, of course, there were several failed attempts. From blistering over ruptured diaphragms, everything was there. Now, it seems that the correct procedure have been found.
I’m going to test the new parts over the summer with my Brougham. If I’m satisfied with the results, I could let manufacture more diaphragms in autumn if Brougham’s owners are interested by this new reproduction. Unfortunately, the manufacturing process is very expensive. If enough interest is generated, the diaphragms may cost between $ 450.00 to $ 550.00 each, depending of the number of ordered parts.

I have not yet turned my attention to the rear diaphragms. If there is also interest for them in the next few months, I may start a reproduction. If you would like to discuss with me about that project, you may each me at paul@l-v-m.de


I'm adding a picture of Paul's Brougham (German license plates) which is next to mine. Paul is almost jumping into the trunk compartment...