Timd
Freshman Member
Offline
I see a lot of people forking out their cash on expensive reproduction A-arms, all the while imagining the cringe on the faces while they do. Not that I disagree we doing things right, but I just wanted to shed some light on the fact that there are alternatives. Recently I rebuilt my suspension and like everyone else had worn A-arms. I just wanted to bring some hope to the subject of repairing them.
The fine print: This is not a how-to, it's a "how I did it" and should not be taken as a guide, nor is it garenteed.
Initial stages.
Shot bushings.
The A-arms were drilled out, and new peices were made. Any machine shop would be able to do this for a small cost.
Mounted on the car for test fit, this ensures that alignment will be right.
Tacked in place while on the car.
These were simply MIG welded, with no special heating. No cracks, no warping.
Polyurethane bushings replace the wornout rubber ones. If you buy these and they come with the little tubes of grease, first off: the grease is sticky to say the least. Second, don't be afraid to load it on, they go a long way.
Final stages.
On all fours.
Classic
This cost me VERY little. I won't go into it, because I had some favours, but I'm certain anyone could have it done for significantly less than even one new arm. These arms, if ever worn again would of course be replaced. But they lasted 37 years first time round, so I'm sure I'll get many years from this repair.
I always like seeing things like this when I'm in a bind, so I hope this helps someone.
-Tim
The fine print: This is not a how-to, it's a "how I did it" and should not be taken as a guide, nor is it garenteed.
Initial stages.
Shot bushings.
The A-arms were drilled out, and new peices were made. Any machine shop would be able to do this for a small cost.
Mounted on the car for test fit, this ensures that alignment will be right.
Tacked in place while on the car.
These were simply MIG welded, with no special heating. No cracks, no warping.
Polyurethane bushings replace the wornout rubber ones. If you buy these and they come with the little tubes of grease, first off: the grease is sticky to say the least. Second, don't be afraid to load it on, they go a long way.
Final stages.
On all fours.
Classic
This cost me VERY little. I won't go into it, because I had some favours, but I'm certain anyone could have it done for significantly less than even one new arm. These arms, if ever worn again would of course be replaced. But they lasted 37 years first time round, so I'm sure I'll get many years from this repair.
I always like seeing things like this when I'm in a bind, so I hope this helps someone.
-Tim