Front control arm - repro parts or repair

[1974phil]

Hi,

While assessing the parts of my front suspension after their removal, I noticed that both controls arms show a problem. The reinforcement "bars", that form a diagonal to the L shaped arms are slightly bend towards the front of the car. It seems to me that this was caused by some pulling with a spanset when the car was probably transported (perhaps after a breakdown). The front parts do not show any sign of an accident and the car was driving fine before dismantling it for restoration.

Now the question is whether I can straighten this reinforcement or does it make sense to change both control arms in order to have a top notch geometry. Does anyone have the measurement of the angle of the "L". This would give a idea if my arms are reusable.

What about repro control arms. Are they fine (Dansk or JP group or else) ?

What would you do ? There is as well the option of buying original used arms either restored or to be restored.

Thanks,

Phil

[moito]

we are talking about the tubes on the a-arms of a LWB-right? if so and depending a bit on how heayv they are bent(foto foto) i would not worry to much about the geometry.
and since the only force/load they have to carry is applied when breaking(pull) i would not be to concerned to simply straighten the tubes....
but i still would have a look if the car runs straight and any cracks in the welding--befor and after(to late in your case)
some may think differently but thats my 0.2

[1QuickS]

Depending upon severity, the bends in these tubes will upset the 90 degree relationship between the main tube (torsion bar tube) and the lateral arm where the shock tube upright is attached. The torsion bar tube would remain straight and rotate in the rubber mounts without binding. I doubt any real alignment issue since a bend in the diagonal tube would only move the bottom of the lateral arm tube forward a small amount which would primarily increase caster angle.

Since the A-arm weldment is constructed of mild steel, there is little concern for weld fracturing if the tube is straightened, however, application of heat to the tube is advised to facilitate its straightening.

[1974phil]

Thanks for your replies.

This is how the A arms look :



Should I bother straightening the diagonal reinforcement ?

[moito]

Thanks for your replies.

This is how the A arms look :



Should I bother straightening the diagonal reinforcement ?

nothing to be afraid of IMHO

[John912]

Given that the three mounting points were all fixed in the car, the thinner profile reinforcing tubes bent when pulled or tied down while everything else stayed in place. To be sure, you could measure the inside angles opposite the reinforcing tubes, compare them to each other, and then to a known "good" A-arm.

[1QuickS]

A goodly whack with a hammer using a 2x4 block as a softener will straighten out the slight bend. A straight edge will verify tube is restored to being straight.

[Longballa]

Buy new reproduction arms. You're wasting time blasting and powder coating old arms. Especially when you know they're already bent. The new ones look exactly the same and cost $250 dollars each.

[1974phil]

Thanks for your replies.

Everyone has a different approach about preservation of cars. For this restoration, I for myself wish to keep as much original parts although it is not obvious to everyone.

My mecanic will straighten them he said. The car was running straight, so this is more about cosmetics but I'd like to solve this before putting the car back together.

[Jim Breazeale]

Thanks for your replies.

Everyone has a different approach about preservation of cars. For this restoration, I for myself wish to keep as much original parts although it is not obvious to everyone.

My mecanic will straighten them he said. The car was running straight, so this is more about cosmetics but I'd like to solve this before putting the car back together.

You can just run a straight edge down the center of the A arm through the hole for the ball joint. If it's in the center of the hole, you are good to go. Not rocket science.

Jim