Restoration of front a-arm. Control arm

[Richsmith901]

I have a 1968s. There is corrosion under front bushing of front arms, what are the thoughts here on restoration ? I here the elephant racing does a sleeve with their poly bronze solution, that is welded in any thoughts? Is there a sleeve that can go with a poly or rubber solution?

Only other thoughts I have are to machine and sleeve, or weld and machine ? Thoughts on sourcing replacement from dry climate?

Thinking that poly bronze upgrade might be practical but will the originality police call foul?

That said this is a bolt on part and could be replaced

Thoughts appreciated ?


Regards Rich

[Silverbullit]

Same issue w/ '67 arm. Using Elephant rubber. no sleeve. Like to weld-up. then machine down. Second choice to replace.

[304065]

Rich,

See here for some photos of the parts in question (down below, where I quote "Blake's Jerusalem"-- something only the UK crowd gets . . . )

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...t=dark+satanic

Ideally the motion between the OD of the forward part of the control arm tube and the ID of the bushing is zero-- the suspension motion is accomodated by the flex of the bushing itself. So it's not like you need a smooth bearing surface there. Depending on how bad the corrosion is, you might be able to fill the surface with epoxy and fit the new bushing over the top.

All that said-- corrosion is a stress riser and the thickness of the metal will be reduced at this critical point-- so if you have the slightest doubt, I recommend sourcing new arms, which aren't very expensive.

[Flieger]

The sleeves on Rebel Racing bushings and I think the elephants are epoxied on, not welded.