Frame/Front Suspension Question w/pics

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Jan 12, 2007 | 02:57 PM

metro

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Tucker GA

Frame/Front Suspension Question w/pics

We've started a frame off on my son's '75. Our primary goals were to replace the body mounts, rebuild the engine, change out the suspension bushings (we're staying with rubber), redo the brakes and replace the brake and fuel lines.

As we started cleaning up chassis for further disassembly, I noticed that the bracket (don't know the proper name) where rear of the left side lower control arm attaches appears to of been reattached. (Perhaps the car was built on a Monday morning which might explain a few other things!).

Here is a view from the top:

Another view from within the engine bay:

The Right side looks better/OK:

Here are the current shims for the upper control arm, Left side:

And the shims for the Right side:

I'm looking for some advice. If we get the bracket cut off and welded back so it's tight to the frame, what effect will this have when we get the car back together and go to get it aligned? Based on the current shims, is there sufficient adjustment available?

I have never driven the car and can't speak to how it handled.

Thanks in advance. I've always found a wealth of help and information on this forum.

Dennis
Atlanta, GA

Jan 12, 2007 | 03:15 PM

MYBAD79

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 54

From: Orlando Florida

St. Jude Donor '05

Nice weld - looks like something 'created' by my flux core welder

The factory welds are not very good, the weld on that bracket could have broke/cracked without a huge impact (accident).... There's enough play in the bolts, you should not have a problem cutting the ugly weld and re-attach it to the frame.

While the engine is out I'd inspect all welds in that area, re-weld as needed and add gussets

Jan 12, 2007 | 03:31 PM

73, Dark Blue 454

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 10

From: Austin TX

Nice artwork! I'd probably leave it. Looks like a curb got in the way of a front tire and knocked the bracket loose. Does the front cross-shaft mounting look ok on that side (attaches directly to the crossmember)? Also, check the lower control arm for cracks and bends, and make sure the cross-shaft is straight.

If everything looks ok go with it,..any slight imperfections can be corrected with the alignment shims.

Good luck!

Jan 12, 2007 | 03:31 PM

eastltd

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,871

Likes: 6

From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

When I had my frame stripped down, I spent a lot of time grinding out the poor facory welds and redoing them. I think it was time well spent. Remember to watch out for movement in the frame caused by excessive heat when welding. I had to weld both top and bottom of the frame to bring the distortion back in line.

Jan 12, 2007 | 04:25 PM

my2nd78

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 140

Likes: 0

From: McKinney TX

I feel your pain. I am doing a front suspension/motor rebuild as well. I have run into the same common issue. I recommend cleaning up and inspecting the frame from underneath as well. Make sure that the lower mount is square with the other one. Since my control arms are out, I will string mine to check them. Also the more shims the better. It means that the frame has not bowed together. I will be measuring and welding those areas tonight. I can take more pics of the cracks that I have found and of places that are known to crack. I can also take some pics of the completed welding.
Here a few pics

You can also take a look at my Front end/motor rebuild thread.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1582845

Chris

Jan 12, 2007 | 04:31 PM

Silver00V6Camaro

Drifting

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 1,258

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From: Huntsville Alabama

clean it up and reweld it you do not want those whelds breaking while driving. ask me how i know I had one pop while i was driving not a fun experience the driver side broke and i could not steer the car because of the wheel moving.

Jan 12, 2007 | 05:14 PM

Glassbowtie77

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 2,577

Likes: 2

From: Long Island New York

I had to re-weld both sides on mine when I rebuilt my frontend. The passengers had broken completely off the frame, luckily I was near my house when it happened. Grind down the old welds, clean it up real good (this is very important) and re-weld it. I also would run a bead along both sides of the bracket that is attached to the bottom of the crossmember as well. This is a weak spot on these cars and a very common problem. Once they are welded up again properly you should not have any more problems with the welds breaking. The factory did a very poor job on these and we can only improve on them.

Jan 14, 2007 | 09:35 AM

metro

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Tucker GA

Thanks!

All, Thank you for the comments and suggestions. It's helpful to know that this is not unique and is repairable.

my2nd78 - Thanks for the pictures and pointing out other areas to look at.

Today we'll get the front suspension disassembled and see if there are other areas of concern. (The weather is almost too nice for this time of year, may have to go fishing!)