Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (Kevin_73)
Kevin, you're right, it was WPEdirect. I did to look him up and see what kind of pictures he has.
71 roadster, that's a great picture, thanks! That basically looks like the identical failure that aaron_74 had. The repair looks to be adequate.
Anymore pics?
71 roadster, that's a great picture, thanks! That basically looks like the identical failure that aaron_74 had. The repair looks to be adequate.
Anymore pics?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,804
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From: Standing still with all my might Texas
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St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
Here is the thread, and the pics are still up. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=590922
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (Kevin_73)
Hey thanks, Kevin. That's the one I was thinking of. Now if I can only get a hold of aaron_74 to see if he has anymore pictures.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
Does anyone else have anything to add? I would like to see more pictures if they are available.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 231
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From: Frisco TX
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=590922
Don't have the original pics anymore, and the damage has been fixed. I hope the 'net pics are good enough for you. Thanks! :conehead
Don't have the original pics anymore, and the damage has been fixed. I hope the 'net pics are good enough for you. Thanks! :conehead
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
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From: NorCal
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
I've posted on this subject a few times with a fix I use on customer cars. Mine is fine but eventually I will reinforce my frame as well with the plate that I manufacture and weld in. The one sure fix is the upper control arm cross-brace that eliminates the flex in the forward frame area. I'll e-mail a picture of the template to those that want it.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (WPEDirect)
WPEDirect, thanks those pictures are fine. Can you tell me more about your car? What springs are you running and what's the mileage? Do you think the car was ever involved with any previous front end damage?
Wrencher, can you e-mail me that info? I would be interested to see what you have done. eric@speeddirect.com
Wrencher, can you e-mail me that info? I would be interested to see what you have done. eric@speeddirect.com
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 175
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From: McKinney TX
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (Wrencher)
My 76 had the welds break on the front passenger lower A-arm mount. Didn't cause any damage and was easily re-welded. Is this a common problem? :confused:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (Thumper76)
Thanks, Wrencher for the e-mail. So that's basically a doubler plate for the forward part of the frame. Good idea.
Thumper76, it does, indeed seem to be a common problem. In general, the lower a-arm mount appears to be weak. Especially after many years and many miles.
Thumper76, it does, indeed seem to be a common problem. In general, the lower a-arm mount appears to be weak. Especially after many years and many miles.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
That's correct. That's the flex point without the spreader bar. The doubler spreads the stress across a wide enough area to prevent the initial tear. Also, unbeknownst to most, that little steel block with the two theaded holes is sharp like a razor on the inner edge. If one does nothing else, just removing it and rounding the contact edges will help prevent the tear from starting.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (Wrencher)
Good point about the sharp edge on the steel block. Also, the stiffening ribs that are in the stock frame create a stress riser on the inside of each rib near the end of the steel block. I think that the block is too small. That load needs to be distributed over a larger area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (burners)
about 10 years ago my frame was cracked on the inside rail in the area of the power steering pump. Had it professionally welded by Bear Alignment in Denver.
I have also always had problems where the passenger side lower a arm rear mounting bracket attaches to the frame. It has always tried to pull away since the car was about 5 years old in 80. Had it welded professionally but it pulled apart again several years ago. Then I finally got the welder out and welded the crap out of it building a lot of material on it and it has been holding up since then.
Also both upper spring pockets are currently cracked a few inches.
[Modified by turtlevette, 8:16 PM 11/14/2003]
I have also always had problems where the passenger side lower a arm rear mounting bracket attaches to the frame. It has always tried to pull away since the car was about 5 years old in 80. Had it welded professionally but it pulled apart again several years ago. Then I finally got the welder out and welded the crap out of it building a lot of material on it and it has been holding up since then.
Also both upper spring pockets are currently cracked a few inches.
[Modified by turtlevette, 8:16 PM 11/14/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: Attention, those with frame/a-arm structural damage (turtlevette)
turtlevette, can you get me some pictures of those areas. Especially where the current cracks in the spring pockets? Also, what rate springs are you running and what is your mileage?
