Technical Tips > Pre 84

Front end rebuild

(1/4) > >>

Adam:
I have decided to rebuild my front suspension on my 1980 - ie. worn  bushes, leaky brake etc.

I know some of you guys have done it before, and I'd like to do a good job of aswell. I'd want to take the whole front body panel off to alow better access to suspension (and do a better job on earlier body repair work- or maybe replace it entierly). Also to give access to the whole cowl area and do a proper job of that.

So far I haven't found any info on the removal of the whole one piece body panel so any advice on this is very much appeciated. As well as any other tips and articles anyone knows of.

I've never done suspension/steering work before so it'll be a learning experience, but id like to gather up any info I can before I start.

thanks!

Adam

Brutus:
Adam...Forget about removing your front bodyclip as a whole and expect to reuse it again....it can't be done! If you want to replace it with a completely new panel then that's a different thing, but from what little I know about it, the front body work has to be cut to gain access to the bonding strips that hold it to the car.
I did my own front end suspension rebuild a while ago so I may be able to help you there a little.

69 DIRTY RAT:
I know its a hassle to get to stuff with the clip on but like Brutus said its easier to get a pro - glass repairer to make/fix the front end clip.It saves a lot of hassle and cost.
Also buy a front end rebuild kit from the US,it comes with everything you need. I got someone to install all my bushes etc for about 300 -$400. Its a lot less stress!

Ausrs:
http://www.energysusp.com.au/
try this link for energy suspension
australian agent

Adam:
I've pretty much taken most of the front end off, including bumpers, headlights, bumper frame, radiator and fan then I spy somthing sus under the power steering pump. I take it off and see this:







Its a lower control arm attachment. Looks like its been that way for years! Fortunatly its not rust related but sheesh! If you havent checked your front suspension DO IT NOW, this car has been in various shops for either ball joints and standard alignments and noones seen it (its fairly hidden normally)) so dont assume anything.

The cross member is 2 peice and this looks like its hanging (and bending) the lower peice. Some parts looks like its almost cut! The other side looks good but if anyone has any pics of this component in their cars id love to see it (just to get that 3rd opinion).

Thanks for the suspension site, looks like a full suspension rebuild kit is in order- by the looks of my bushes im suprised it wasnt clanging.

I'm still keen on taking off the whole front clip, ive pretty much got it loose except for around the doors (maybe they'll need to come off) There seems to be a lot of ancient bog holding it.

Actually, im thinking of slightly altering the front end- thats a big job and for that reason and in the interests of finding and fixing more gremlins id still like to take it off.:ado

Adam

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page