Ok, so I'm getting to the point where most things will be coming off the car to put them back on properly as it seems the part build wasn't
as comprehensively done as I'd like.
What I'm trying to figure out is why there's all these washers packed in the pics below, and what are the options? Either make some inserts?
Obtain the correct parts (either dampers or wishbones?)
And also, any suggestions as to what I can replace this spacer plate and stack of washers with?
Which is attached to this:
[Edited on 21-10-10 by thefreak]
[Edited on 21-10-10 by thefreak]
One thing I'd recommend is that you lock tabs on the brake caliper bolts.
I speak from bitter experience.
I lost one bolt from a caliper and when I braked (on the way home from SVA) the caliper spun on the remaining bolt and cut the alloy wheel in two!
Guess what I bought? Apart from a new alloy wheel.
Dont worry, it's far from finished yet 
Those calipers and disks are on for moving around the garage. I'll be replacing them when I get
around to putting it on the road.
Washers are ok, but you need more because theres not enough and when someones done up the bolt its squashed the bracket.
Otherwise you can buy rosejoint spacers off ebay, which would probably do.
I have seen washers used to pack shocks befor but it looks like there are some rubber washers in there too. That is wrong!
And the bottom ball joint is wrong on all levels. It looks like the bottom arm needs reaming out so that the ball joint slots in, or use a matched
BBJoint.
It looks to me like the washers that have been used are the wrong size for the bolt, and they are mis-aligned because of it - particularly noticable
on the bottom coilover mount.
quote:
And the bottom ball joint is wrong on all levels. It looks like the bottom arm needs reaming out so that the ball joint slots in, or use a matched BBJoint.
Using washers (cheap spacers 
) is fine, but as said by Ben there should be more so that the bracket 'ears' don't bend inwards! 
And the rubber/plastic ones??
I used a couple of sizes so I could get it really accurate.
If you fit single piece spacers, they're neater, but you will have no suspension adjustment so you may not want the single piece spacers until
you've got the suspension 100%.
As for that plate and the washers... I think Bart Simpson says it well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnZQF-3UHag
Unbelieveable!!!
There should be a ~30-40mm hole in the 3mm wishbone plate and the BJ sits in this.
TBH though, those wishbones are not all that great- having the plate welded like that to the wishbone arms causes a big stress raiser which can
encourage the wishbones to bend.
If you're rebuilding the whole car anyway you could consider changing the wishbones too.
Cheers,
James
[Edited on 21/10/10 by James]
Any suggestions what to change the wishbones to? and links?
Washers are fine to space out the shock mounts but those look too large for the bolts. Has the bottomjoint been spaced because it doesn't fit in
the arm or is it because the arm would foul the brake disc? Either way it's wrong and need sorting either by reaming out the arm or making a
properly shaped spacer plate.
adrian
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
Washers are fine to space out the shock mounts but those look too large for the bolts.
quote:
Originally posted by thefreak
Any suggestions what to change the wishbones to? and links?
I think if thats what the front end is like I would be checking the complete vehicle over, front to back, for hidden bodges. Looks to me like its been cobbled together already as it cannot have been built like that in the first place. CAN IT!!!??? What are the electrics like for starters?
Slowly working my way over it. The electrics will be fine when I've finished re-wiring them. the prop is getting replaced, all the panels are off
and new being fitted. The fuel tank is good but needs a new sender and fuel hose.
The brake pipes are all good and the chassis is sound
I would be concerned about the metal under the lower Ball Joint looks thin as it has buckled where the bolts have gone through. looks like it is made
of "monkey metal".
Suggest beefing this up with a bit of 3mm welded in and bored correclty as a stiffener or better still get some better quality lower arms. Iwould
also check the quality of the top arms as well.... (and the rear ones)
I would be concerned about the metal under the lower Ball Joint looks thin as it has buckled where the bolts have gone through. looks like it is made
of "monkey metal".
Suggest beefing this up with a bit of 3mm welded in and bored correclty as a stiffener or better still get some better quality lower arms. Iwould
also check the quality of the top arms as well.... (and the rear ones)
Some pics here of MK wishbones....
http://hellfire.locostsites.co.uk/200309.htm
There's plenty other similar designs around by other manufacturers.
Cheers,
James
Hmmm... the MK ones may well be an idea then.
Any ideas what hubs are pictured? I was told Sierra but not so sure now...
Uprights are Cortina.
Perfect. Thankyou very much. might just be better to get some MK ones then as I've been offered a set for a reasonable price.
What's the chances of:
1. Springs and dampers fitting
2. The mounts being in the correct place on the chassis...