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A Arms

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TulsaFred

TulsaFred

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While reassembling the suspension this evening, I noticed one of my A Arms was screwed up. Maybe I dropped it during disassembly, blasting and powder coating, though I don't really remember any big bang.
Anyway, the threaded bushing of the outer fulcrum pin goes in, but the little plug with the grease fitting won't.
Looking closer it appear that the threaded hole is out of round, like it was dropped on that corner. I tried to fix it but it looks like the threads are screwed up now.
My tap set doesn't have the correct size and thread. Its very fine thread for the size.
A little thing but I can't really leave the plug/zerk out, and I don't know who could fix the little bugger.

So I guess I should replace the A Arm or have it rebuilt if this is available and cost effective.

Moss has an aftermarket a arm for $169 or a british motor heritage certified a arm ("guaranteed to fit") for $250. VB has one for $159.

Thoughts?
Fred
 
I had mine built by Apple hydraulics for $75 each - mine were in bad shape. I have always been happy with their work. Are yours set up for an anti-sway bar?
Kevin
 
Kevin,
Yes mine are drilled for the sway bar.

Paul,
Apple is a good thought. Thanks.

Fred
 
Fred,Apple Hydraulics will replace the steel bushings in there, make sure things are straight. Turn around 5 days when they did mine last year. Cost about $200. I decided the trick to brazing in hte new bushings was above my skill level keeping both sides lined up while brazing. Plus you ruin the fulcrum pin if you use one to keep both bushings aligned. Peter C. instaleld and reamed the new bushings on the kingpins. $50 and turned around the next day. Difference in performance is fabulous. Or you can buy the BMC A-Arm. Expensive but much heavier duty than the cheaper A-Arms, extra gussets in there. These are the same type A-Arms as later RB Cards came with and they are drilled for a Sway Bar I believe. Jack Laird swears by these on Ms. Agatha.
 
Fred,Apple Hydraulics will replace the steel bushings in there, make sure things are straight. Turn around 5 days when they did mine last year. Cost about $200. I decided the trick to brazing in hte new bushings was above my skill level keeping both sides lined up while brazing. Plus you ruin the fulcrum pin if you use one to keep both bushings aligned. Peter C. instaleld and reamed the new bushings on the kingpins. $50 and turned around the next day. Difference in performance is fabulous. Or you can buy the BMC A-Arm. Expensive but much heavier duty than the cheaper A-Arms, extra gussets in there. These are the same type A-Arms as later RB Cards came with and they are drilled for a Sway Bar I believe. Jack Laird swears by these on Ms. Agatha. Either rebush both A-Arms or buy new.
 
yep, agree. Do both or none.

You might consider a file and working the plug to fit what you have and using a bit of JBweld to hold it in there. Replace em next time.
 
Thanks Jim and Jack.
I thought the same thing about filing and JB weld. Getting it back out would be a chore though.

Apple seems like the best option, but the price is now $95. They will send one same day with a $45 core, refundable if return a core within 90 days. Shipping $10.
Seems like this will get me an OEM quality Arm for a little over a $100, vs. $250 for the Moss item.

Fred
 
Fred, At least that way you're likely to get one that is not cracked, has had the bushing replaced, straightened and painted. I spent an entire afternoon trying to pull 2 A Arms off of a '68 that was going to go to the crusher with the intention of sending these out to be rebuilt to minimize down time in summer. After lots of dirt, grease, cuts, and general abuse to myself both A Arms were cracked and turned out to be unusable. I've done this job twice now and this is one where your credit card is the best tool in your tool box.

Again Peter C. will get the bushings reamed and fit correctly and turn them around quickly. That's another piece you'll need to get done so it goes back together correctly. You will be amazed at the difference in ride quality once the front end is back together and no longer is pointing in different directions from where you want it to go. Bugsy has been back to go cart handling status since Spring. Now to get the last of my electrical turn signal issues resolved so I can still get some driving in before the white stuff comes.
 
Thanks Jim
I think my bushings are ok
Very liitle to no play

Fred
 
I bought the cheap arms and they seem to be just a heavy as my factory RB arms. My old one has a crack I welded up and it's held for eight years.
 
But you a sneaky guy.
 
I ended up ordering a rebuilt A Arm from Apple hydraulics today
Price will be $95 + shipping
Better price than the cheap a arms and is oem properly rebuilt

Fred
 
TulsaFred said:
I ended up ordering a rebuilt A Arm from Apple hydraulics today
Price will be $95 + shipping
Better price than the cheap a arms and is oem properly rebuilt

Fred
Click to expand...

I'm with ya. They wouldn't have taken my welded one for a core.

Jack, they stay pretty still. No sneaking needed. Kingpins, now that's another story.
 
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