1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Uh oh, MAJOR suspension problem... suggestions?

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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 04:03 PM
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Uh oh, MAJOR suspension problem... suggestions?

Well, on the plus side i finally figured out what that horrific noise coming from the back of the car was.... the down side is as follows:






You'll notice that the welds broke and the suspension piece is freely moving on that end... then you'll also notice that the entire area is rusted to crap around it. The other side isnt quite that bad, but the same suspension piece is held on by about 10% of the area that should be holding it on.

Suggestions? I'm seeing metal cutters and a couple big peices of sheet metal, and a welder. Either that or get rid of the car. Is it worth the repair?
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 04:07 PM
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oh yea, I just have one thing to say, DAMN MICHIGAN AND THE RUST BELT!!!
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 05:02 PM
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goddamn man, that rust is bad. If I were you I'd be lloking for a better FB.

Rust around the suspension like that just isnt safe. And I dont know how much it would cost, but it might be more than its worth.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 05:17 PM
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That's in some rugged shape guy... I dunno... All's I got is rust in the center of the bracket. Requires the same solution though; Cut out the wheel well and weld one in... Problem is getting a hold of good wheel wells.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 05:18 PM
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Suggestions? I'm seeing metal cutters and a couple big peices of sheet metal, and a welder. Either that or get rid of the car. Is it worth the repair?
If your capable, then repair it. It wont cost anything, you can beef it up as much as you want, but be sure to get the suspension mount point exactly where it was so your handling doesnt go weird. Since it doesnt show it doesnt have to look pretty, just has to be strong.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 05:21 PM
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Originally posted by Pele
That's in some rugged shape guy... I dunno... All's I got is rust in the center of the bracket.
Are you sure about that? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but the center of the bracket is directly in line with the curve of the wheel well on the inside. Look in under/behind your storage bins.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 05:35 PM
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Originally posted by Rx7carl
Are you sure about that? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but the center of the bracket is directly in line with the curve of the wheel well on the inside. Look in under/behind your storage bins.
Nah, I know it goes all the way through... I stabbed it up with a screwdriver when I did brakes on the car once. I just don't believe mine goes all the way up like his does. It's not outside the bracket as far as I can tell.

I got a line on two 84/85 GS cars in the scrap yard. Only problem is removing the wells without the use of power tools, or cordless tools only, as they're way out there... Had to jump over a lot of other car(casses) to get to one.) I just hope those wells are indecent shape and that my rust hasn't spread past the wheel wells.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 06:03 PM
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Thats horrible.

I wouldn't invest in a repair on that one......I'd invest in another car.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 07:02 PM
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really i think that if i cut all the rusted sections away, only a few pieces of metal would be nessesary to weld on. they can be fairly thick for added strength, and weld them on replacing all the bad parts. Only one problem, I dont have a welder...

Thats the only part of the car thats rusted badly, btw
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 07:12 PM
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Hey man sounds like my limited edition, yes MI sucks I know I live here lol. I finaly got my racecar running tonight. The LE has just been parked due to rust and other reasons. If you decide to get another car part out as much of that one as you can. That way a bunch of parts that could be used don't get crushed with the car. If thats what your going to do with it anyways.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 08:14 PM
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maybe a local high school or vocational school with a welding class needs a project? Might get some free welding.
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Old Apr 19, 2003 | 11:08 PM
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That rust looks pretty bad. Good luck though.
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 04:14 PM
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hmm, now that i think about it, thats probobly why my shocks blew, i think the sound i heard was the suspension piece there slamming into the shock absorber
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 04:26 PM
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Junk, unless you can weld in new suspension mounts, part the car and toss the body. I replaced the wheel wells on my 83 and was very close to tossing the car but yours is a lot worse than mine was. My mounts were still intact so I didn't have to replace them, just the metal above. Remember that these cars rust from the inside out, chances are if the rust was that bad there you have rust on the front of the frame also where the steering box mounts. It's a big job to do, good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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