Would you put this part on your car?

Islander · 10-24-05, 08:25 PM

Here is a used set of 84-87 upper A arms I bought from a vendor, as you can see the left one is dented. The undamaged right A arm photo is for comparison's sake. The vendor says it's normal and happens while torqueing or removing the bolts, but that the A arm is useable. What do you say? I say no way, it's damaged and dangerous to use as is. Would you put this A arm in your car?

Moonunit 451 · 10-24-05, 08:39 PM

Don't think so

JonM · 10-24-05, 09:09 PM

Go ask your alignment shop.

tnovot · 10-24-05, 10:26 PM

I wouldn't use it. This is NOT due to normal removal. Jason at vette2vette has a pile of these and none look like this. Look at the bushing. There is a slight misalignment and, at the very least, the bushing will wear prematurely.
Also, there could be microscopic intergranular failure of the metal - especially aluminum. This loss of intergity could cause sudden and catastrophic failure of the piece.
Terry

gmjunkie · 10-24-05, 10:38 PM

Don't Use It!! That is from Coll. Damage!! It is not Normal!! He's Full of Sh*t to his Eyes and the rest Toilet Paper!!

junk!!

Edmond · 10-24-05, 11:14 PM

Just to add to what Terry said, not only will that bushing wear prematurely, it will also wear unevenly. You will get a funny and possibly dangerous ride.

Don't put that on your car!

jwilliams · 10-24-05, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonM

Go ask your alignment shop.

I'm an alignment guy, an autocrosser and I own a tire store. That guy is full of crap. That is NOT normal, that thing is BENT. There is no way that happened from tightening the control arm bolts while aligning the car. Someone else said it, that's crash damage. Or pure stupidity while removing it.

Jay

Edmond · 10-24-05, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwilliams

I'm an alignment guy, an autocrosser and I own a tire store. That guy is full of crap. That is NOT normal, that thing is BENT. There is no way that happened from tightening the control arm bolts while aligning the car. Someone else said it, that's crash damage. Or pure stupidity while removing it.

Jay

I'm pretty sure that Jon was joking.

Must've been one strong guy to bend that A arm like that by just tightening the bolts.

Was it the T-800?

JonM · 10-24-05, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwilliams

I'm an alignment guy, an autocrosser and I own a tire store. That guy is full of crap. That is NOT normal, that thing is BENT. There is no way that happened from tightening the control arm bolts while aligning the car. Someone else said it, that's crash damage. Or pure stupidity while removing it.

Jay

I wasn't accusing an alignment person of bending it...I was insinuating that an alignment person would have a more difficult time aligning the car with that part installed.I was telling him to ask his alignment person if he should install the part.

invinceablevett · 10-24-05, 11:59 PM

I wouldn't......I don't care HOW it got there....point is...

it's there.

vee93 · 10-25-05, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islander

Here is a used set of 84-87 upper A arms I bought from a vendor, as you can see the left one is dented. The undamaged right A arm photo is for comparison's sake. The vendor says it's normal and happens while torqueing or removing the bolts, but that the A arm is useable. What do you say? I say no way, it's damaged and dangerous to use as is. Would you put this A arm in your car?

P..., pu...,put that on my Vette?!!!! Well, NO!!!!! DUH! Go get your money back! I can't even believe you bought it in the first place. You knew better too, its just that for a moment, that vendor sweet talked you and you wanted to believe you'd found a deal. You didn't.
Now watch.... The vendor will say YOU damaged it.

Islander · 10-25-05, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vee93

P..., pu...,put that on my Vette?!!!! Well, NO!!!!! DUH! Go get your money back! I can't even believe you bought it in the first place. You knew better too, its just that for a moment, that vendor sweet talked you and you wanted to believe you'd found a deal. You didn't.
Now watch.... The vendor will say YOU damaged it.

The damage was not obvious in the photos he sent. Only when I opened the package did I see the bent arm. It's going back, but I'm having a little trouble getting the vendor to return my e-mails. He did answer his phone last week which was when he mentioned it was damage that happened when the arms were removed and it was normal. He said he would look for another arm for me so I'm hoping he makes good on that pretty soon. Stay tuned.

However, going back to his website and checking the photos that are still there (yes, I saved them on my PC), NOW you can actually pinpoint the damage. The photos posted here I took after I got the parts. I also kept the (undamaged) box they came in. No dice on claiming I or FedEx did it. Hell not even the Terminator/Governator can do that damage with his own bare hands..

garycr14 · 10-25-05, 01:41 PM

You can always tell when your on to something when the vendor doesn't return you calls/email. He obviously knew that part was defective. I hope you didn't spend too much for the part as it appears that you are going to have some trouble getting your money back. JMHO!

4DSZR1 · 10-25-05, 03:59 PM

What's aluminium worth a pound? No way would that go in my car.

jwilliams · 10-26-05, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonM

I wasn't accusing an alignment person of bending it...I was insinuating that an alignment person would have a more difficult time aligning the car with that part installed.I was telling him to ask his alignment person if he should install the part.

Nor did I feel that anyone was accusing an alignment tech of causing the damage. I was answering the question from the standpoint of being an alignment tech that I would not install that control arm if it was brought to me. Yes, trying to align it with that bent arm would be a chore. I'd love to see what kind of readings it would give ya. My point was, that I have aligned alot of C4's both for street use and setting them up for autocross and I have never, ever seen one bend from loosening and tightening the bolts.

Jay