<VV> Re: (VV) Rear lower control arms

[Michael Kovacs]

Robert. You have discovered THE problem. The correct procedure was not in the book. It would have been advantageous if you removed the shock absorbers while the springs were under tension.
   
   Then replace the shock absorbers with a 1/2" threaded rod. This would have to be secured with suitable nuts and washers at the top and bottom. This will keep the suspension in the same position that you disconnected the lower arm at.
   
   Another fix is to lower the rear of the engine carefully to obtain the alignment you need to get the bolts to line up.
   
   As I'm typing I think of another way. Carefully raise the suspension with a jack on the side in question. You may be able to get a better alignment with that. You also may be able to increase the safety by removing the shock absorber on that side and use the threaded rod device to hold the spring up tight while you are under the car. (ya can't trust a jack!)
   
   Been there done that too often. I usually use a jack to raise the suspension to get a better alignment, but is must be done very carefully.
   
   Anybody else with a home cure? jump in!
   
  good luck

Robert Paul <barnaby at shaw.ca> wrote:
  Hi one and all.
I have a problem with reattaching my lower control arms on my 66 convertable. I took the engine out to re do all the seals this winter. Now I can't get the passenger side control arms to match up with the differential carrier. I followed the procedure in the shop manual and in How to keep your Corvair alive, but the arm seems to be twisted at about a 30 degree angle, so that the top right bolt will line up but everything else is twisted down. The driver side matches up okay follwoing the proceedure in the manual. I have take out the shock, but that doesn't help. Anybody have a similar problem? (please don't tell me its an expensive fix)
Thanks for your cooperation. The sooner this is fixed the sooner we're on the road.
All the best
Robert Paul


MIKE KOVACS