Re: [Amc-list] classic bushings

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Tom's correct, but it's easy to get a pair of Concord strut rods (or any AMC or MII adjustable arms) and modify the originals. Just take the originals off then take all four to a welding shop. Just tell them to cut them in half and weld the MII or Concord threaded ends to the originals. Then you have adjustable strut rods. You could also buy 5" threaded steel studs from an industrial fastener supply with the correct threads (needs to be fine threads) and nuts and have that welded to the end of an original (cut off the same length. Threaded steel studs are grade 8 or better -- they are designed to hold high pressure pipe flanges together.

There is a big taboo amongst amateurs about welding on suspension parts. Any good welder can do it easily and safely. If I hadn't been an instructor with good hands on experience when I welded mine I wouldn't have done it myself. Right now I haven't touch a welder in four months, and that was to tack my gas tank together. Before that it was a about two years! So I need some "stick time" before welding another set. You need to stay in practice welding. After you learn the basics that's really all that matters -- experience. The forged steel strut rods weld much easier and stronger than mild steel or castings. I'd weld mild steel to strengthen (such as boxing stamped control arms) with a wire feed or TIG welder, but welding castings is difficult even for an experienced welder. Castings need to be replaced, not welded (if possible), especially steering components. Forgings are another story. If castings must be welded (any castings), they should be taken to someone who specializ
 es in 
welding castings. They will have both the experience AND proper equipment (such as an oven for preheating and properly cooling -- slowly).


----------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:58:41 -0700
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

On Wed, 2007-06-27 at 16:53 +0000, Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> If he has 5/8" bars, I can check my pair of 65 Ambo's.
> If their both 11/16" I'll sell him a set!
> if mine are both 5/8" I'm screwed too!
> Hey, are the Ambo bars longer than a Classic?
> Can they be cut down and threaded if they are???

They're forgings, and not straight; they flare at the end to position
the cup washer; newer ones have no flare, and more thread to hold the
front nut. That's the basis for the cant=use-modern-bushings problem.

YOu can't use new rods on old cars because the angle of the tang that
bolts to the lower arm is totally different.

Screwed, I say, screwed. 

PS: Some (few) bushing kits will come with the shim for the skinny rods.
Beer can works too. 

10 and 80 are the same.



--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
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