Manta lower a-arm bushings

[RallyBob]

I thought this photo might interest some of you. This is pretty much how EVERY Manta/Ascona lower a-arm bushing has looked like that I've seen over the past 10 years or so. These cars ain't getting any younger.....

Bob

[RallyBob]

Another common failure I've been seeing more and more of is this: Cracks around the bolt holding the 'L-shaped' trailing arms to the front crossmember. Same bolt that holds the lower a-arm in place. Seems to crack right around the washer area. It used to be a rare occurance for me to see this about 15 years ago, but these days 3 out of 4 cars I strip down have this ailment. I weld it on both sides, grind it down, then weld a large washer on the inside of the arm for reinforcement. You guys in the 'rust-free' zones don't know how good you have it......

Bob

[RallyBob]

New Delrin AF (Delrin with teflon) control arm bushings. Deflection is not an issue anymore! These were custom made with smooth ID/OD inner sleeves to reduce friction during rotation. The standard inner sleeves made from rolled sheet steel are abrasive on aftermarket bushings.

Bob

[RallyBob]

And all those nasty rusty parts shown above have been sandblasted, and all cracks welded up. Next step is POR-15 rust preventative paint, then re-assembly with all new bushings, ball joints, springs, shocks, etc.

Bob