Rusted suspension parts (Page 2/3)
naughtrick OCT 15, 07:17 PM
I had no intentions of lowering the car, but while disassembling I did discover one of my springs broke near the top.
It doesnt look like anyone sells stock springs anymore, so I wonder if l could cut off the same amount from the other spring and reuse them.
Patrick OCT 15, 07:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by naughtrick:

It doesnt look like anyone sells stock springs anymore, so I wonder if l could cut off the same amount from the other spring and reuse them.



When a spring breaks due to being corroded, you've got to wonder what the rest of the spring, as well as the other three, are like.
Raydar OCT 15, 07:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by naughtrick:

I had no intentions of lowering the car, but while disassembling I did discover one of my springs broke near the top.
It doesnt look like anyone sells stock springs anymore, so I wonder if l could cut off the same amount from the other spring and reuse them.



I have an 88 and have cut one coil from each of the front springs. You can do the same with an earlier car, but any more than that, you should cut the bump stops down, too. (I don't know how that could be accomplished without welding, but it needs to be mentioned, anyway.)
Cut your spring with a cutoff wheel. Do not use a torch. The heat will take the temper out of the spring and it will collapse.

If you prefer, you can post an ad in the mall, looking for stock front springs. Lots of people here part out cars on a regular basis.
pmbrunelle OCT 15, 08:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

When a spring breaks due to being corroded, you've got to wonder what the rest of the spring, as well as the other three, are like.



Usually the ends of springs are more rusty than the middle section, as the paint wears off the ends due to contact with the perches. The middle section is normally just hanging out in the breeze. Also there's more chance for wet dirt to collect around the ends.

OP needs to inspect the rest of the spring, and determine if after amputating the bad end, he will be left with a not-overtly-rusty spring.

Also, cut the broken spring squarely, so you're not left with the jagged break.


quote
Originally posted by naughtrick:We had to weld nuts onto the rusted bolts to remove them,




quote
Originally posted by Raydar:
you should cut the bump stops down, too. (I don't know how that could be accomplished without welding, but it needs to be mentioned, anyway.)



Sounds like OP has a welder, or has a friend who can weld.

Wait, what? Friends The government won't let me see any of those for a while...
naughtrick OCT 15, 09:43 PM
All the springs look solid to me. That broken chunk came from the worst rust area on the car. Thanks for the advice guys, I'll keep an eye out for new springs while I'm getting parts sandblasted. If no success, I'll reuse mine, after cutting them properly.
Shho13 OCT 17, 10:57 AM
+1 CUT THE SPRING ON OTHER SIDE!

Fieros always look better slightly lowered, fate says to do it haha!

------------------
"Discord"
Red 1988 GT under restoration!

Let's Go Mets!

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Spadesluck OCT 17, 11:59 AM
I would be looking really hard all over the car for possible additional rust. That is pretty significant in just one spot. I would even go so far as to remove that whole front crossmember to clean it up and treat it for rust prevention.

[This message has been edited by Spadesluck (edited 10-17-2020).]

naughtrick OCT 18, 03:37 PM
Shho13, I'm probably going that way, since I can't seem to find replacement springs.
Spadesluck, the crossmember is off, and heading to the sandblaster tomorrow with surface rust only. I've inspected the rest of the car, and only found surface rust.
Thanks for the suggestions...
pmbrunelle OCT 18, 06:06 PM
When you have an old car, you don't look a couple of days for a part on Rockauto or wherever and conclude :


quote
Originally posted by naughtrick:
I can't seem to find replacement springs.



Keeping a Fiero on the road with minimal downtime involves hoarding spare parts in advance, ideally a parts car, and a network of other parts hoarders on speed-dial.

Sometimes I've been able to complete a repair thanks to some spare part I've been hoarding for 5+ years...

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 10-18-2020).]

naughtrick OCT 19, 03:34 PM
I agree PM. My last project was a 1966 Beetle, so I'm not completely new to this. I have a garage full of VW parts I need to get rid of now.
I've only owned this car for a few months, so I haven't had time to build up an inventory, but I'm working on it...