Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

Hey,

Sorry if I missed this in the search, but is it possible to change the lower control arms on a convertible? I was about to remove mine, when I realized the bolt would not clear the convertible bracing. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
CJ

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

As the bolt comes out, you should be able to angle it slightly downward and clear the bracing. I think. I don't own and have not worked on a vert.

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

It doesnt seem that simple. With the bracing and the bolt length, there's no room to get it out. I'm hoping to hear from someone who has done it, and how. Thanks for the input though.

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

I changed them on my '89 convertible; replaced with UMI's, I believe. The inside of my factory braces had holes pre-drilled in that location. Removed the nut on the inside of the control arm, pushed the bolt outward, far enough into that hole so that it came out of the mounting, and I could remove via the bottom. Perhaps the design was different on your '86?

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

Yep, I have one of the handful of '86 cars built. I just happened to find a set of Lakewood lower control arms and adjustable panhard bar at my local junk yard. I want to use the set, but may be out of luck other than the bar.

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

Here is a lousy picture I just went and took. You can see the control arm at the top (complete with freshly greased fitting), and the hole that the bolt backs into.

It's a bummer if you cant use the Lakewoods. LCA's are great. My car is mostly stock, but there are a few things that I just had to upgrade, and the control arms were on the short list.

...edit to add picture. duh.

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

Wow, that's awesome. I'll have to figure something out, I'd love to use my bars :-(

Thanks for the photo, it gives me something to go on.

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

Got it done today with my dremel tool. I ended up cutting a small square on each side, which worked out perfect. The LCA's are tucked in nicely

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

Good deal. I've had third gens for 23 years, the biggest difference I see with the LCA's is the wheel hop. Even with stock engines. Without them, the whole rear of the car starts shaking after about a second of wheel spin. With them, I can spin my wheels for hundreds of yards with no issues. Burnouts are such a juvenile waste, but damn, even for an old guy, they are so much fun.

I put in a set of Alston Racing subframe connectors on my convertible a few weeks back. My wife was the first to comment "wow, what a difference". She doesn't even know what a subframe is, but she certainly could tell the difference after I had them installed. Highly recommended.

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

It's been an interesting week so far. I took the week off to refinish the suspension, and so far I have only done the rear section. I power washed the rear, and cleaned and painted everything. I did new shocks and lowering springs as well. While everything was apart, I took the gas tank out to try and solve the gauge being stuck on full. I took the sending unit out an rotated the float back and forth while shooting a small bit of PB Blast in the small hole. I probably did this 100 times, and it worked! I almost didnt try to figure out the LCA issue since I only paid 35.00 for the arms and the panhard bar TOTAL! but once I looked at the fresh paint and detail of everything else, I HAD to figure it out! Im pleased with the results at this point, as im working my way forward, I hope it get easier.. At least until I get to yanking the motor to do a pan gasket and freshen up the engine bay. Then finally paint!

Thanks again for the pics, it really helped get my mind going in the right direction. I may start a blog at some point, the car IS on the way to its former glory! It's car #90 of the cars built in '86

Vertigo107

iTrader: (3)

By the way, I see youre on the Eastern Shore. My father in law lives in Cambridge, and Im up there from time to time. Great area!

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

For the first 34 years of my life, I lived within 10 miles of Cambridge. I'm closer to Denton now; a little further north.