Need some help

moods · 9/19/12, 11:43 PM

We need some help. We are looking for some rear torsion arms for our 2003 Stealth. Managed to break both right and left a few weeks ago and the only left rear arm we can find is offset a bit too much (see pics).

This is our first year racing and for our team name we originally were trying to decide between Low Budget Racing, or No Budget Racing...but figured those were already taken, so we ended up with Moody Family Racing. We have meet some great people and had a lot of help as they tried to help us recover from my screw-ups on the track.

I know someone has a handful of these sitting on a shelf somewhere that will probably never be used, and it will make a big difference to us. I'll even promise not to shake my fist at you when you lap me, but make no promises if you do it twice. ;-)

Thanks,
Michael
Moody Family Racing
24x

zeromotorsports · 9/20/12, 7:26 AM

Just add a spacer in side the birdcage. Then resquare you rear end to your motor plate

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TQ29m · 9/20/12, 2:59 PM

You could also just re-do the one you have, if you have access to a press, you'll have to heat it, I use a propane torch, just put something like a small piece of aluminum between the press arbor, and the arm, so it won't skin it up, and warm it up, I usually start pressing when either end gets good and warm to the touch, then go slowly, and straighten both bends a little at a time, til it aligns closer to the middle, I'd say if you mark the arbor, and move down about a half inch on each bend, you'll be awfully close, just remember, it doesn't have to be red hot to bend, had a guy do that one time, and this guy had an engineering degree! Bob

kcarm92 · 9/20/12, 3:07 PM

might have what your looking for we will be at paragon play /swap meet day with parts for sale

moods · 9/24/12, 9:26 PM

Thank you for the suggestions. We haven't moved the birdcage out further because it is affecting the shock angle already. And before I start whacking on the one I have I'd prefer to have a spare (not that I'm saying I'll screw it up, but I'll probably screw it up. I'm just saying.)

Planning on being at Paragon Sunday and hope to find what we need.

Regards,
Michael

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JThistle · 9/27/12, 2:09 PM

I have fixed lots of arms like that. I have 2 of those concrete foundation squarish type things that a 4x4 sets on out in the yard. I just lay the arm across them and hit it with a sledgehammer. Only hit the arm 1 time and check it. It will bend about 1/4th inch with each hit. Also tighten the pinch bolt when you check it because it will move when you tighten it. Don't worry about the dent or scuffs. That arm will be junk after a good wreck anyways.

TQ29m · 9/27/12, 3:27 PM

If your afraid of hurting it, send it to me, and I'll do it, looks like it needs to move South about 3/4 of an inch. Bob

moods · 9/27/12, 9:25 PM

Thanks JThistle, I don't have much experience working with aluminum and wasn't sure just how much "straightening" they would take. When we broke both the left and right a few weeks back we snapped an end of the pinch bolt on each one. No straightneing necessary, Argh!

Bob, appreciate the offer. Would love to see your shop sometime and talk racing.

Michael

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9/20/12, 2:59 PM	#3 Re: Need some help - rear torsion arms
TQ29m Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,440	You could also just re-do the one you have, if you have access to a press, you'll have to heat it, I use a propane torch, just put something like a small piece of aluminum between the press arbor, and the arm, so it won't skin it up, and warm it up, I usually start pressing when either end gets good and warm to the touch, then go slowly, and straighten both bends a little at a time, til it aligns closer to the middle, I'd say if you mark the arbor, and move down about a half inch on each bend, you'll be awfully close, just remember, it doesn't have to be red hot to bend, had a guy do that one time, and this guy had an engineering degree! Bob __________________ "Being old, isn't half as much fun, as getting there"! Ole Robert I!

9/27/12, 3:27 PM	#7 Re: Need some help - rear torsion arms
TQ29m Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,440	If your afraid of hurting it, send it to me, and I'll do it, looks like it needs to move South about 3/4 of an inch. Bob __________________ "Being old, isn't half as much fun, as getting there"! Ole Robert I!

9/20/12, 7:26 AM	#2
zeromotorsports Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 634	Just add a spacer in side the birdcage. Then resquare you rear end to your motor plate Posted via Mobile Device

9/20/12, 3:07 PM	#4 Re: Need some help - rear torsion arms
kcarm92 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,241	might have what your looking for we will be at paragon play /swap meet day with parts for sale

9/24/12, 9:26 PM	#5
moods Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 40	Thank you for the suggestions. We haven't moved the birdcage out further because it is affecting the shock angle already. And before I start whacking on the one I have I'd prefer to have a spare (not that I'm saying I'll screw it up, but I'll probably screw it up. I'm just saying.) Planning on being at Paragon Sunday and hope to find what we need. Regards, Michael Posted via Mobile Device

9/27/12, 2:09 PM	#6 Re: Need some help - rear torsion arms
JThistle Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	I have fixed lots of arms like that. I have 2 of those concrete foundation squarish type things that a 4x4 sets on out in the yard. I just lay the arm across them and hit it with a sledgehammer. Only hit the arm 1 time and check it. It will bend about 1/4th inch with each hit. Also tighten the pinch bolt when you check it because it will move when you tighten it. Don't worry about the dent or scuffs. That arm will be junk after a good wreck anyways.

9/27/12, 9:25 PM	#8
moods Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 40	Thanks JThistle, I don't have much experience working with aluminum and wasn't sure just how much "straightening" they would take. When we broke both the left and right a few weeks back we snapped an end of the pinch bolt on each one. No straightneing necessary, Argh! Bob, appreciate the offer. Would love to see your shop sometime and talk racing. Michael Posted via Mobile Device