Date:         Fri, 28 Jun 2013 05:35:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Upper Control arm compatibility
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

        Craig, you do not need a press to R&R those bushings.  The cost of new bushings is low, I have them for $19.50 for a set of two which does one control arm, you need two sets.  I'm sure you can get them at a similar price close to you.  You just need to grind the spot weld and pound them out with a big hammer, pound in the new ones and spot weld as they were, easy peasy.  Whatever route you take you will need an alignment so that's gonna cost the big bucks.  AND, the more I think about it, you probably do not need new bushings or control arms, you just need to remove that big long bolt and clean up the rust on it and the adjustment pates at either end, lube/anti-sieze well and put it all back together and all will be fine except you still need an alignment as the big bolt and the adjustment plates control the camber.


On 2013-06-27, at 3:22 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:

> I found mine won't budge. Seized solid unless I loosten the bolt a bunch. Th=
> us I need upper control arm bushings, which aren't in the dwindled/depleted b=
> udget for the winter beater bus. Even if I could afford them, I don't know a=
> nyone around here with a press.=20
> So, I have an opportunity to buy some in good shape that should be a simple s=
> wap over and it looks like that's the route I'm going to go.=20
> Used ball joints as well.=20
> : /
> 
> I got into prettying this bus up and so far have replaced 10 seperate pieces=
> of metal and spent hundreds on supplies, metal, etc. it was supposed to be a=
> two day job and now I'm 65 hours in and out of funds. I've got the body alm=
> ost done and its going to be sick, but finding a bunch of stuff bad on the s=
> uspension was unpleasant and unwarranted.=20



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2013