1981 Spider Rear Spring Perch Failure

[alsgro]

Hello, all.

This is my first post to this board, but I've used it countless times over the past 2 years as I struggle to keep my '81 on the road as my daily driver. I know, it sounds insane, but I live in LA, and it's my only car (aside from the wife's Prius).

Anyway, heard a strange noise coming from the rear suspension the other day, and took everything apart to find this:

http://answerproductions.com/photos/photo1.JPG

I've read through a post about an earlier car, but was wondering if anyone had an idea on how to get this fixed.

Any help greatly appreciated!
-aL

[4uall]

Hey Al, I feel your pain.
Not sure if you saw my recent post with this exact same issue. Yours appears to be in much worse shape than mine was. Still, I believe a good welder/shop should be able to offer some solutions. I was able to locate a completed axle in Quebec, so I am sure there is one closer to you. Good luck and keep us posted

http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... 14&t=20816

[alsgro]

Thanks, 4uall.

I found a new axel housing for $100 here, but then I'd have to switch everything over from my current setup-- axels, diff gears, brake lines, etc... Seems like a ton of work. Did you end up going that route??

[4uall]

Re: Can this spring perch be welded or repaired?

Postby 4uall on Thu Oct 25, 2012 1:28 pm
Looks like the garage is going to be able to fabricate everything Fiona needs and she will be back on the road in no time

Photos to follow of course.
Jay
1980 FI 2000 Spider aka Fiona
ITZEBTZE http://www.flickr.com/photos/itzebtze/
RAN OUT OF SPACE (SEE BELOW)
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4uall

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Re: Can this spring perch be welded or repaired?

Postby 4uall on Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:46 am
Going to pick up Fiona this afternoon with her newly fabricated spring perch

[vandor]

I found a new axel housing for $100 here, but then I'd have to switch everything over from my current setup-- axels, diff gears, brake lines, etc... Seems like a ton of work.

You can't just 'swap' gears - the mesh needs to be set up by a shop. It is a huge PITA, and one needs all kinds of shims to do it.
The earlier axles had a bolt on lower shock mount, see if a shop could weld one of those to your axle.

[alsgro]

Hi, all. Sorry it took so long to post here, but I bought a welder from The Deeps and made my own perch... replaced all four corners with new KYBs, and she's gliding along sweetly now. Thanks everyone for the help!

[4uall]

I was reviewing some of my old posts and I was curious if you had any photos of the progress you had made? Congrats on the resolution

[alsgro]

Hiya! I was so happy to be done with that fix that I just boted everything back together and haven't looked back! Forgot to take any pix... But I gotta do my rear pads soon, so I'll take a few shots during that job and post 'em here.

Word!

[4uall]

Happy for ya. I really need to learn how to weld. Courses take over a year

[burlybryan]

Jay, sometimes local art schools or community colleges will have an evening course that meets once a week for just a semester. A couple of my coworkers took an intro course at Minneapolis Community and Technical College that did a good job of the basics. They both went on to buy setups and can weld very well now. If you're not looking for certification, an intro course and some practice is all you need.

[RRoller123]

It is a skill that I wish I had. Never had a chance to learn.

[alsgro]

I just bought mine at Home Depot, watched hours of YouTube tutorials, and spent a couple days practicing before I went for it. I'm no pro, for sure, but I did test my welds by beating them furiously with a hammer. They held tight.

Somebody backed into my left rear quarter panel, too. I used the insurance check to pay rent and then welded a piece of an old wrench to the dented panel, which I used to pull most of the dent out.... Got it smooth with a little bondo, and now waiting to paint the whole shebang. Welders.... fun times.

[4uall]

Other than time/qualified teachers/instructors my other issue is space Getting a little cramped in the garage during the winter months.