Tweet
In this thread on page 8, Tom suggests an "extension block" for gaining more rear strut perch clearance:
I went out and looked at one and began thinking. My initial thoughts are in that thread.
Then I thought of this idea, but my posting time had run out. So here I am with a new thread on it, which is probably better. I give TominMO the credit for the basic idea though. I hadn't thought of this before now.
Okay, I think I have a better idea than an extender block:
1. Buy new rear struts of the type you want.
2. Obtain a pair of new lower strut mount "circles" with the rubber isolators and proper sleeve dimensions for a Festiva/Aspire lower strut mount bolt.
3. Clean off all paint and dirt and then weld the new "circles" onto the bottom of the new struts. Thus, the struts get the "extension" part instead of the axle. Welding should not be a problem since the heat will be mostly away from the gas charged strut body. For extra strength, now weld two short pieces of metal onto each side for further reinforcement. You're essentially welding a new "circle" onto the existing strut "circle" already in place.
4. Paint to cover bare metal and install, using anti-seize compound for easier removal in future.
Yes, you'll have to redo this when you get new struts, but it will weigh less and have the rigidity and location problems solved immediately, with less work. We may be able to use old rear strut bottoms to fabricate this part, too, reducing expenses and some fabrication as well.
One variation would be to cut off maybe half of the existing strut "circle" and so you will be welding the new one on closer to the strut, for a little less spacing. This could be a more rigid method, too, and use less welding.
What do you all think?
Karl
I went out and looked at one and began thinking. My initial thoughts are in that thread.
Then I thought of this idea, but my posting time had run out. So here I am with a new thread on it, which is probably better. I give TominMO the credit for the basic idea though. I hadn't thought of this before now.
Okay, I think I have a better idea than an extender block:
1. Buy new rear struts of the type you want.
2. Obtain a pair of new lower strut mount "circles" with the rubber isolators and proper sleeve dimensions for a Festiva/Aspire lower strut mount bolt.
3. Clean off all paint and dirt and then weld the new "circles" onto the bottom of the new struts. Thus, the struts get the "extension" part instead of the axle. Welding should not be a problem since the heat will be mostly away from the gas charged strut body. For extra strength, now weld two short pieces of metal onto each side for further reinforcement. You're essentially welding a new "circle" onto the existing strut "circle" already in place.
4. Paint to cover bare metal and install, using anti-seize compound for easier removal in future.
Yes, you'll have to redo this when you get new struts, but it will weigh less and have the rigidity and location problems solved immediately, with less work. We may be able to use old rear strut bottoms to fabricate this part, too, reducing expenses and some fabrication as well.
One variation would be to cut off maybe half of the existing strut "circle" and so you will be welding the new one on closer to the strut, for a little less spacing. This could be a more rigid method, too, and use less welding.
What do you all think?
Karl
Comment