Need input folks. While disassembling the 1973 Mach 1, I discovered on the front passenger side of the suspension, it has be beat up pretty bad. I have purchased everything new to replace the entire suspension when I start to reassemble.
In the front where the strut bushings mount through the hole, there is a ring that surrounds the hole and a piece of it it is missing, approximately 1/2" of material from the ring. Now my questions:
1. Can this be replaced and if so, where do I purchase it?
2. Will cause any harm to turn it so that the missing portion is facing up and continue to to use it as is?
3. What is it called and does anyone have one!
Thanks all in advance for your response.
71/73 all have the same set up . Alot of the cars ended up parts cars in the past or junked . Now we have more people trying to fix these cars . If you are having problems in that area you may want to go ahead and start checking other areas for rust or damage all the way back to the rear of the body for some thing out of place . Just remeber most of these cars were run real hard alot of the time . If you find out that there is other damaged parts . On the front the shock tower will have to be used along with the lower frame work as well . Don at Ohio Mustangs may be able to help you out on the front clip parts used and many new parts also . Let him know you are a member of this site . It is better to play it safe with your life than get in to much of a hurry to drive your car before it is ready to go safely . If you go threw the car before it is done right it could be unsafe to drive anyway . Think first fix what is wrong or have someone who has real worked with the older big mustangs help get it right so it can be driver safely . If you get it to go right besure it will also stop right also . I enjoy seeing more of the older cars brought back to life . C . L . good luck
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The ring is shown with part of it missing on the passenger side. I know Don from Ohio Mustangs I introduced him to this site. Still looking for the answers as to where this piece can be had..
Thanks,
Richard
The crossmember that the lower strut rod goes through is slightly damaged, possibly from the strut bushing being worn out for an extended period of time. It ( the rod) appears to have over-stressed the mounting hole and taken some metal away from the circumference of the hole. The damage does not look bad enough to replace the crossmember. Anyone handy with a welder and die grinder should be able to repair this without too much trouble. At least this is what appears to be the case going by the photos.
Thanks for your input and it will be considered. You are correct by making your statement about abused. The strut bushing was blown out of round on the passenger side as were the shock tower and brace. I have all new parts for the suspension. Never thought of welding and than grinding, great option that can be done by myself.
This is why I come to this list, great options always given.
Richard: signthankspin: