Rear control arms

[Richard McDonel]

My restoration project is now at the rear control arms. They're about to be sandblasted and painted. But they're so light! Does anyone know of any failures of these parts? I can imagine seams and joints separating. I have no intention of racing this car, but I think back to my racing days, and we used to re-weld entire seams of stock frames and control arms.

Any thoughts or experiences to share?

Thanks

[esmit208]

There won't be any difficulties that don't already exist. Be careful not to mushroom the pins that connect the vertical to the horizontal. You can get replacements but try not to damage them when removing or inserting. Use lots of heavy grease when re-inserting. I guess by the fact that you are having them sandblasted you also plan to have them powdercoated. A knowledgeable shop will let you know if you have any structural problems. You're almost there it sounds like.

[Nigel1943]

It took me best part of a year to find good rear control arms for my rally project. Sandblasting will show up any rust holes in yours especially as you come from Alberta. I would recommend at the very minimum you seam weld the spot welded edges. In rally use they have been known to bend at the inner bush end but I don't think you need to worry about this in your case. Oh, and if you do have to change them, use 260z ones which are stronger.

Edited February 3, 2011 by Nigel1943

[gnosez]

I have never done a scientific/research project on the merits of 240 vs 260/280 rear control arms but the 2+2 ones seem to be a bit heavier (never weighed them).

I will ask one of the original crew members of the BSR/Newman team what he thinks next Wednesday when I'm down picking up parts.

I am also unaware of any reported failures on Zs with double or triple the original HP and/or ones that have been raced.

Our 240 race car has seen 7 yrs of hard track usage and the arms are just fine.

[John Coffey]

The 260Z 2+2 and 280Z rear control arms are stronger. A couple rally teams in the UK that run the Safari use sets of 280Z rear LCAs that I send them periodically. They were breaking the 240Z parts. I ran the 280Z arms on my racing 240Z that made 325 hp and ran 275 width Hoosiers. Never had a problem.

[Nigel1943]

Those two rally teams you refer to, strengthen the 260/280 arms further. It is'nt the horse power that kills them it's the rough roads that they have to contend with.