fitting torsion bar into A-arm Options

[givory]

Just found/joined this group and can tell this will be a frequent watering hole for me. Looks really good.

I'm on my first 914, a '70 2L six vintage racer in Toronto, with VARAC [our local vintagerace group].

I'm snagged on a problem right now: i just replaced one bent A-arm [early 911] with what looked a good part, but CANNOT get the torsion bar to slide into the blind end of the new A-arm. The T-bar is in good shape, and I can "feel" the splines trying to line-up. I've slathered everything in grease. I worry about damaging the A-arm splines by using force. If a little tap is OK, how about a bigger "tap"? Are there any tricks, or do I go back to the seller of the A-arm.

Thanks,
Gavin Ivory

[Mueller]

Hopefully they didn't give you a 914-4 a-arm...if so, the torsion bar will never fit (unless JP works on it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) )

You need an early 911 or 914-[B]6[B] a-arm......if you already have that, then you might have to pop off the cap on the end of the a-arm to inspect the splines and possible "chase" the splines with the torsion bar from the outside.

Mike

[Brad Roberts]

Thanks Mike. Soon you guy's wont even need me..LOL


Kickass *another* vintage 914 racer.

B

[givory]

Removable end cap?! I had no idea that thing comes off. What a dope. I'll wrestle with that tomorrow. Otherwise, it's straight back to the seller.
Thanks for the guidance, Mike.
Gavin

[Brad Roberts]

Your going to find that they sold you a 4cyl control arm. They all look the same, but have different splines in the end of them.

If you pulled a torsion bar out of it... there is nothing wrong with the splines (somebody pulled one out)

Finding a early 911 control arm (or 9146) may prove to be difficult.

B

so, how can i tell if I have a 911 or a 914 from A arm? I have the 911 brake setup on the car for sure. Just wondering. Previous owner didn't specify.

[Mueller]

I found out that the end cap will fly off of the end when the torsion bar is "kissed" with a hammer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (doing my best JP imitation)

To be honest with you, i never tried to replace the cap once it flew off and I couldn't find it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
(since I couldn't find it I ended up using another set of A-arms)

It easy to remove if you have the right splined torsion bar, without the correct torsion bar, you'd have to find as they say "a suitable drift"

A easy method for checking the a-arm is to find a /4 torsion bar. I have one I'd give you for the price of shipping, but I'm sure you can find one locally.

If you do pop the cap, make sure you don't loose it and also, make sure that it fits back into the end of the a-arm with a tight fit. I couldn't imagine the torsion bar working it's way out of the a-arm in the front, but odder things have happened.

Mike Mueller

[Brad Roberts]

Terrance,

I personally cant tell from the outside. I find out when I try to put a larger torsion bar into splines that I think are screwed up... when it doesnt go (and I know what bars I have) then.....

You should be able to measure the current torsion bar and compare it with a factory 914 4 bar. The larger would be 911.

B

Hmm, If I'm not lazy, I'll check it this week. Gotta do the job hunting thing. I need to save up for the SCCA school.

[J P Stein]

Hmm, If I'm not lazy, I'll check it this week.  Gotta do the job hunting thing.  I need to save up for the SCCA school.

Now that's a bitch.
Maybe you picked the wrong sport. Racin' is expensive.

I was an unemployed golf bum for bout 6 months.....when my back was still flexible......a *few* years ago. Green fees are cheep. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Brad Roberts]

Nah.. come on JP.

The tires for my tube car are ONLY 480$ apiece and last one weekend and a warmup.

B

[J P Stein]

Cheep at half the price.