Steve Hoelscher
True Classic
So ever since I first looked at the control arms I said this is wrong. What Im talking about is the huge unclosed gap here ( dont mind the damage, I think this arm was curbed at some point)
View attachment 10507
To me this area, and opposite side, create a scenario which is just begging for twist and distortion under load.
So my plan is to partially close (box) the middle points of the control arms where I imagine there being the most flex with a bit of steel plate. Did fiat intend for this to flex? Seems to me like a bean counters compromise more than anything
I agree. The open channel control arm is prone to flex. Certainly, this was due to being inexpensive and easy to manufacture and not because they wanted the flex. For a standard road car they are plenty strong.
I have welded a plate of similar thickness over the opening to box in the control arm and improve its stiffness. These also incorporated spherical bearings in place of the bushings.