rob75383

I had lost a front sway bar bolt on the driver's side.
I bought a new set of bolts w/ urethane bushings.
I tightened the bolts all the way, and took them for a test ride.
I made a roundabout 5 minute lap around the neighborhood, making turns to see the reaction.
I went home, got under the car to loosen the bolts for the next test ride.

I then saw the inside bushing on the drivers side, the one that mounts to the framerail, was cockeyed :skep:
The sway bar obviously was under too much tension, and now I've bent the end of the framerail! :cry

What can I do? The bushing is still crooked, 'cause I don't know if I should just bend the frame back, or have it reinforced and welded first.

wombvette

I dont quite understand what you think happened. The sway bar should be in no tension to speak of except when one or the other control arms is moved. That would be when you hit a bump or are in a hard turn.

rob75383

I wish I had a pic to post right now, I'll take one after my shift is done...
I installed the bolts waaay too tight, then took it for a test ride, taking quick turns, etc.
When I got back to adjust them, I saw that I had bent the frame.

gkull

I haven't heard from you in so long that i thought that you had crooked! :p:

I'd have to go look at mine to see how they are hooked up too see what you talking about. But just off the top of my head to bend the mounting point you would have had to tighten the main sway to the point where it couldn't rotate within the bushing.

Mine have the spring end links so small wheel movement does do anthing and then when compessed the wholw 1.1/8th comes into play. There should be no binding.

NHvette

Sounds like the front of your frame may be bent, but no way did the sway bar do it. That bar would twist like licorice before the frame gives way - assuming that the frame isn't all rotted out.
:seeya

virtue4u

I agree that you did not bend the frame with the sway bar. If it is bothering your driving, it probably can be straightened. If you think the sway bar bent the frame, then you better start looking for cracks. If you find a crack, don't panic. Those can be fixed as well with a MIG welder. Be VERY CAREFUL about gasoline and welding sparks.


[Modified by virtue4u, 6:02 AM 2/9/2003]

Paul L

Is this the area that is bent?

rob75383

Yes!
paul79, you've got it!
it was the driver's side mount though.

rob75383

gkull
I might be a lil' crooked, but I sure havn't croaked. :p:

Got laid off last Jan. Unemployment. Job hunting. Funds for car disappeared. Moved. Girlfriend. Etc. etc.
Had so much going on in my life, I didn't have time for ME.

So I guess that makes me a "fair-weather" forum member. But I guess that sometimes I'm just lurking and not contributing.

WashingtonRacer

Hmm.. well pull it apart, pound that sucker straight again and weld some 90 degree brackets on the top side. I found my drivers side mount "same place as you, pulled the inside mounting bolt right out and stripped the threads. With the body off, I have come across some other issues. looking at the front the 2 points where the front extension "80 vett" they both have a very slight lean towards the drivers side. It just does not look right. Sooo it's time for me to measure out the frame specs and see where it is bent. I hope it's just the front extensions. If's it worse, I am going to start another route. "TUBULAR BABY. I found a company in vet mag that has a add for 60 to 70's vetts for tubuar chassis with 80's suspension setups for 4k. Now I don't know whats the difference between the years. either way I am going to find my options.