How I fitted my dropped spindles

[Bas / NZ]

Ok, will have to use that saying too, unless I do something wrong, then it would be 1 step backwards..

[BeerBeddy]

Hi Gordon. With all that 'massaging' and welding of the control arms to fit the new HQ ball joints, will you need to have the arms X-rayed or at least signed off by an engineer?

Having done my share of roadworthy inspections on vehicles in this country (at least the Victorian part of it) there is no way an inspector could or at least should pass the control arms with them having been welded. The standards mention that no part of any steering or suspension component may be machined, heated or welded or modified in any way that could alter the structural integrity of that component without an engineering report stating the component meets structural requirements.

I'm guessing things are a bit easier to do in NZ and you have yet to be caught up in all the bullshit that we have. Make the most of it while you can.

Cheers

Beerbeddy

[BusyKiwi]

NZ is as tough, especially with the latest aftermarket steering column failing. Anything to do with the steering thats had heat has to be x-rayed

[Gordon]

Hi Beerbeddy, Yep, we have to go through the same process here. I consulted my certifier before embarking on the exercise and he is across the work being done. There is no way that I am putting my safety or the safety of other road users in jeopardy with dodgy workmanship or un certified modifications.

[BeerBeddy]

Oh well I'm sorry to hear the fun police have caught up to you guys in NZ as well.

I didn't think for a moment that you would do anything shoddy and risk the lives of yourself and others, neither would I. I just wondered if the law makers over there didn't believe you like they don't here. Mind you, there are some that don't intend to do crappy work but are incapable of doing otherwise. I guess thats what the laws are there for.

Have fun.

Beerbeddy

[vintageholden]

what did the kit end up costing.....

[Gordon]

Hi Vintage, its a pretty expensive exercise. Just over Aus $1000 including shipping to NZ. I didn't pay Aus GST but had to pay NZ GST and some minor import costs that all added up to another NZ $200. On top of that I've got the fabrication costs. Due to the nature of the work I've got a certified structural welder doing the welding.

[vintageholden]

hope its worth it.....
what about the jag front people were talking about fitting.......was it merlin??

[Gordon]

When I first started investigating I discussed a number of options with some old school rodders including going down the  Mitsi L300 or Mustang aftermarket route. The load requirements and track width of a Beddie result in a great deal of fabrication which is costly if you are getting the right caliber of person involved in doing it for you, so I ruled them out. I'm not saying that they can't be done, but at the end of the day on the advice of my Cert Engineer I went down the stub axle path.

[Gordon]

Dropped off my lower suspension arms at the engineers in order to have the new ball joint seats TIG welded into position. Hope to get them back towards the end of next week. Next step will be x-rays to make sure that the welding is 100%. I'll then drop off the x-rays and report with my Certification Engineer to make sure that he is happy before I go any further. Hope to post an update to this thread this time next week.