LCA's worth saving??

[Trstno1]

Hey guys-

So, I'm currently rebuilding my front suspension. The LCA's I've taken off appear to have some damage. The question is if they are good enough for cores or can be repaired. The damage I am calling attention to is the bends on the metal tabs that would be closest to the chassis. Let me know what you guys think...


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[Mark D]

Hey guys-

So, I'm currently rebuilding my front suspension. The LCA's I've taken off appear to have some damage. The question is if they are good enough for cores or can be repaired. The damage I am calling attention to is the bends on the metal tabs that would be closest to the chassis. Let me know what you guys think...



Those can be fixed with hammer and dolly pretty easily. I'd definitely save them or find someone who has some metalworking skills to repair them. Or if you're just looking to get rid of them and replace them with aftermarket LCA's I'm sure there is someone out there who'd want to buy them as-is.

[Patrick C]

They are failure prone as it is. Not a part to cheap out on. Upgrade to Heninger's or DMCMW's aluminum ones or DPI's stainless ones.

[Drive Stainless]

There is definitely a market for used LCAs. Everyone needs cheap DeLorean parts from time-to-time.

Having said that, I myself prefer to use the best part whenever possible. Since I prefer and recommend QA1 coil-overs, I would choose an LCA that can either be purchased without the spring cup (DPI SS) or where the spring cup can be easily removed (DMCMW's billet aluminum).

[Trstno1]

They are failure prone as it is. Not a part to cheap out on. Upgrade to Heninger's or DMCMW's aluminum ones or DPI's stainless ones.

I keep hearing about Heninger's parts. What is his website link?

[Trstno1]

There is definitely a market for used LCAs. Everyone needs cheap DeLorean parts from time-to-time.

Having said that, I myself prefer to use the best part whenever possible. Since I prefer and recommend QA1 coil-overs, I would choose an LCA that can either be purchased without the spring cup (DPI SS) or where the spring cup can be easily removed (DMCMW's billet aluminum).

I sure liked the QA1's, but they were a bit out on the price range at the time I stared purchasing parts.

I already purchased new DMC steering rack, Delorean Europe front lowering springs, new spax front shocks, all new hardware, and poly bushings for nearly everything. My wallet is getting a bit thinner. I'm just attempting to make a wise choice on the LCA's and upper A arm refurb that won't break the bank. I would love to save for the absolute best, but I also want to drive the car this up coming season.

I could get refurbished from Hervey, but he's busy with the "move" and doesn't really seem to want the business. Definately not in the mood to work too hard for just another screwed up order...

The billet aluminum LCA's would be awesome but are way out of my price range at $1300 +.

DPI's are nice too, but $1k....ouch. I was really hoping for something a little less. Wishful thinking I guess...

I have am email out to Grady hoping that maybe he could refurbish them. You know, sand blast, welded in support plates, powder coated, and new ball joints. Still waiting to hear back though. I guess the estimates against prices for new will play a big part in my decision on which way to go. I may just bite the bullet.....

I just want the parts to to work on my car! Grrrr.

[MikeWard]

I have am email out to Grady hoping that maybe he could refurbish them. You know, sand blast, welded in support plates, powder coated, and new ball joints. Still waiting to hear back though. I guess the estimates against prices for new will play a big part in my decision on which way to go. I may just bite the bullet....

Always worth asking, see what Rob comes back with. What you are asking is essentially the same thing that DCUK offer as a ready to fit swap out service http://www.deloreanclub.uk/lower-control-arms.html

[Trstno1]

Always worth asking, see what Rob comes back with. What you are asking is essentially the same thing that DCUK offer as a ready to fit swap out service http://www.deloreanclub.uk/lower-control-arms.html

Looks like they are currently out of stock on those. When it says, "price includes 200 pound refundable core deposit", and the asking price is 749.99 pounds, they are actually 549.99 pounds when I send in my cores right?

[Patrick C]

I keep hearing about Heninger's parts. What is his website link?

http://deloreanupgradeparts.com

[Trstno1]

http://deloreanupgradeparts.com

Thank you sir.

[Trstno1]

Man...Heninger is pretty much 1k too, dang! So, here's the question. Who's is better? Heninger's, DPI's, or aluminum billet? Heninger's look more stout, but DPI's sure look pretty. DPI's look a little thin, are they stronger than stock? Any one know of aluminum billet that is about the same price as either Heninger's or DPI's?

looks like DMCMW is a little over $1300 plus shipping and deloreanclub's black ones are essentially $942 after turned in cores.

I suppose I should ask, does anyone have new LCA's they never got around to installing they would like to sell? Looks like I missed the boat on the last pair of Heninger LCA's that were recently sold.:sad30:

[Bitsyncmaster]

UK also shows these aluminum LCAs. Click the photo at bottom of page.

http://www.deloreanclub.uk/lower-control-arms.html

Looks like they also buy back your old LCAs and sometimes the prices over the pond include VAT which is not charged to USA orders.

I sold my old LCAs for a quick sale of $50 but I would guess someone would pay you $100 for the pair.

[DeLoreanGo Arran]

Hi - yes, that refurbished set that was in stock sold today, but there is another set currently being done and on the way in about a week, so you can order here and it will be sent when they are done: http://www.deloreanclub.uk/lower-control-arms.html

However for not (relatively) that much more, I would strongly recommend the new black aluminium arms instead: http://www.deloreanclub.uk/aluminium-lower-control-arms.html - in stock ready to ship now, and a very robust and beautiful product. They will be similar to the other aluminium arms, but anodised in a black finish to improve the appearance and help protect against corrosion and wear.

There are no taxes to pay - the price you see is the price you pay. If you're the person I think you are - are you waiting for some bushes from us?? - then there may be a bit of credit to work out since these are already loaded with (rubber) bushes - and I might be able to help with the shipping price if so.

However in your case, there would probably be no core refund, since - only on the face of the pictures - I don't think either of your arms would qualify I'm afraid - they probably wouldn't suitable for us to rebuild safely, that's not saying someone else might have a go, but we wouldn't be happy reselling them I'm afraid. I could be wrong though - some clearer pictures of the bent bits might help. So read that as approximately $1250 including shipping but fully loaded with bushings and the good UK ball joints, and leaving you free to sell your old arms to someone who wants them, if they aren't suitable for us. Less than that if we already owe you something...?

[Trstno1]

Hi - yes, that refurbished set that was in stock sold today, but there is another set currently being done and on the way in about a week, so you can order here and it will be sent when they are done: http://www.deloreanclub.uk/lower-control-arms.html

However for not (relatively) that much more, I would strongly recommend the new black aluminium arms instead: http://www.deloreanclub.uk/aluminium-lower-control-arms.html - in stock ready to ship now, and a very robust and beautiful product. They will be similar to the other aluminium arms, but anodised in a black finish to improve the appearance and help protect against corrosion and wear.

There are no taxes to pay - the price you see is the price you pay. If you're the person I think you are - are you waiting for some bushes from us?? - then there may be a bit of credit to work out since these are already loaded with (rubber) bushes - and I might be able to help with the shipping price if so.

However in your case, there would probably be no core refund, since - only on the face of the pictures - I don't think either of your arms would qualify I'm afraid - they probably wouldn't suitable for us to rebuild safely, that's not saying someone else might have a go, but we wouldn't be happy reselling them I'm afraid. I could be wrong though - some clearer pictures of the bent bits might help. So read that as approximately $1250 including shipping but fully loaded with bushings and the good UK ball joints, and leaving you free to sell your old arms to someone who wants them, if they aren't suitable for us. Less than that if we already owe you something...?

Yeah I'm the guy waiting for the bushes. I may need to put that credit towards something else you have. Do you guys have those ss rear upper finishers?

[DeLoreanGo Arran]

Yeah I'm the guy waiting for the bushes. I may need to put that credit towards something else you have.

Well if you end up not needing them just let me know and I will refund, I'll check before I send them :)




Do you guys have those ss rear upper finishers?

Not until March, but they come from here: http://www.delorean.eu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=168046 - Ed will have one in stock - just bear in mind it is a long item, there are cheaper things to ship, although it probably isn't too bad.

[Trstno1]

ok guys -

So I have emails out looking to see if my LCA's are rebuildable. If not what is everyone's thoughts between Heniger's lca's and DPI's lca's? which one is better?

[MikeWard]

what is everyone's thoughts between Heniger's lca's
I would suggest reading this thread: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14303-Warning-Heninger-amp-Associates-Lower-Ball-Joint-Failure

Also note, this post: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14303-Warning-Heninger-amp-Associates-Lower-Ball-Joint-Failure&p=206948&viewfull=1#post206948
And then this subsequent thread:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14440-Byrne-Heninger-Lower-Control-Arms-with-Ball-Joints-amp-Bushings

Draw your own conclusions but it should tell you all you need to know.

Personally I would put a little more money aside and go with either the solid ally arms, via DMCMW (not sure of price for fully loaded arms), or DCUK which come fully loaded ready to fit http://www.deloreanclub.uk/aluminium-lower-control-arms.html (approx $1185 plus shipping) - or the DPI arms.

[Mark D]

If you're set on aftermarket replacements you should be able to sell what you've got to help offset some of the cost. If you spend a little money on your original arms to have them straightened out and painted you may be able to make a good dent in that 1k+ cost for the aftermarket arms.

[dn010]

I purchased DPI stainless LCAs through Rob Grady a few years ago now. My original arms are the LCAs on the right and middle. Having had a ball joint fail on me and knowing how flimsy the originals are - and I know, some will argue that the original arms lasted 30+ years and only need inspection and majority of the fleet is still running them etc etc - it is comforting knowing I have upgraded arms despite the price. I felt the condition of the original arms, pictured, was far too gone to clean up and reinstall especially while traveling highways to work. Whether it is DPI or DMCNW, I'd suggest replacement over originals either way. Pictured below this, is a picture of my current SS LCAs, although the picture is a little old.
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48725&d=1485805284
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48726&d=1485805666

[Drive Stainless]

I purchased DPI stainless LCAs through Rob Grady a few years ago now. My original arms are the LCAs on the right and middle. Having had a ball joint fail on me and knowing how flimsy the originals are - and I know, some will argue that the original arms lasted 30+ years and only need inspection and majority of the fleet is still running them etc etc - it is comforting knowing I have upgraded arms despite the price. I felt the condition of the original arms, pictured, was far too gone to clean up and reinstall especially while traveling highways to work. Whether it is DPI or DMCNW, I'd suggest replacement over originals either way. Pictured below this, is a picture of my current SS LCAs, although the picture is a little old.



Those are some flashy UCAs! :)

[Trstno1]

Alright guys -

Word on the street is that my lca's are a bit rough but are rebuildable. Unfortunatley unless I want to go through Hervey it just wouldn't be cost effective to do so. So... I think I will be going new. I have narrowed my choices to the black Aluminum ones from deloreanclub.uk or the SS ones from DPI. What is everyone's opinions on those choices? They are both gorgeous. They both are engineered more stout than stock. what about warranty? black aluminum ones have a 12 month, where the SS one's have no warranty. hmmmm.....


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[Delorean Industries]

Life time on ours for welds etc. this doesn't cover physical damage. I.e. Towing improperly or hitting something.

[Trstno1]

I purchased DPI stainless LCAs through Rob Grady a few years ago now. My original arms are the LCAs on the right and middle. Having had a ball joint fail on me and knowing how flimsy the originals are - and I know, some will argue that the original arms lasted 30+ years and only need inspection and majority of the fleet is still running them etc etc - it is comforting knowing I have upgraded arms despite the price. I felt the condition of the original arms, pictured, was far too gone to clean up and reinstall especially while traveling highways to work. Whether it is DPI or DMCNW, I'd suggest replacement over originals either way. Pictured below this, is a picture of my current SS LCAs, although the picture is a little old.
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48725&d=1485805284
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48726&d=1485805666

Is that dirt or rust starting in on the ss LCA's?

[Trstno1]

Life time on ours for welds etc. this doesn't cover physical damage. I.e. Towing improperly or hitting something.

Thanks for the reply Josh!

[John P]

I spent alot of time considering what LCAs to use on #905 when I refurbished the front suspension. I eventually purchased the heavier steel LCAs from DeLorean eu. They are made of thicker steel than the originals and boxed for strength too. They are called "Lower link, new production" and them come with ball joints and bushings installed. With the exchange rate they cost less than I was expecting and shipping was very fast. I would highly recommend these. See the pictures of the original next to the new production

[dn010]

Is that dirt or rust starting in on the ss LCA's?

Neither. It's discoloration from the welds where the stainless got hot.


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