Bent front end

manx Learner Dubber

18 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 25 Jun 2003, 1:23 pm

#60330

hi all,

I recently font out why new cars have crumple zones ... it hurts the driver less!! I hit a tree, with the passenger side front wheel taking the full impact. Then proceded to roll down an embankment. :o

Anyway the result is the front horizontal suspension bars are bent back quite a way. I take it these probably can't be staightened ?? I think but am not sure, that the front end is off a 1300 bug.

What will be easiest and cheapest - trying to replace just the horizontal bars or just get a whole new front end? Are all front ends a similar fit? There is a lot of wear in the existing front end so getting a whole new one in good nick would be an advantage.

Also as it was night time and I was about 70kms from home/ help so I had to drive home dragging the front wheel. All on dirt and gravel roads. This meant that when fan belt came off small stones have gone inside the fan shroud. (when I spin the alternator i can hear them bouncing around inside) What damage is likely to have been caused by stones in the shroud? Do I have to drop the engine out to get the shroud off?

Below is a pic of the bent bars

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manx Learner Dubber

18 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 25 Jun 2003, 1:26 pm

#60332

As you can see not much other damage apart from the wheel and windscreen. Fibreglass is great stuff!!!

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Brad Wolfsburg Elder

3,764 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 25 Jun 2003, 2:16 pm

#60352

Yes you can straighten them but I wouldn't bother. The manx you have had front end braces on it so if it is bent then it will have had one hell of a hit. You are after the ball joint front end torsion tubes, yes they are all the same.

I would also have a good look at your front trailing arms and stub axles they may also have been stuffed by hitting the tree.

You will need to drop the engine to get the shroud off and remove teh rocks. I doubt they would have caused much, if any damage.

Brad
Why copy when you can own an original ?
Meyers Manx Australia

manx Learner Dubber

18 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 26 Jun 2003, 12:28 am

#60554

thanks

Jon