Author Topic: Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?  (Read 3454 times)

smash

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Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?
« on: October 08, 2012, 08:39:14 AM »
OK, so after the "wanting to lower the car phase" and feedback, my mates and I had a look at the clearance on the inner arches at the front and discovered the tyres rub on both the front and back of the inner arch on lock. The front section of the inner arch isn't really a problem because there's nothing substantial behind the plastic arch but the back is rubbing against the steel body tub.

It looks alike a little patch has been welded on on both sides exactly where the rubbing is which I can only guess means it's worn through before. The contact point is very close to a seam but I reckon a bit of "gentle persuasion" with a ball peen hammer could give enough clearance to stop the issue. Also interesting that the back part of the offside front inner arch is missing and I discovered it in the boot - guess the tyre ripped it off on full lock and it was picked up and dumped in the boot?

Any thoughts about my hammer mods? Anyone done it? Any reason why I shouldn't (safety/MOT and all that?)

AIG1355

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Re: Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2012, 01:23:24 PM »
Mine rubs at the moment but I am due to take it in to get the inner arch knocked back. I'm taking it in rather than do it myself is the guys are Toyota specialists and own a bodyshop so hopefully it will be a neat job rather than look like someone has taken a club hammer to the car.

I believe an alternative is to restrict the steering lock but I think I read somewhere that that may now be an issue when it comes to MOT.

In the past my friendly MOT tester had turned a blind eye to the rubbing as its only on full lock but I want it sorting as its a pain doing 10 point turns.

smash

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Re: Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2012, 03:17:21 PM »
I know what you mean but , I'm not too bothered what it ends up looking like as I'll spray black hammerite over it then it'll be covered by the plastic arch liner anyway  :)

Drew355

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Re: Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2012, 04:11:09 PM »
How did you go on with this? I hammered mine back. The amounts of clearance & how little movement you get when hammering (and mine was a big hammer!) means that you probably dont want to put the liner back in that area. As long as it is smooth it shouldnt be a problem as you are only ever going to have full lock on at very low speeds. If it becomes a big problem at mot time, i didnt suggest it, but you just use the donor car wheels.  :o This is what I have had to do with my 308 and picky mot testers in the past.

If yours has already been welded in that area then I would say it is someone trying to gain more clearance rather than wearing through, so not sure how much more you will gain. If it is the same as mine, the bit you need to gain the movement on is right where the structure comes in behind the metal so take care if doing any more cutting.

smash

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Re: Reshaping steel tub part of inner arches?
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2012, 05:01:49 PM »
Hello! Afraid I've done nothing...my other toy hasn't sold and might have to come back to me. I need it gone to release cash to move the Ferrota forward.

Interesting idea not to put the inner arches back in - makes sense I suppose  :)

 

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