QA1 Coilover Conversion/LCA ???'s

[NvrDun71]

I purchased the GMP14 QA1 coilover conversion for my 71' Nova and am wondering if I now need a coilover specific tubular LCA.

I have been told by several trusted sources that it is a good idea to upgrade to a tubular coilover LCA when I do the swap as to not have the entire weight of the car on the two lower bolts. However I was told by QA1 that it is not necessary?

Any opinions on this and or can somebody please set the story straight for me as I would prefer just to upgrade my LCA bushings and not have to drop the extra coin unnecessarily on new coilover LCA's.

[baz67]

Your friend is correct in that all of the front end weight will now be on the shock bolts. As long as you beef up your stock LCA you should be fine.

[NvrDun71]

Your friend is correct in that all of the front end weight will now be on the shock bolts. As long as you beef up your stock LCA you should be fine.

In what ways can I beef it up the stock LCA?

[Kenova]

In what ways can I beef it up the stock LCA?

Take a look at your control arm with the spring removed. You will notice that the area where the shock is bolted on is round with a hole in the middle for the shock. Cut a piece of steel (1/16 to 1/8 should do) approximately the same size and shape. If you can, tack weld it place on the top side of the control arm. The shock bolts will also help hold it in place. This will help to evenly distribute the load over the mounting point.
Ken

[NvrDun71]

Thanks for the tip man, that sounds easy enough. Is this what most people do in an effort to run a coilover in a stock LCA?

Any other opinions on this?

[baz67]

Yes, for the QA1 kit that is what should be done and I would go with the .125 plate

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

I went with a Global West setup for my 67 Bird. Basically the same as your Nova. I have both upper and lower tubular arms with QA1 coil overs. Haven't installed them yet but look like sweet pieces.

[NvrDun71]

Anyone have any pics of a modified stock LCA to run coilovers?

[Colin Frolick]

here's a pic of the lower arm on my Tempest. i cut the plate to fit in the spring pocket and sit on top of the shock mount, then welded it in. then i cut the hole for the shock and drilled the bolt holes.

[Colin Frolick]

i'm wondering though... i've seen how some people reinforce at the tip of the arm, around the ball joint, and not necessarily for coil-over use. is this also recommended?

[gearbanger]

That is a slick job Colin, yes I think that if you are going to burn corners with your car, then it would be recommended. Dennis' website shows some pretty good detail of the mod you are talking about. I think it's onrails.com

[SHANE 73Z]

Some people will run a strap around the balljoint vertically, to help keep cracks from developing from the bore where the ball joint presses in. Ive also seen the entire bottom of the arm boxed.

Shane

[Gbodyolds]

who is dennis ? and do you know the correct site ? the link you left dosnt work

[gearbanger]

Sorry, he goes by dennis68 on this site,

I think the website was www.onrails.us

[NvrDun71]

Any other resources or pics of this type of mod to a stock LCA?