A Arms For Suspension

[Trucker_tim]

I have looked, not extensively but has anybody done a how to for a arms? Or at least just some pictures. Thanks guys

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[Brian_B]

Go to this thread. He builds both the 4 link (rear) and A arms (front).

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33538&st=0&p=338327&fromsearch=1&#entry338327

[Trucker_tim]

Thanks for the link Brian that will give me a good start. If anybody has others will review those as well.

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[ll Brandon ll]

Ive found a pretty simple method, personally. Ive tried many different methods, with varying results, and so far this one is the strongest and easiest to do, especially making it all look symmetrical.

First off, Im using .80mm solid rod. Its very flexible WITHOUT heat, to the point that you can almost get the bends you want without any heat at all. But, to get really small or sharp bends, heat is required. So, what I did was took a length of rod and put it in a tubing bender. Now, you dont need to use a tubing bender, but it makes for much more consistent bends. I did it without using the bender at first and it worked fine, but the bends werent symmetrical. So, heres what I do.

Heres what you need:

Put your rod in and bend to your desired bend. Do it to a decent length of rod since you want to be able to trim it to the size you need. Dont try to do this to a piece cut to length needed. Its always better to remove since its much harder to put material back:

Add a touch of heat to the bend itself WITH the rod still in the bender. This helps hold the shape since the rod gets soft and it helps keep the bend nice and consistent.

After youve got that, go back and mock it up so you can measure again for the length of the arms, then trim them down. I added a small rod to the center to form an "A" shape for strength, but you can skip that and just add the pivot bar or add sheet styrene if you want. Then, take a round file and sand out the inside of the bend slightly to get a good round center. This is where you glue the tube for your spindle. You can then use that to either make it so the wheels will turn, or glue them straight, the choice is yours. With the tubing instead of solid rod, you have the option.

Thats pretty much it for the front suspension. See, pretty simple stuff. And again, MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE. It will pay in dividends in the end.

[Deathgoblin]

Now I've got a question. Is there a tutorial on how to make the A-arms for stock type suspension? The ones made out of stamped steel on most cars from the 50's until recently?