Guest Rollingt Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Hello, new member with a old Reatta. Looked over the forum many times before buying the car. Maybe somebody know what to do next. The old shop willing to tackle the job of installing new rear struts was a Buick dealer. The bolts were rusty so they used a flame wrench to remove the bolts. In the process theyburned the bushings in the control arm. Dealer told me a new control arm is approx. $500.00 plus the additional labor. So far I have over $800.00 in labor alone. The question is: are there busings available? If not, where might I find a control arm. Thanks to all. Rollingt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 How far are you from Frankfort, Ill? Larry Claypool has a shop there and he is a very talented mechanic. He works on may strange cars and if you can get an appointment, Larry will fix your car right.21359 S. 80th Ave. (815-469-2936) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 I don't know suspension systems well but I think this post is relevent. I'll try to link it suspension replacement questions If it doesn't work, there's a post titled "suspension replacement questions" and I think the same bushings are mentioned from Jegs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelby Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Welcome to group theropy. Those labor cost seem pretty high.He must have a BIG boat payment or alimony/girl freind payment due. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VicW Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Is there a need for just bushings or did they melt the control arm itself. Is it just that the whole assembly is rusted out? The control arm bushings are a reasonable distance from the lower strut bolt. The bushings were used from 86 to 93 for a variety of E-Bodies. Maybe a used control arm with new bushings is in order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlpeck Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Several E body cars used the same rear suspension. I replaced a bent rear control arm (don't ask) with one from a junked Olds Toronado and put in new bushings from AutoZone. Not a big job--a pain, but not challenging. The shop wanted that price because the replacement part is the whole assembly--much more than you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I have several Reatta parts cars and have a left rear control arm on the shelf. I can be reached at jfinn@cpinternet.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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