Front suspension rebuild

[kmead]

In regards to tires there are a variety of sizes you can go to that will give you a similar circumference:

175/70 13 which is fine on a 5" rim
205/60 13 which is fine on a 6" rim

Both are just a little taller than the 165 by about 3% so you will be doing an indicated 62 instead of 60. Since the speedo is optimistic anyway its likely not a problem.

Karl

[Zulu]

In regards to tires there are a variety of sizes you can go to that will give you a similar circumference:

175/70 13 which is fine on a 5" rim
205/60 13 which is fine on a 6" rim

Both are just a little taller than the 165 by about 3% so you will be doing an indicated 62 instead of 60. Since the speedo is optimistic anyway its likely not a problem.

Karl

Wouldn't they be shorter than the 165?

165 x 80% = 132 mm tall
175 x 70% = 122.5 mm tall
205 x 60% = 123 mm tall

So those tires are about 7% shorter than the originals.

185/70s are much closer at only 2% shorter.

[KidDingo]

Here you go:

calculations were wrong... sorry

Now, this conversion grid is right.....
.... (I think).



175/60R13 is virtually the same size as 185/50R14
185/55R13 is almost exactly the same size as a 175/50R14.
195/65R13 is virtually the same size as a 175/65R14

[djape1977]

is there some particular reason why most of you aim to match exact size of stock tyres?
IMHO 205/60/13 look just right on a spider, and diameter is close enough.
also, handling is dramatically improoved with wider stance. 165's are ok only if you drive slow and straight

here they are on a 1970 spider with 6,5x13 et0 campanolo rims

[RRoller123]

It has been written that the wider tires put a great deal of stress on the front suspension and particularly the crossmember and that premature damage is the result, but I am NO expert on this.

I will side comment that I was up to recently running my tires at about 35psi to make the slow speed steering lighter, but the ride was too harsh, thought bits would fly off the car every time I hit a bump, so dialed back to 32psi and that seems to be the best compromise so far. Running 185/70-13.

Pete

[Pauldries]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. A few months ago I bought a fiat 124 spider from 1979 together with my son. Now the front suspension needs a complete overhaul. I ordered complete new upper and lower arms so I don't have any issues with removing and entering the bushings. The problem I now have is that I cannot remove the long bolt from the upper control arm. I cannot turn it and even after hitting with a hammer it doesn't move. It looks like it is completely blocked. Now I was thinking to grind the ends off and and try to drill holes in the rubbers. I think this is rather drastic and very difficult, but I don't see a different way. Any other suggestions ? Thanks

[KWL82]

Place a jack underneath the lower ball joint and lift it up to remove pressure on the upper control arm. If the car lifts off the jack have your son sit on the front bumper and try again. The upper bolt should slide out with minimal force

[Odoyle]

+1 to using a floor jack to release tension on the upper control arm bolt and control arm. Then use light hammer and punch of adequate size to push the long bolt out.

[Pauldries]

A little bit a nightmare here, I'm now at the stage that I have grinded off left and right part of the long bolt. And still he is fully blocked. Left and right is still sticking out 5mm, when I hit it with a hammer it doesn't move at all. It looks like it is internal welded but how could that be possible. I'm affraid that the only thing I can do is to take off the plate work and reconstruct it later on or bore out the complete shaft ???

[BEEK]

the upper bolt must be seized due to rust. I am sure it was not welded. A lot of penetrating oil and hammering. It will eventually come loose.

[Pauldries]

Thanks for the help. In meanwhile I made a lot of 4mm holes around the hollow shaft at both sides and took out the hollow shaft. With a hugh hammer I could punch out the bold. I think that due to an accident the hollow bar was deformed. Anyhow I welded everything back to its place. I placed a complete new suspension again. He drives wonderfull again.
Regards, Paul