Video of the "mess", steering linkage 72 vert.

[Johnny57]

https://youtu.be/UVrKq-F7sNg

 

[MooseStang]

I feel your pain.

 

[Bentworker]

Time for a front end refresh!

 

[Johnny57]

@Bentworker Thought all the parts were here, but of course, the discs were thinned way past min. So more stuff ordered...

 

[midlife]

That's quite some guard cat you have watching over your new stuff! 

 

[71ProjectJunk]

I just did all the front end and front brakes on my car, yours was mint compared to mine, LOL. Check everything as you probably need to change more than what you think, and if you are going to tear it all down you might as well do all of it. The bushings on the upper control arms and the coil spring saddles are probably perished, as well as the strut rod bushings, and shocks. From the video I think that you could see some of the inner tie rod boots in not very good condition. I changed everything in the front suspension, steering, and brakes except the pitman arm and the center link, as they were the only 2 pieces that were really good... Also, check your rubber brakes lines, if they are 50 years old you should probably change them. 

 

[Sheriff41]

At least you'll know what you have once you've rebuilt it!  It's not a bad job, as you probably know.

 

[Hemikiller]

My approach is to go in with the assumption that everything is worn out and rebuild/replace it all. By everything, I mean everything. If it moves, twists, turns, pushes, rotates or can wear, it gets replaced. The only things I rebuild are upper control arms, steering boxes, original factory idler arms and the brake proportioning valve, while the center link, spindles and strut rods get cleaned and reused. I rebuilt the suspension in my 71 like this in 2004 and have yet to have to replace a single component.

 

[Johnny57]

I also found, just looking the discs looked way too thin, and they were under minimums, so they are on order with new wheel bearings and seals.

 

[Bentworker]

Brake hoses are a good reminder.  I have a buddy with an original paint 64 beetle.  Car is a survivor, stored indoors it’s entire life.  Had original brake hoses on it.  Last car show of the season they take it on an 18 mile drive and one of the brake hoses fails.  The hose acted like a check valve, causing one of the brakes to drag.  Drum got extremely hot, lug bolts loosened and calamity ensued.  Luckily everyone was okay, but they lost a perfect hub cap, and did some damage to the fender.  
 

 

[tkelley72]

Can you buy a complete front end bushing kit and if so where? Any idea of the parts cost? Also, I will have to have this done by a shop. (too old to crawl under these days) Any idea of the labor cost do to the job? Thanks

 

[Hemikiller]

Can you buy a complete front end bushing kit and if so where? Any idea of the parts cost? Also, I will have to have this done by a shop. (too old to crawl under these days) Any idea of the labor cost do to the job? Thanks

You can build your own "rebuild kit" for the front end on Rock Auto. Below is a shopping cart of mostly Moog parts. The three items missing are the idler arm, pitman arm and coil spring saddles. You can get different brands, do a little mix and match to save some money if you desire.

The labor depends on the mechanic. Find one that'll quote you on the whole job, not try to piecemeal it with individual labor charges.

 

[tkelley72]

Thanks for the feedback.....I'll do a little research.