backstory...alright so a while back, i had the ingalls rear camber kit installed. for the life of me, i could not get the OEM camber bolt off...it had become siezed in place from the factory.

regrettably, i went to firestone and had some nonsense tech attempt to get the bolt off. well, he finally got it off...after hacking away at the area for the better part of 2 hours.

he only did the one side like this. he told me it was too much of a pain in the ass, and that i'd have to find another way to get the left side off. so i talked to a few people, picked up a sawzall and metal cutting blade, and was able to get the left bolt off in a matter of minutes...if only i knew that before heading to firestone...

anyways, had the car on a lift yesterday and checked out the area where he "removed the bolt"...here is what i found.

opposite pic of where the problem area lies...



problem area...





it's starting to rust pretty bad, and i wanted to know if anyone has a solution for me besides replacing the entire rear subframe? anything i can apply to the area? weld in a metal frame under the rust/weakened area? idk...

it will only become weaker and weaker over time, and the last thing i want is to be driving at 70mph and have my camber arm break its connection.

thanks in advance to anyone that can help me out here.

 

Some rust converters can really slow down the rust in the area, but none are permanent IME.

You can also have an experienced frame shop weld some metal on there to strengthen the area, if you need to. You have to do this while there is enough metal to blend with.

FWIW - I have seen way worse.

 

^rust converters eh? any links or specific products i should try?

i was considering the metal frame idea as well. just wasn't sure how i'd go about getting it done. where would i weld the metal frame to? underneath? or somehow fused to the control arm? i won't be removing this camber arm EVER...so i honestly don't care how it looks, so long as it's safe and it'll hold you know?

thanks for the ideas.

 

It is hard to tell on the pics, but is this just surface rust, or is the metal really starting to flake? If it is just surface rust, then sand it down and hit it with some black Rustoleum or something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/CRC-18418-Rust.../dp/B003HG1FGW

I cannot really tell from the pics, but if I am seeing it right, then I have seen a LOT worse and those cars are running strong.

If it is flaking and rusting badly, then go to a frame shop.

Use a torch on those bolts next time.

 

yeah sorry, the pics aren't the greatest. metal is not starting to flake...but you can see the rust forming on the areas that used to be shredded metal.

i can't flake anything off...yet. it just looks like hell and i'm worried about it.

i couldn't use a torch on those bolts bc they're so close to the gas tank. the sawzall/metal cutting blade did the trick tho...i just didn't know about that method until it was too late.

i'll check out that amazon link tho, sounds like just what i need.