Thanks Toby i thought that was the case. In regards to my tow hooks they are both bent back the opposite way, don't know how this could have happened?! I was going to get them ground off and re-positioned anyway but with maybe a stronger design. The front control arms were in a bit of a mess also as it looks like the car had been tied down by them hence the metal was torn. After a few hours on the welder i have them back to straight and have plated the lower section of the arm (near the frame) to strengthen it up also. Good idea with the frame, I think i will get them to trim the edge back slightly were the control arm contacts to try elimanate this. cheers Nick 10927 - australia Message: 18 Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 04:05:18 -0000 From: tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: Lower suspention arms? Nick - The theory is that the shock extension is supposed to stop the lower control arm before it contacts the frame. However, this is only a theory as I have seen this type of damage on many cars, including Winged1. I suspect that aftermarket shocks may contribute to the problem, as well as worn bushings at either end of the shocks. If you are completely stripping and powdercoating the frame, it would be nice to change things a bit to eliminate the interference. Unfortunately, the forward tow hooks are right there, so simply trimming the frame might not be the best idea. If you could get your shop to move the tow hooks inboard a bit, a *smooth* trim on that edge would be okay from a structural standpoint. Another problem with this interference is that it creates a "close couple" (think nutcracker) on the lower control arm, which can bend the arm easily. This can be a problem from a fatigue cracking perspective if the arm is crushed locally from contact with the frame. Let us know what you decide to do. Toby Peterson VIN 2248 "Winged1" DeLorean Parts Northwest, LLC www.delorean-parts.com To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/