[DML] Re: SNAP!

[tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Rich - As you have now seen, a rusty TAB can be a bad thing when left 
to its own devices.  I'm glad nothing got damaged, and I hope that 
your back heals okay.  In regards to the alignment shims, about all 
that you can do is obtain 4 or 5 shims from a DeLorean vendor.  It is 
very important that the shims be thick and hardened, or the joint 
will eventually loosen and fail again as the shims deteriorate.  This 
discussion was on the List a short time ago.  Alignment shops use 
very thin shims that are soft, and will eventually migrate out of the 
joint.  Regardless of what type of bolt you have in there, it will 
eventually fail if you don't have the proper torque preload in the 
joint.  As far as garages doing the work, I wouldn't say that *any* 
garage can do it.  I have taken calls from some shops asking me where 
to start when replacing the TAB's.  They didn't seem to have a clue 
what the theory of that joint was.  There are definitely some tricks 
and tips that make it a better installation.  You may want to 
consider buying a new rubber bushing to have on hand when the 
installation is done.  You may find that the bushing has been toasted 
by the corrosion and the final failure.  We have the shims and 
bushing in stock, but are still working on the next batch of TOBY-
TAB's, so I can't help you there (for right now).  Good luck with the 
repairs.

Toby Peterson  VIN 2248 (Winged1)
DeLorean Parts Northwest
www.delorean-parts.com  


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "cruznmd" <racuti1@xxxx> wrote:
> I went out tonight to buy some #408 vinyl dye. On my way home, as I 
> was decelerating to pull into a grocery store, I snapped a TAB.
> 
> At 35/40 MPH.
> 
> The car swayed so violently that I have strained a muscle in my 
back. 
> The good news is, I didn't hit anyone or anything. Beyond the bolt, 
I 
> don't see any damage. 
> 
> The car is resting in the parking lot. What a shame. I had replaced 
> one, but the one that snapped appeared to be rusted in place. I 
> intended to replace it this very week in Florida.
> 
> Here are my questions:
> 
> 1. I presume I lost all my shims. How the hell do I ever figure out 
> how many there were and where they go?
> 2. It's colder than **** here. I can't do it on the ground. This 
> should be simple for a garage to replace right?
> 
> Any advice is appreciated.
> 
> Rich A.
> #5335




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