Engine cradle rust damage - cause for concern? (Page 2/2)
Wichita OCT 11, 11:20 PM
You can get replacement bushings for it. Rodney actually has heavy duty ones. I have those installed, even though my originals were just fine.

Cunnive OCT 12, 01:50 AM


It's an 86.

I have the fierostore poly bushings already, just gotta get the frame good to go first.

So is this something I can have patched or do I need to do something else?
ltlfrari OCT 12, 10:57 AM
That is the sleeve to the rubber bushing. If you get new rubber bushings, they will have those sleeves on them as part of the bushing so you will need to remove the old sleeves from the cradle.
If going poly, you generally leave the sleeve in as it holds the poly bushing.

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Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!

Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

Blacktree OCT 12, 01:23 PM
Like mentioned above, those are just the sleeves for the bushings. If you're using OE replacement bushings, they come with the sleeves built in.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 10-12-2021).]

Cunnive OCT 12, 02:02 PM
Ok thanks! Sounds like i'm not in any danger of leaving it the way it is, although I think I will try to weld those holes shut to give it some strength.

Do we know of any business that sells the bushing sleeves alone? It seems like Rodney sells them with his own bushings and not separately.

[This message has been edited by Cunnive (edited 10-12-2021).]

82-T/A [At Work] OCT 12, 04:14 PM
What does the rest of the frame / body look like. Is it in worse shape?

My advice, call the Fiero Factory and get a new K-member shipped to you. Much easier than trying to fix it since you don't all know what else is wrong.

If you already have a mig welder and plenty of stock, then probably not worth it... but for all the time and effort, you can just buy a rust-free replacement.

I see you're in Tampa (I am too). I assume that car came from up north?
zkhennings OCT 18, 01:35 PM
I am finding some rust in my cradle too, same spot, even on the same side. I would replace those rusted sleeves, as mentioned here, if you order new rubber bushings for those, they will come with the new sleeve installed. You can use a chisel and hammer to cave in the old sleeve and they will slide right out. I have aluminum cradle bushings already but have ordered a new set that include thicker steel weld in sleeves from Rodney Dickman. I see no issue structurally with welding in new metal if you know what you are doing or hire a welder to do it. I wonder if the fact that those areas are angled facing up and then the opening is exposed allows water to collect there as compared to other areas on the cradle. I am considering welding mine shut where they are open at the front, or at least capping them with something to stop as much water from collecting there.

It is possible it is a side effect of battery acid from the battery dripping down into it, the whole area under the battery and all the way down the frame rail has rust on it, and the rest of my Fiero is almost entirely rust free. It would explain why we both primarily see rust on the passenger side. I recently bought an AGM battery which may prevent any further damage from occurring. Just a thought.
zkhennings NOV 15, 12:25 PM
Follow up.

























Cradle still lines up perfectly.









I am sure that my welded in portion is much stronger than the stock stuff, I used I think 3/16" metal to repair the area which is overkill but whatever. Used Rodney Dickman's weld in sleeves with accompanying aluminum bushings, they are a smaller OD to accommodate for such a thick metal sleeve. I welded the new metal in with all spot welds to prevent warping.
olejoedad NOV 15, 01:54 PM
Nice work!
zkhennings DEC 02, 03:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

Nice work!



Thanks!