( 1982 xjs )This is a picture of the front mount, or shackle on the radius arm. It seems to have rotted and pulled away from the frame. Have you seen this? Is this common? Can it be fixed.

 

That's a complicated way to attach a photo. Here it is unzipped and rotated:

Graham

 

Graham,Thanks for the help. Could I get your opinion on this? What do you think?

 

Radius arm attachment.

Sure, it can be fixed.....almost anything can be fixed! Might not be easy but it can be fixed. The area will have to be rebuilt with new metal welded in. Much depends on how far into the body the rust exists.

This is fairly common.

I *think* one of the root causes is a rear window leak allowing water to trickle in. It eventually migrates into the unibody section directly above this area. One time I was working on an XJS and I removed the radius arm bolt.....and about two quarts of water poured out of the hole !

The area can also rot out simply due to exposure to salted roads.

Cheers
DD

 

It's a while since I've been underneath an XJS but it looks like the bottom of the Side Member has rusted out with the Radius Arm Mounting still bolted to it.

You're going to have to get back to sound metal before you can weld in a patch plate and there could be quite a lot more metal to cut out to achieve that.

Guys here have successfully tackled much worse and it almost certainly can be repaired but be prepared for a lot of dismantling.

Graham

 

I've spent the last 20 minutes trying to delete and re-write my original question as I realized I called it "a leaf spring shackle". I've replaced 3 of those on my Dodge van. Yes, the radius arm mount. Is it dangerous to drive it like this till I can get it into the shop on monday, and can it lead to more damage in the next 2 days?

 

Dangerous? YES! Do not drive it!

Cheers
DD

 

It's slightly dangerous but entertaining; didn't Honda bring out a rear wheel steer car many years ago?

 

it can be fixed.

the car can be further damaged from driving it and could also lose control and cause an accident.

mostly metal work
find a reputable welder

 

I found a shop that can do it, and it's going in monday am. Check out Welding MA | Metal Works MA | Custom Fabrication MA | Mike?s Welding . Look under "photos" and the sub-album "Automotive welding". I realize that I'm the only person on this site that lives near Revere Massachusetts, but I enjoyed seeing the before and after photos.(close to 50 pics)And I think a lot of you might enjoy them as well. I'm very confident in their ability after seeing their work

 

Good for you!

I was lucky enough to come across a fabricator as well and, yeah, he'll make a gate for your garage, or repair a broken-anything, or custom fabricate any kind of widget, tiny or huge, for your car. Great welder, has a full machine shop....what a great resource to have. I call him "Super Dave". There really doesn't seem to be anything he can't do.

For anyone in my neck of the woods here's the info:

http://www.dimensionmfgdesign.com/

Cheers
DD

 

While it is in the welding shop, get them to poke about on the other side too. VERY good chnace that is just as bad!

Greg

 

if you got that much rust,, i'm betting there is a LOT more rust in that car!

as i remember Mass. salts the roads,lot in winter, its a quick of recycling older cars!