Return to the BUILD
“Assemble and fit the front right suspension system to the main tubular frame.”
I got a new camera and I can tell the micro focus needs to be adjusted, so I apologize now if the pictures are a little unclear.
Contents
Parts
- 19A – Bottom Right Control Arm with Spring Plate
- 19B – Top Right Control Arm
- 19C – Right Steering Knuckle, Spindle and Kingpin
- 19D – Shock Absorber
- 19E – Kingpin Bushings
- 19F – Control Arm Bushing Bottom Right
- 19G – Control Arm Bushing Top Right
- 19H – Coil Spring Front Suspension
- 4 x GM screws (+2 extra)
- 2 x KM screws (+1 extra)
- 3 x LM screws (+1 extra)
- 3 x MM screws (+1 extra)
Materials: Everything in this phase is made of metal.
Magazine – Issue 6
- Assembly Guide: Model Instructions
- Track Legends: Mercedes-Benz R129 and the Bugatti Type 35
- The Story of Motorsports: The History of Stopping Cars
- Ace Racers: Hermann Lang
- Challenging Circuits: Brands Hatch
Build
The Front Right Suspension
Step 01
Position a Kingpin Bushing between the narrow ends of the Bottom Right Control Arm with Spring Plate, align the holes, and secure with one (1) KM screw.
Be sure to insert the KM screw from the correct side, as shown in the photos. This is also your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Step 02
Slide the second Kingpin Bushing between the narrow ends of the Top Right Control Arm, align the holes, and secure with one (1) KM screw:
Be sure to insert the KM screw from the correct side, as shown in the photos:
Step 03
Fit the Control Arm Bushing Bottom Right between the wide ends of the Bottom Right Control Arm with Spring Plate as shown, and secure each side with one (1) GM screw:
Step 04
Fit the Control Arm Bushing Top Right between the wide ends of the Top Right Control Arm as shown, and secure each end with one (1) GM screw:
Step 05
Insert the Shock Absorber through the Control Arm Bushing Top Right until the square neck fits into the matching square hole:
Step 06
The ‘cup’ of the Control Arm Bushing Top Right fits over this post at the front right of the Main Chassis. Secure with one (1) MM screw.
It is OK if this rotates a little. You will align it to the lower control arm soon:
Step 07
Press the Coil Spring Front Suspension down onto the raised round section of the Bottom Right Control Arm with Spring Plate:
Step 08
Slide the open end of the Coil Spring up over the Shock Absorber shaft:
Underneath the chassis, fit the two ‘cups’ of the Control Arm Bushing Bottom Right over the matching posts of the Main Chassis and secure them both with two (2) MM screws:
Step 09
Gently press the upper and lower control arms together, compressing the Coil Spring, until the Shock Absorber shaft comes through the lower Control Arm. Secure the end of the Shock Absorber from below with one (1) LM screw.
You may need a helper or a clamp to complete this step. It does not take a lot of force, but can be tricky alone:
Once finished, this is what you should have so far:
Step 10
Position the posts on either end of the Right Steering Knuckle, Spindle and Kingpin into the Kingpin Bushings of the upper and lower control arms. Be sure the spindle is facing correctly, as shown, and secure the top of the steering knuckle with one (1) LM screw.
This step will align the top and bottom control arms. Now would be the time to rotate the upper control arm assembly a little to line everything up and tighten the screw from Step 6 again:
Secure the bottom of the steering knuckle with one (1) LM screw:
Thoughts
Whew, the front suspension work is done! Honestly, it wasn’t too bad. The rear suspension is much simpler, and will arrive in a couple phases from now.
Next Up
Phase 20 – Suspension: Steering Tie Rod, Front Anti-Sway Bar