Lowrider Tech Article at LowRiderMagazine.com
Get Adobe Flash player

How To: A-arm Molding

How to turn your stock A-arms into show-winning pieces.
0202Lrm Aarmtech00 Zoom
These stock lower A-arms were... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech00 Zoom
These stock lower A-arms were ready to be customized.
0202Lrm Aarmtech01 Zoom
1. First on the agenda was... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech01 Zoom
1. First on the agenda was to remove the excess road grime using a wire brush.
0202Lrm Aarmtech02 Zoom
2. To ensure a good bond between... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech02 Zoom
2. To ensure a good bond between the metal and the welds, the lower A-arms were sandblasted.
0202Lrm Aarmtech03 Zoom
3. Homies crew member Cesar... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech03 Zoom
3. Homies crew member Cesar started off by cutting a cardboard stencil.
0202Lrm Aarmtech04 Zoom
4. The stencil was then checked... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech04 Zoom
4. The stencil was then checked and trimmed to ensure a perfect fitting.
0202Lrm Aarmtech05 Zoom
5. Once the stencil was perfect,... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech05 Zoom
5. Once the stencil was perfect, it was traced and cut out using a cutting torch.
0202Lrm Aarmtech06 Zoom
6. The 3/16-inch metal plates... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech06 Zoom
6. The 3/16-inch metal plates had all of the excess removed. They were also allowed to cool off before being handled.
0202Lrm Aarmtech07 Zoom
7. Moses cleaned the A-arms... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech07 Zoom
7. Moses cleaned the A-arms using a wire brush. This ensured that the areas to be welded had a strong bond.
0202Lrm Aarmtech08 Zoom
8. This procedure is the same... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech08 Zoom
8. This procedure is the same for most lower A-arms, including these '64 Impala A-arms that were being customized simultaneously.
0202Lrm Aarmtech09 Zoom
9. In order to get the metal... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech09 Zoom
9. In order to get the metal to do as you want, you'll need to take the metal plate pattern and weld it in sections.
0202Lrm Aarmtech10 Zoom
10. Moses then "persuaded"... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech10 Zoom
10. Moses then "persuaded" the metal with a sledge hammer, which was used to form the necessary contours.
0202Lrm Aarmtech11 Zoom
11. The procedure continued... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech11 Zoom
11. The procedure continued with more welding.
0202Lrm Aarmtech12 Zoom
12. The A-arms were allowed... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech12 Zoom
12. The A-arms were allowed to cool off, but were not allowed to warp or become misshapen as this is one of the sections that takes most of the abuse from hydraulics.
0202Lrm Aarmtech13 Zoom
13. The welds were ground... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech13 Zoom
13. The welds were ground smooth to see what sections needed to be retouched.
0202Lrm Aarmtech14 Zoom
14. The coil holders were... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech14 Zoom
14. The coil holders were also molded smooth.
0202Lrm Aarmtech15 Zoom
15. The A-arm was now ready... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech15 Zoom
15. The A-arm was now ready to be ground down and shaped in a free-flowing style.
0202Lrm Aarmtech16 Zoom
16. The A-arms were smoothed... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech16 Zoom
16. The A-arms were smoothed out using a hand-held grinder.
0202Lrm Aarmtech17 Zoom
17. Before being sent to the... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech17 Zoom
17. Before being sent to the chrome plater, these lower A-arms received a new set of bushings and ball joints.
0202Lrm Aarmtech18 Zoom
18. These lower A-arms were... 
   
  read full caption
0202Lrm Aarmtech18 Zoom
18. These lower A-arms were triple-plated in a show finish and were ready to go back onto the frame.

Mercury Grand Marquis Research
Mercury Grand Marquis Experience no-haggle car buying when searching for a new car, and research all vehicles such as the Grand Marquis Sedan. The 2010 Grand Marquis has fuel economy of 14 mpg, and is available in the following bodystyle: Sedans. The Chrysler Crossfire and the Lincoln MKZ are other vehicles that might interest you.
 
LRG Gets Personal With Terricka - Lowrider Girls Model
I think what makes me different from most models is the fact that I am more then just a pretty face.... more
 
Natalie Marie - Sin City's Newest Italian Import
Check out this beautiful gal, Natalie Marie, sin city's newest import from Italy in this month's... more
 
Dee Caggiano - Lowrider Girls Model
I am Italian and Greek, born and raised in Cali.... more
 
Tiffany Jules - Lowrider Girls Models
Hi my name is Tiffany Jules.... more