Can a broken rear control are be fixed? 914 2.0fi

[EDDY]

I found a 73 2.0fi in the local papers I have called the guy but have not gone to see the car yet. He seems to be a fedup PO, He says the car has a broken right/rear control arm and wants $500.00 Canadian for the car.what would cause it to break?,can it be fixed? and if so how much might it cost?

Thanks in advance
ED

[JP Noonan]

A broken "trailing arm" isn't a big deal. Lots of used ones out there, not a popular item so only if you need it fast is it expensive. However if you wait and look around you'll probably find someone giving it away because usally no one needs them.

Unfortunately the trailing arm may not be the problem. More than likely it is the trailing arm mount, a.k.a. "The infamous suspension console" that has failed. This is a whole 'nother ball game (sorry, forgot you're Canadian, must be PC now adays, "whole 'nother hockey game") a lot of people won't even bother with a car having a bad susp console. What happens is the battery leaks acid on the frame member below it, it all needs to be replaced and lined up properly or the car won't drive straight. Battery tray+suport $40, engine shelf $120, susp cosole $150-$200, jack point/inner rocker $200. You may not need all these parts (prices approx. USD) but just the susp console plus a competant welder/frame shop can be $500-$1000?!?!?

I'd say if the car is fairly complete, has some goodies like a 2.0L motor, some alloy wheels, maybe even chome bumpers and a center console, then jump on it as a parts car. Make sure the doors and lids are good and buy a rust free chassis from the western US. Don't know the logistics for shipment to CANADA but from CA to FLA is about $800.

Or if you don't have $1500-$2000 (that should cover all the little things you'll need), 3-6 months, some working mechanical knowledge and tools/space/understanding significant other/ friedly neighbors/etc. Then find another car.

In my honest opinion that $500 car will cost a min of $2000 to get back onto the road.

Who knows? Maybe he just smack a curb hard and broke the trailing arm, but I doubt it.