Yesterday I visited pro-master mechanic friend Steve and safely removed the springs from the 924S's MacPherson struts, and looked at the Volvo V70R 6-speed he was servicing and the Alfa Spider he'd purchased a week before - and I got to consult on. One has some experience with the marque.
This morning I wrapped-up in layers (27F here!) and ventured into the garage to take the struts all the way apart. I also got most of the dirty work done, cleaning up the constituent parts for paint.
I was able to remove the gland nuts without any marring. One came easy, the other needed some heat.
And ... lo and behold, someone had been in here before and installed these; they are spent, but recall that this car sat for 11-12 years:
Withe everything apart, tagged and bagged, I set to with mini-grinder and 3/8" belt sander, using my beloved Norton Abrasives mini-flap discs and belts. Oh how much easier this stuff is now compared to when I was young and didn't have air tools or the compressor to push them. Age has
some benefits.
BTW, I’ve banished any foolish thoughts of modifying these strut housings. They’re in beautiful shape and I’d be a chowderhead to mess with them.
There's 50+ degree weather forecast for Southern New England mid week, so I will be painting these parts ... and maybe doing some carpet redying, too, at least, enough so I can then put the center console back in.
Ciao,
John