Mark 1 Upper Control Arm Upgrade ??

[weendoggy]

20240209_161323.jpg

Here's a pic (I can't believe I figured it out). Hopefully, this will help. As you can see, there's just some slots going "crossways" (which I'm thinking would change camber) but I can't see how I could change caster.
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So if I have a Mark 1 (I DO know it's titled as a 2002) what, including changing control arms, should I do here?

I'd purchase new upper control arms from SPC. They will have adjustable sleeves. Then, I'd weld a washer on top and bottom of that slot, putting the bolt off center toward the outer edge, but not all the way. That will keep it in place and not move. Then you just use the SPC arms to do camber/caster adjustment. How do I know this, I did it on my MKI and it works fine, even with PS.

I can take take some pics of mine later today if needed. I've had mine like this for over 20yrs and do open track driving as well. No issues.

Those original arms had a habit of moving as well as breaking. There was a time when a "widget" was made and I have buddies who still have them. You can set camber/caster with that setup, but it's a PITA and to me, unsafe. jmo

[Jeff Kleiner]

... There was a time when a "widget" was made and I have buddies who still have them...

Ah yes Glen, the famous "Lisman widgets"---Not a lot of us around here who go back that far

Here's a pic (I can't believe I figured it out). Hopefully, this will help. As you can see, there's just some slots going "crossways" (which I'm thinking would change camber) but I can't see how I could change caster.
.
So if I have a Mark 1 (I DO know it's titled as a 2002) what, including changing control arms, should I do here?

Professor,
Ween just made the same recommendation that I would have regarding the best way to go about converting to the adjustable SPC adjustable uppers. FYI, with the slots you can indeed adjust both caster and camber---for example the crossbar is moved farther inboard on the rear slot than the front slot to increase positive caster and so forth. As he said, it's a pain! Since up till now we thought you were dealing with a Mk3 rather than a Mk1 many of our suggestions involved going to a more aggressive positive caster setting however I don't think that there is sufficient range with the slots to achieve that anyway.

Jeff

[weendoggy]

Ah yes Glen, the famous "Lisman widgets"---Not a lot of us around here who go back that far
Jeff

Yep, that's why some of us are still here. To help those who don't know anything more than the last 15yrs of how they were built.

8669.jpeg

I'm in contact with the Professor and getting him setup. These are the first edition ones, the second edition were customized to fit in the slot. Now, everybody knows.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yep, that's why some of us are still here. To help those who don't know anything more than the last 15yrs of how they were built.

8669.jpeg

I'm in contact with the Professor and getting him setup. These are the first edition ones, the second edition were customized to fit in the slot. Now, everybody knows.

Yep, that's them!

Sometimes we have to take a ride on the Wayback Machine! You know, I kind of miss those early days when we had to think for ourselves and build rather than assemble

Jeff

[ProfessorB]

UPDATE:
So I've taken everybody's suggestions here and decided to upgrade upper control arms , rack and pinion, etc Since I learned on here that I have a Mark 1 and not a Mark III (OUCH!) I am thinking of starting a NEW thread (called Mark 1 upgrade) instead of the "Mark 3" title on this thread. I tried to edit the title but could not. So, I'm looking for opinions on whether to re-boot and start a NEW thread.
For the record, I'm a shade tree mechanic at best...and a "newbie". My idea is to maybe, in some way, to this forum. It might only help other newbies, but it might be a contribution. Should I start a new thread?

[ProfessorB]

I'd purchase new upper control arms from SPC. They will have adjustable sleeves. Then, I'd weld a washer on top and bottom of that slot, putting the bolt off center toward the outer edge, but not all the way. That will keep it in place and not move. Then you just use the SPC arms to do camber/caster adjustment. How do I know this, I did it on my MKI and it works fine, even with PS.

I can take take some pics of mine later today if needed. I've had mine like this for over 20yrs and do open track driving as well. No issues.

Those original arms had a habit of moving as well as breaking. There was a time when a "widget" was made and I have buddies who still have them. You can set camber/caster with that setup, but it's a PITA and to me, unsafe. jmo

....I'm feeling pretty stupid (thinking I had a Mrk III) but also feeling pretty grateful for learning the "truth" and for all the help. So.....got to ask: Who is "SPC"? I'm just resolved to do whatever it is that I need to do in order to fix the issue as best I can. I already had thought changing upper control arms was called for....now I need to know who "SPC" is (as well as anybody else where I might source new upper control arms. And again, I appreciate all the help and guidance. (see below)
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Also, are y'all sure I have a Mrk I....and not a Mrk II ?
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Update: I googled SPC so I know who SPC is now. Is there a certain uca I should use?

[Jeff Kleiner]

....Also, are y'all sure I have a Mrk I....and not a Mrk II ?
.

Positive. Mk2 used the adjustable control arms and they mounted in either of two sets of holes where your slots are located. Call SPC and tell them you're needing arms for a Factory Five roadster and they'll be able to set you up.

Jeff