VAS PRIMA1 CONTROL ARMS FOR THE 124

[71124spider]

just wanted to put it out there that i ordered a set --poor packing (by them)caused 1 upper ball joint boot to get ripped--i call VAS they sent me another boot-- it was a different brand and the 3 holes were off--thats when i realized standard (good quality) ball joints dont fit the prima 1 control arms--i was told by a VAS employee over the phone to "waller out the control arm"--i refused and demanded they sell me a prima 1 ball joint-- and now they are blowing me off. so basically these control arms are worthless--they dont sell direct fit ball joints for the prima 1 arms loose or separate. so now my big questions are no 1 are the prima 1 ball joints safe? and no 2 where can i buy them loose? never again VAS--CARS LAID UP NOW 2 WEEKS.

[ClarkTheShark]

Wow - Mine were packed perfectly and went on without a hitch. I've been driving on mine for some time, no issues. I'm also a big fan of the shock mount that's easy to detach.

I deal with those guys a lot, never had an issue.




Went on clean, no hitches. Ball joints were tight and rubber was solid. I know a lot of people bash Vick's. But for me, I've had good service from all the vendors.

[4uall]

LMFAO! Cannot say that I am surprised by the lack of quality, mis-match and of course the over the phone "service & expertise"

Ask me how I know

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... g&start=30 start on page 3 [/quote]

lol http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... lit=spring

[RoyBatty]

I've never really looked at these control arms much before all this. I know that at least one forum member here had a very bad experience with these units.
But now that I have seen a picture of the finished install, that custom lower shock mount looks like it's just asking to be smacked by every piece of solid road debris you might encounter.

[ClarkTheShark]

I've never really looked at these control arms much before all this. I know that at least one forum member here had a very bad experience with these units.
But now that I have seen a picture of the finished install, that custom lower shock mount looks like it's just asking to be smacked by every piece of solid road debris you might encounter.

That sorta makes since - if you hit something big enough, the oil pan is the first to go.

[71124spider]

they tell me they are sending me a new ball joint--i hope it fits, i will post my reply afterwards.

[bradartigue]

VAS, the same bunch of guys who had a picture of these things with a "Made in China" sticker on them and underneath a caption read "Made in America." America must be a city in China.

There are so many good parts vendors, guys...

[mscafide]

Yes China, Motorola saved money by producing cell phones there. Since they made ALL of the parts and were beginning to do the engineering too, they were soon making exact copies and selling them in China and elsewhere.

Not exact copies, there was one change. The turned the Motorola M upside down and called them Wotorola phones.

Mike

[JTBernhardt]

I almost bought these control arms a few months ago. I did a quick google to find that the quality and fit was questionable. I went with the control arms sold by Auto Ricambi. Definitely worth the extra $75.

[71124spider]

years ago, i had another 71 124 and i bought all my parts from VAS-- everything was excellent--i am truly disgusted with these control arms i found movment in the d/s upper control arm--the bushing was loose in its bore--now with the steering wheel turned all the way to the left--when i back up slow and step on the brake--there is a loud bang coming from the p/s front--i have to pull the wheels again--these arms just arent fitting right--they did send me a new upper frap ball joint--which i spoke about in my earler post--summer is here, and i want to drive the damn car!

[71124spider]

can anyone send me the picture that says these arms are made in china?

[toyfiats]

years ago, i had another 71 124 and i bought all my parts from VAS-- everything was excellent

Years ago they were a different company. Robert Vick retired a number of years ago, and these jokers ended up with it, so now it is literally VAS in name only. Ramzi and Csaba worked with Robert at VAS, and subsequently started their own company - http://www.autoricambi.us/ - that come highly recommended.

[71124spider]

okay--so whats happening is--i just pulled the 2 front wheels on the upper control arm there is 1/8 side to side play between the upper control arm bushing and the shock tower where the pivot bolt goes thru theres nothing wrong with my towers-- and everything is tight----i attribute it to the aftermarket arms --i think if i grind down the inside side of the upper control arm bushing --the bushing will go deeper into the control arm and rectify the problem. anyone care to give some input?

[tartan18]

If this happened to me I'd return the defective Vick control arms and get a proper set from AR. A few extra dollars invested in my front end suspension pays me a lot of peace of mind.

[DanD]

okay--so whats happening is--i just pulled the 2 front wheels on the upper control arm there is 1/8 side to side play between the upper control arm bushing and the shock tower where the pivot bolt goes thru theres nothing wrong with my towers-- and everything is tight----i attribute it to the aftermarket arms --i think if i grind down the inside side of the upper control arm bushing --the bushing will go deeper into the control arm and rectify the problem. anyone care to give some input?

Are you saying you can't torque down the nut and bolt to pull the arm in ?