Support Arm

I am the new owner of an old (1989) TM 23.

The support arm on the front shell, closest to the door, is bent inward and almost touches the other support arm. I wonder if anyone has had one of these off? Because it is connected to the torsion bar, I fear it might unwind a few revolutions if disconnected.

I have a plan to construct a large bracket from 4 x 4s that would look like this, "["

Then chain an extended scissor jack between between the bracket and the bent support arm. Cranking the jack counter clockwise would pull it straight.

I am certain that I can straighten it with this method but would sure hate to go to all the trouble if it turns out someone has had one off and had no difficulties with the re-installation.

BTW, the arm is bent in enough that it almost rubs the window when setting the front shell up.

Tom

[grill-n-go]

Ask Ed at the factory.

Considering the stress that these "arms" are subject to, it may necessary for them to have good symetry. Find out what a new one costs. In October of 2007 I paid $126.00 for a new one.

My take is that these torsion bars don't unwind. It's probably more something like backing off on the bolts that load the torsion bars before you do your work.

Thanks Mario.

I doubt the torsion bar has more than 1/4 to 1/2 twist in it. I was just looking for an easier way to straighten it. My guess is that the previous owner bent it with his lawn tractor.

Tom

[Bill]

When you do all this, it would probably be best to have the shell up, not down. When the shell is up, there is almost no tension on the support arm. When it is down, there is a couple hundred pounds on each one.

Bill

Michael from TrailManor thinks my plan of attack will work provided there is no crease or Kink that would seriously weaken the arm. In that case they will send me a new arm plus shipping and instructions for changing it.

From what Bill says about there being very little tension on it in the upright position (which it is now), I am really tempted to just remove it before trying to straighten it. Naturally I will crib up the corner of the top first. I will try to do something with it this weekend.

[Wavery]

Tom,

Bending it back will likely weaken it further.

I would buy a piece of 3/4" angle iron. Cut it to length, drill about 6 holes in it and the arm (down both sides) with a 1/8" drill (lining up the holes) and pop-rivet the angle iron to the arm. This should give you adequate reinforcement. If in doubt, you could do 2 of them on opposite corners.

You could probably even use aluminum to keep the weight down. It's plenty strong.