Front shocks and ripped A-frame

[Besp]

I've own my 68/1600 for a whole two-week now.
So here I go, eh.

Well, I bought this roads on impulse. Made the decision in about an hour after I saw it. I know nothing about roadster, but I'm sure all of you can attest to the feeling of a first love. And now, just finding out its "perfect" condition.

First, it was really bumpy when I droved in the city, San Fran,
responding to all the pot holes and bumps. When I finally went
down to look, the right shock was just hanging out very close to
the ground. I quickly went home, and luckily my neighbor, who's
a retire airplane mechanic, helped me out. We lifted the car up,
and saw the lower A-frame (the circular metal ring that's holding the lower part of the shock) was ripped out and almost torn apart.

He said "No problem" and took everything apart right then, made
a duplicate piece and welded back. All in about three hours.
I was happy as hell, and thank him for that trouble. And I even learned something.

Now, a week later, I felt similar problem, but at the front left side.
So, I looked down and it was the top part of the left shock that was
out of place, and hurting the car.

Ok, here' the question: Is this common problem for the roadster?
What's a good remedy?

By the way, this was the roadster that was for sale since Jan 03,
in Oakland/San Francisco. Previous owner told me there was one
taker, but dropped out. I just happened to the next sucka.
Still, I can't admit how much I like this car.

[Minh]

Hey Bespa, Yeah I caught the bug when I first seen one too. But I didn't have the funds when I 1st saw it. I think I was 17 years old.

I don't think what you have it is common problem.

Somone on the board might no more... I wouldn't unless I looked at it. It seems to me the whole front suspension is suspect for an inspection.

Are those original shocks? How rusted is it?

[oilleak]

What shocks are in it. I'd suggest they may be wrong or broken.

[bespa]

Thanks for the responses, the shocks are KYB, they don't look
too bad. I think Mike Young might know something about this car,
talking to him for the first time, he remembers this car right away,
engine is pretty strong. I hope it's an easy fix, when I saw the
A-frame metal ripped on both sides, I thought this must be a design
problem of the car.....we'll see.