Best thing I've used - by far - is a 4" grinder with a good
knotted wire brush - has threaded center. (same section @ Home Depot).
They last 10 times longer and remove stuff "wicked" fast.
Just don't get it near your clothes and wear eye protection - for sure.

Check out the pics at the bottom of this post:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=3&arch=1

Also, I have to say be careful how much of the front support
structure you remove. The frame extension holds up the radiator
support, which holds up the inner fenders. This combo holds
much of the front body weight. Relying on less may result
in unwanted stress cracks - particularly in the front corners
where the bumper bar ties into the fender reinforcements.

Good luck ... looks like you are moving right along.

 

I did have to use the main frame extention to hold up the front corners but the radiator support didn't need all of that extra steel from the vaccum canister. So I just drilled two holes inline with each other from the support over to the frame extention. I made an angled steel collar to put in between them and another angled collar by the nut. I can now push down on the body and get the susp to move without seeing the body move at all. The frame extention holds most of the weight up. The skirts have a steel brace, one on each, on the wheel well side that vertically line up with the support as well. basically anything that is fiberglass, has a brace on each side. Luckily, mine aren't rusted out completely but I will have to clean them.

But first things first, I have to get the rear susp parts and that will take a little time as I just ducked out a load on the rear to get it rebuilt so next is new offset trailing arms. Mine aren't too bad but that is a lot of work to clean and rebuild them my self. I would feel better about it if they were new and ready to bolt on. New calipers are in the works too.

I will try to take some more pics soon.

 

nice work

 

Well I got alot of work done since I posted last, But it seems the pics I posted earlier have disappeared and turned into little red X's. I guess the mods were checking links while my pc was off. I host the pics on my PC and when the PC is down no one can see the pics. Oh well, I'll try to keep the server running more often during peak hours but it's pretty loud at night so I end up turning it off.

Well I got some new parts, crossmember bushings, composite spring, shock mounts, shocks, gas tank gasket and overflow tub, trailing arm shim kit, and lowering bolts. I just have to wait to get my crossmember reinforcment discs then I can start to re-assemble everything. But I did get to put the bushings in though and they actually went in 100 times easier than they were to get out. I also got to wire down the rest of the frame under the car and put a layer of paint on it so it won't rust for now. Check out the pics.................



Here is a before shot of the rear bumper still on the car.


And this is what how it will be for when I get the new fiberglass bumper cover. (Without bumper installed) All of the lights are going to be replaced with the "bubble style" lights and the cover is going to be an "80 style". With fiberglass I can mount the lights directly to the cover and don't need the original brackets.



More pics to come soon!!!

 

I found out the problem with the pics. It was me, so I apologize to any of the moderators for blaming them. I was rearranging the folders on my PC and the links became incorrect. I went through and edited them all. For those of you that have not seen them enjoy.

 

lookin good! where in jersey are you located?

 

I'm in Linden

 

Here are some updated pics of the rear end. I will have to wait till after the holidays to get the new offset trailing arms due to funding so I will clean up the garage in the meantime.

 

very nice job......keep it comming