C3 Body Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
C3 Body Removal
C3 body removal
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Hi, we are trying to pull the body off the frame on a '71 coupe. We have found the 1st, 3rd and last bolts, and believe we know where the 2nd one is (inside the front door jam?). There are a couple of problems that perhaps someone here can help us with.
As always we soaked everything down with PB Blaster and after tapping on the bolts, let it sit for a day. The first bolts came right out. The 4th bolts both rounded of the head because they were rusted so tight they would not move (remember I have kids doing this and they do not know the difference between a head that is stripping and a tight bolt that is slowly turning).
So here are my questions. First, I will no doubt have to burn the heads off the back #4 bolts, but then what? Are those bolts/nuts captive to the body somehow? If so how do we get them out once the body is off?
Second , what is the best way to get to the #2 bolts that for all appearances seem to be inside the front door jam?
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Hi, we are trying to pull the body off the frame on a '71 coupe. We have found the 1st, 3rd and last bolts, and believe we know where the 2nd one is (inside the front door jam?). There are a couple of problems that perhaps someone here can help us with.
As always we soaked everything down with PB Blaster and after tapping on the bolts, let it sit for a day. The first bolts came right out. The 4th bolts both rounded of the head because they were rusted so tight they would not move (remember I have kids doing this and they do not know the difference between a head that is stripping and a tight bolt that is slowly turning).
So here are my questions. First, I will no doubt have to burn the heads off the back #4 bolts, but then what? Are those bolts/nuts captive to the body somehow? If so how do we get them out once the body is off?
Second , what is the best way to get to the #2 bolts that for all appearances seem to be inside the front door jam?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 0
From: Hanover Maryland
To get to the #2 bolts, remove the kick panel. There is a cutout behind the panel with access to the bolt head. The nut is in a cage on top of the frame.
The #4 bolts I found easiest to remove the cage from inside the Vette all the way in the back corners. I used a cut-off wheel and removed the cage and nut, the bolt then fell out from the bottom.
Good Luck!
The #4 bolts I found easiest to remove the cage from inside the Vette all the way in the back corners. I used a cut-off wheel and removed the cage and nut, the bolt then fell out from the bottom.
Good Luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
#2 right inside the front interior kick panels.
#4 ... I used a 4" grinder to take the head off.
The nut for #4 is captive (cage nut) ... accessible from inside the body.
However, to replace the cage nut, you must remove the #4 body
mount reinforcement.
Some pics here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1666561
#4 ... I used a 4" grinder to take the head off.
The nut for #4 is captive (cage nut) ... accessible from inside the body.
However, to replace the cage nut, you must remove the #4 body
mount reinforcement.
Some pics here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1666561
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
C3 body removal
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Hi, we are trying to pull the body off the frame on a '71 coupe. We have found the 1st, 3rd and last bolts, and believe we know where the 2nd one is (inside the front door jam?). There are a couple of problems that perhaps someone here can help us with.
As always we soaked everything down with PB Blaster and after tapping on the bolts, let it sit for a day. The first bolts came right out. The 4th bolts both rounded of the head because they were rusted so tight they would not move (remember I have kids doing this and they do not know the difference between a head that is stripping and a tight bolt that is slowly turning).
So here are my questions. First, I will no doubt have to burn the heads off the back #4 bolts, but then what? Are those bolts/nuts captive to the body somehow? If so how do we get them out once the body is off?
Second , what is the best way to get to the #2 bolts that for all appearances seem to be inside the front door jam?
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Hi, we are trying to pull the body off the frame on a '71 coupe. We have found the 1st, 3rd and last bolts, and believe we know where the 2nd one is (inside the front door jam?). There are a couple of problems that perhaps someone here can help us with.
As always we soaked everything down with PB Blaster and after tapping on the bolts, let it sit for a day. The first bolts came right out. The 4th bolts both rounded of the head because they were rusted so tight they would not move (remember I have kids doing this and they do not know the difference between a head that is stripping and a tight bolt that is slowly turning).
So here are my questions. First, I will no doubt have to burn the heads off the back #4 bolts, but then what? Are those bolts/nuts captive to the body somehow? If so how do we get them out once the body is off?
Second , what is the best way to get to the #2 bolts that for all appearances seem to be inside the front door jam?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
I used a dremmel tool with a flex drive and zip disk to cut the heads off the #2 & 3 mount bolt heads.
Once the body was lifted I was able to remove the remaining studs from the nut cages using a littel heat and some vise grips.
Good Luck
Once the body was lifted I was able to remove the remaining studs from the nut cages using a littel heat and some vise grips.
Good Luck
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: DEER ISLE ME
I used a reverse socket... the harder you turned the more it bit in...I didn't care if the bolt broke
except that one forward of the rear wheel...ain't that a bugaboo!!
except that one forward of the rear wheel...ain't that a bugaboo!!
Last edited by Timmijoe; Apr 13, 2007 at 06:45 PM.
