how much time
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
how much time
1976 front end rebuild. Are there any opinions as to approximately how many hours to R&R the whole front suspension?
Upper and lower control arms, springs, inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar, steering arm....what else?
I already have done the power steering pieces. Any estimates appreciated.
Upper and lower control arms, springs, inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar, steering arm....what else?
I already have done the power steering pieces. Any estimates appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
A lot depends on your skill level the tools you have and if you have a lift. I have done this many times so I can do it in hours. Most first or 2nd timers will take days. To many variables to put down a specific time.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Fist time or 50th it never stops trying hard to kick your butt, each time finds a new way to inflict pain, it's a dirty nasty job,
I can do it in a long day ( or two ) , but takes me several days to recover...lol
I can do it in a long day ( or two ) , but takes me several days to recover...lol
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
better than I thought
Well, things sound better than I had anticipated. It will be in my friends shop. We will have all the tools and press etc. He is a very experienced mechanic, worked on several Corvettes.
I was thinking about 40 hours so I'm VERY happy to hear we might do it in 16-20 hrs.
Thanks
I was thinking about 40 hours so I'm VERY happy to hear we might do it in 16-20 hrs.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Cleaning and painting all the parts takes about 50% of the total time.....IF you have all the replacement parts in a big box on the work bench!There's a very good thread about using a metal-cutting hole saw to remove the old control arm bushings that will save you lots of time and burned fingers! I think I posted some pics in my thread....yep............pg. 15-17
Chasing down parts at auto stores allover town can add another half-day.......like when you discover that the spindle nut has some well-worn threads and you've misplaced the bolts for the lower shock-mounts
Last edited by doorgunner; Apr 11, 2015 at 11:40 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
Put it up on a lift or jacks and steam clean or pressure wash BEFORE you take this one. Not having to work on it, with pounds of crud removed make it a much better experience. And if you want to make it faster, bag and tag all the fasteners as you remove them. This helps in a quick reassembly, like when the sway bar nuts, bolts and washers are right there in your hands, as you reassemble it, ditto for the shock bolts and brake calipers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
If your friend has a garage with tools, a complete front end rebuild kit should be all u need. Nothing too magical on the corvette, but I would recommend a service manual for your yr car. They give u all the torque specs and reading the directions isn't always a bad thing to do.
I would probably allow a full day for the job, providing u don't get too **** on cleaning and re painting.
I would probably allow a full day for the job, providing u don't get too **** on cleaning and re painting.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Central Wisconsin
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
What did I forget?
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 420
Likes: 6
From: Springfield Missouri
Get a 74 Service manual and 76 Supplement while you're at it.
See this thread for a bigger list of books to buy.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
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From: Orlando FL
