The Corvette from hell!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,089
Likes: 925
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The Corvette from hell!
I recently bought this 75 convertible after a long 35 year sleep. In the process of waking it up I'd like to replace the bushing in the upper A-arms. So I have a spare set of A-arms built ready to go in the car. I figure I can get this done along with my coil over install over the weekend,WRONG! I've been working on my cars for as long as I've been driving basically and I can honestly say this car is really kicking my ***. The fan shroud needs to come out in order to get the A-arms off the car but the shroud won't come off unless you take out the radiator. The radiator is easily removed once you take the hood off.as stated I'm more than capable of working in the car,I've got a 91 ZR-1 inch hat in the only one that works on the car, this picture is changing the injectors on a car with 8000 original miles-thanks GM- but this 75 is really working my nerves.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,068
Likes: 7,678
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yup! And I've had my 77 for over 30 years. Now I just expect it. I'm in the middle of some mild engine tuning at the moment. Might have seen some of my posts asking questions and on the general forum "What did you do to your corvette today" thread.
I always expect to spend 6 to 8 weeks on small projects. about 3 months when I redid my roof, windshield.
One weekend. Yup, maybe to get it apart. next 2 -3 weekends to clean things up. another to repaint. then 2 more to carefully assemble. then drive it 3 or 4 times.
Next project. And on it goes for years and years.
It's called a hobby. Don't rush it. and don't expect to.
Have a motorcycle and another car to get to work.
I always expect to spend 6 to 8 weeks on small projects. about 3 months when I redid my roof, windshield.
One weekend. Yup, maybe to get it apart. next 2 -3 weekends to clean things up. another to repaint. then 2 more to carefully assemble. then drive it 3 or 4 times.
Next project. And on it goes for years and years.
It's called a hobby. Don't rush it. and don't expect to.
Have a motorcycle and another car to get to work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Nobody said it would be easy. There are alot worse. You should trying working on airplanes!!!! But,.....I too get frustrated, but try to remind myself it is one step at at time.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,068
Likes: 7,678
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I recently changed my upper A arm shafts. haven't even drivin it and started my engine project.
Even with my electric fans. I had to pull my electric fans with shroud to remove upper A arms.
About a year ago my 20 year old son was helping me with a suspension project. He asked me when I was planning on having it "Done".
I laughed, I was driving this car the night I met his Mother. It's never been "Done". And never will be.
It's a hobby.
Even with my electric fans. I had to pull my electric fans with shroud to remove upper A arms.
About a year ago my 20 year old son was helping me with a suspension project. He asked me when I was planning on having it "Done".
I laughed, I was driving this car the night I met his Mother. It's never been "Done". And never will be.
It's a hobby.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 781
Likes: 414
From: Western NY
Not saying this is the way to do it but when i replaced my upper control arm bushings the first time i tapped the 2 bolts out that the control arm shaft bolts to. they are pressed into the frame extension that for the control arm. this way you do not need to remove the shroud or radiator or header. again maybe not the best way to do it but it worked for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,249
Likes: 1,292
From: Fleming Island, FL
Not saying this is the way to do it but when i replaced my upper control arm bushings the first time i tapped the 2 bolts out that the control arm shaft bolts to. they are pressed into the frame extension that for the control arm. this way you do not need to remove the shroud or radiator or header. again maybe not the best way to do it but it worked for me.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,089
Likes: 925
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Not saying this is the way to do it but when i replaced my upper control arm bushings the first time i tapped the 2 bolts out that the control arm shaft bolts to. they are pressed into the frame extension that for the control arm. this way you do not need to remove the shroud or radiator or header. again maybe not the best way to do it but it worked for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,870
Likes: 3,544
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
While your at it- might as well pull the body off...just sayin!!!
Welcome to the love-hate relationship of the C3.
You are doing the correct thing- have two corvette so hopefully you'll be able to drive one while the other one is down.
Good luck- still own one of my C3s for 40+ years- and it still kicks my ***!!!
Richard
Welcome to the love-hate relationship of the C3.
You are doing the correct thing- have two corvette so hopefully you'll be able to drive one while the other one is down.
Good luck- still own one of my C3s for 40+ years- and it still kicks my ***!!!
Richard
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 2,290
From: Central UT
This is great advice and worked well for me in the same situation. Soak the bolts with some WD or whatever you like, and use a C clamp that is large enough to put some pressure on it and rap the handle of the C clamp with a hammer. You can reuse the bolts as long as you don't make the mistake of trying to turn them. On mine, I had to remove my fan, loosen the shroud so I could move the shroud a bit to make room for the C clamp head (BB). Good luck. Lot's of 'fun' stuff on C3's. Look at these things as a challenge and be proud of yourself when you find ways to 'McGyver' solutions. There are lots of great gearheads on this forum that can help, and they're very willing. Best, Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,624
Likes: 2,455
From: Indiana
post 3 and what i had to remove and i have every accessory and ac..radiator stayed..had to use vice grip on one that c clamp would not fit…just don’t turn it!
Also mine a 79 ymmv
also now you have access to purdy up some parts
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-method.html
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,966
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From: MA
I knocked the bolts out with a flat heavy bar of steel 1/4 thick 1 inch wide just kept tapping on them i did this on a 73 small block with A/C ( just put the nut on so you don't damage the threads )
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,089
Likes: 925
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
post 3 and what i had to remove and i have every accessory and ac..radiator stayed..had to use vice grip on one that c clamp would not fit…just don’t turn it!
Also mine a 79 ymmv
also now you have access to purdy up some parts
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-method.html
