Massive Vacuum Canister Removed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Massive Vacuum Canister Removed
I finally got around to removing that vacuum canister. I haven't even touched the Vette in a few months, as some of you may notice I haven't posted here in a while. Anyways, what a pain in the *** it was to get that thing out...
The only thing that concerned me was that the front end seemed to droop after I removed the canister. So much that the fenders touch the front of the tires if I turn the wheel all the way to one direction. I'm assuming that this is because I haven't bolted the bumper to frame support brackets back yet. (I had to unbolt them to get at the canister) But just to verify, the canister is not a critical part of the frame or anything like that is it?
The only thing that concerned me was that the front end seemed to droop after I removed the canister. So much that the fenders touch the front of the tires if I turn the wheel all the way to one direction. I'm assuming that this is because I haven't bolted the bumper to frame support brackets back yet. (I had to unbolt them to get at the canister) But just to verify, the canister is not a critical part of the frame or anything like that is it?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
the center of the nose is supported by that front bracket there, I think most of the guys that take that off make some custom pieces to reinforce that area. Most of the weight is carried by those side frame extensions though, so as long as those are still there it shouldn't be having any tire clearance issues.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
I just did this. Check it out here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1510906
The easiest way for me to support the front end was to remove the brackets from the air reservoir, and use them to tie the radiator support to the front bumper with the original brackets. That plus the frame extension brackets supported the front end real nice. I can sit on my front bumper and the only give is thru the suspension. Be sure to support the front end up into it's original position when attaching all the brackets, or your lower radiator hose outlet will rub against your front sway bar.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1510906
The easiest way for me to support the front end was to remove the brackets from the air reservoir, and use them to tie the radiator support to the front bumper with the original brackets. That plus the frame extension brackets supported the front end real nice. I can sit on my front bumper and the only give is thru the suspension. Be sure to support the front end up into it's original position when attaching all the brackets, or your lower radiator hose outlet will rub against your front sway bar.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Originally Posted by big_G
Support that front end A.S.A.P., that means NOW!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
If not supporting the bottom of the radiator support to the frame,
you will soon start to develop cracks at the front corners of the
fenders ... followed closely by the bumper cover tearing.
The radiator support holds up the fenders ... bolted to inner fenders and frame (vias giant vacuum tube).
If totally removed, you need to fabricate a support.
Relying on the two bumper bolts at the corners will not cut it.
I had the torn bumper cover and cracked fenders ... from it just sitting unsupported.
you will soon start to develop cracks at the front corners of the
fenders ... followed closely by the bumper cover tearing.
The radiator support holds up the fenders ... bolted to inner fenders and frame (vias giant vacuum tube).
If totally removed, you need to fabricate a support.
Relying on the two bumper bolts at the corners will not cut it.
I had the torn bumper cover and cracked fenders ... from it just sitting unsupported.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
My front end is tied to the radiator support/frame in four places. The frame on both sides, and the two big brackets that tie the radiator support to the front end. Take a look at this picture. Only one of the brackets are in place in this photo. I removed the bolt brackets from the air tank, and used them to replace both of the massive middle brackets. The brackets are attached to the lower radiator support in the rear, and the bumper in the front. I am very satisfied with the support. I may not survive a 5mph impact unscratched anymore though.
Last edited by Bee Jay; Oct 27, 2006 at 06:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Originally Posted by torqvette
But just to verify, the canister is not a critical part of the frame or anything like that is it?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 149
Likes: 7
From: Arkansas City Kansas
I just removed the tank from my 77. I didn't seem to have any problems. I did support the nose during removal. After I got it out just bolted the bumper brackets back on to the frame. No drooping no drama. The front end is solid and the radiator is just as it was before the removal.