Hi all,

This is my first post as I am a new user, having just bought a '74 vette a couple weeks ago. The control arm bushings are horribly deteriorated to the point that one of the upper control arms is shifted 2 inches forward due to the lack of a bushing, and this is causing a major steering pull.

I have new bushings for the control arms, sway bar link bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and a new idler arm.

I'm a novice at working on cars, so I was wondering how tough a job this is and if I will need any special tools (I know I need to get a machine shop to press on the control arm bushings). Also, if anyone has any tips, they'd be greatly appreciated!

 

welcome to CF.

These cars are very easy to work on: basic designs, plenty of parts suppliers, easy access to components (compared to new vehicles)
and a wealth of knowledge from a forum such as this one.

There are some tasks though, which are better left to others, as specialised tools can be pricey for the very few (one-off) times you may need them, and other tasks require an experienced person to assemble properly.

I would suggest you first get access to some books.
Get the correct Assembly Intruction Manual (AIM) for your year corvette. It can be purchased from any of the Corvette parts suppliers... (typically around $20). You could try some of the sponsors on this site such as Corvette Central, Ecklers or Zip etc. The AIM gives you very good exploded views of all aspects of your year corvette.
Exterior, interior, suspension etc etc etc

Next look at the various restoration books available for C3 vettes.
There's quite a few, and each one usually has a specific year project car with detailed explanations of maintenance and replacement procedures including tool requirements and tips and tricks and safety info. Great for getting an intro to what you're getting yourself in to.

Suspension rebuilding whilst not rocket science, still requires a fundamental understanding of mechanics, and there are dimensional specifications and torque settings that need to be maintained for proper operation. Like I said, get some books and read through the relavant sections on suspension, and you be the judge if it's a task you want to tackle.

What is easy for one may not be for someone else.

If you haven't worked on cars, you need to ask lots of questions, and always be aware of potential dangers.... leaking fuel and sparks from shorts are NOT good bedfellows, and unsecured jack stands when working under a car wrestling with a tight bolt can also quickly spoil your day.

Pictures and text and conversation will only teach you so much.... getting your hands dirty is the only way to learn, but always be conscious of dangers.

gees, I sound like an old man lecturing to a school class....
Not trying to be condescending... just offering some ol' fashioned advice.
cheers
tom

 

Welcome to the forum, and to the C3 owner's community. It's a great place.

The front end is a fun project to get into and you'll learn a lot about your car. Take lots of pictures, take your time, and have a few breaks for beers.

When you get to the point of needing to get the A-arm bushings out, get a hole saw...maybe 22mm or something like that, and use it to drill the rubber out. Takes about 15 seconds per side, and with the rubber gone you can tap out the crush sleeves and get the shells cut out easier. Just measure the diameter of the rubber, and get a hole saw that's smaller than the shell but bigger than the crush sleeve.

If you want to lower the front end at all, this is the best time to cut a coil off of the front springs. I did that and achieved a 1.25" drop on the front.

Most everything can be done in a garage with basic tools, but when you get to the rear end you'll need some special tools and probably help from a professional.

Please post pics of your car...we love pics.

 

Be careful with those front springs..Go to Autozone and get their free loaner spring compressor or chain them up. When separating those ball joints..loosen the nut, but leave the last few turns.. that way it wont come flying apart..

Your front end is one of the most satisfying areas to rework..Once everything is out, POR everything and make it look nice..

Take your time..

 

All good advice!

 

I have a complete detailed tech paper on how to do the front end rebuild. You can e-mail me for a copy:
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars

 

Thanks, everyone! I definitely will not regret joining this forum! I have ordered some books (assembly instruction manual and others) and I will start on this project in a few weeks. I will post some pictures this weekend and I look forward to getting to know you guys!

 

The front end rebuild is my first project as well, I have one side pretty much ready for re-assembly (just waiting on my 540 lb. springs to arrive)

Here's my thread, lot's of fun stuff to consider:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...arted+in+%2781

 

With Tom on all that. I have not found the AIM to be particularly valuable, but I have found one and do use it. The correct Shop Manual on the other hand is an invaluable tool.
Welcome to the Forum, ask all the questions you need to, post pics and fill in your profile so we knw where you are. Might be a member in your area can swing by and give you some pointers.
The suspension will not require much in the way of special tools. A decent collection of basic tools will do you fine. Some things you will definately need:
Good Jack Stands, Harbour Freight sells a 6 ton unit that is very good.
Floor Jack, HF has them, Sears makes a good one
Full set of wrenches, pliars, socket set(s)
Air Tools are a Plus, but it can be done without them.
Pickle Fork for seperating the ball joints and tie rods, HF again
4 lb short handle sledge hammer, Home Depot

Lars paper is a good one. There is Lots of advice and experience in here
Welcome aboard