front end rebuild
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
front end rebuild
UPS just brought presents to my front door steering rebuild kit for the old girl
just wondering if anyone has any insight or do's and dont's that might be useful before i start this project
thanks
just wondering if anyone has any insight or do's and dont's that might be useful before i start this project
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Springfield MA
Re: front end rebuild (78pace)
Hey 78pace... another Mass. vette :D:D
I'm working on my front end right now.
Get the manuals, read them, ask for help here at each step of the way.
Take your time, save extra cash for the inevitable unseen problems and then get at it.
Oh... and call the local CF members for a hand if you need it. We all work for beer :cheers: :cheers:
I'm working on my front end right now.
Get the manuals, read them, ask for help here at each step of the way.
Take your time, save extra cash for the inevitable unseen problems and then get at it.
Oh... and call the local CF members for a hand if you need it. We all work for beer :cheers: :cheers:
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: BOULDER CREEK ca
Re: front end rebuild (78pace)
if you have an air compressor, be sure to beg, borrow, or steal an air hammer with pickle fork attachements for disassembly. you can tear the front end apart in about an hour with one. Also during re-assembly before you put your castle nuts on, take a small pin punch, stick it through the cotter key holes and line up all the cotter key holes, 1) to make sure they are pointed in a way to get the cotter keys in, and 2) cause details count. i learned that one after my 3rd front end rebuild. if you dont have the air tools, buy them, they pay for themselves the first time you use them. If you are doing ball joints too, i'm not sure on a '78, but on my '69 a spring compressor was all but useless. use your floor jack to lower the lower control arm(after you break the ball joint loose) to get the Springs out. Extra tip, make good measurements of your tie rods and such and match them as close as possible, and your alignment will be good enough to get to the alignment shop.
[Modified by HWY 9 - '69, 11:07 AM 1/17/2002]
[Modified by HWY 9 - '69, 11:07 AM 1/17/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,305
Likes: 9
From: Weston FL
Re: front end rebuild (HWY 9 - '69)
For a spring compressor to be usefull, you need an internal spring compressor, like the SNap Ons. DOESN"T have to be the snap on, but just look at the catalog and you can see what to look for. I have bought two one american made for about $70 and one made in china (internal also) for $50, both did the jobs on my GM cars (Not a Vette)....of course I was using an air compressor, I can't imagine what some of you have to go through to do a front end rebuild without an air compressor :eek:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC, USA
Re: front end rebuild (yosshimura)
78, pace. We're in the same boat my friend. I've got the entire front end rebuild kit too, and am nervous about starting. Lets keep in touch on the progress.
Taylor :(
Taylor :(
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
Re: front end rebuild (78pace)
vader953 i wont be starting mine until April when i can get it into my brothers garage but let me know how you make out along the way
thanks
ps. its winter here anyway so no rush, snow ice salt on roads
[Modified by 78pace, 11:50 AM 1/18/2002]
thanks
ps. its winter here anyway so no rush, snow ice salt on roads
[Modified by 78pace, 11:50 AM 1/18/2002]
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Paducah KY
Re: front end rebuild (78pace)
I've almost finished mine. Take care removing the bolts on the end of the control arm shafts. Mine had rust inside. I removed them with my impact and took the threads out with them. Fortunate I needed a new lower control arm anyway and it came with a new rod and bolts. Also be carfull not to bump the radiator hose when removing the drivers side upper control arm. I did one time to many and made a leak where the hose hooks on to the radiator. Those were my only self inflicted problems. Take your time and enjoy. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: front end rebuild (78Vette-SA)
Just started mine this afternoon. Took the hood off, clutch/fan, water pump pulley(complete with F@d markings?) and started removing the radiator shroud. Phone call came in and put a halt to it all. Tomorrow is a new day though.
