76 trailing arm bolt seized...help

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Jul 23, 2013 | 06:41 PM

Grant Laird

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

76 trailing arm bolt seized...help

I cannot remove the trailing arm bolt from my 76. The shims have been removed and the bolt turns, but obviously the spacer is seized onto the bolt, making it hard to remove. I have soaked it for days with penetrating fluid and I have hit it HARD, to no avail. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Jul 23, 2013 | 06:49 PM

Peterbuilt

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 7,427

Likes: 1,560

From: mount holly NC

2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)

You were lucky to get the shims out, now all you need is a hack saw and a new bolt.

Jul 23, 2013 | 07:20 PM

Grant Laird

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Seized Bolt

OK, so how can I get a hacksaw up into the confined area to saw off
the bolt to remove the arm.Thanks

Jul 23, 2013 | 07:23 PM

lionelhutz

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 11,152

Likes: 890

From: South Western Ontario

Sawzall. Have fun.

Jul 23, 2013 | 07:33 PM

redvetracr

Race Director

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 18,126

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From: WI

try the search function, it really works

Jul 23, 2013 | 08:02 PM

SB64

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 4,399

Likes: 793

Seized bolt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant Laird

OK, so how can I get a hacksaw up into the confined area to saw off
the bolt to remove the arm.Thanks

Just got done doing.Sawzall with metalblade short blade about 6inches. Assuming car is jacked place saw between bolt and trailer are. you wil need to cut on both sides of the trailer are. bolt comes out in 2 pcs. Vansteel has new bolts with nut and kotter pin. Tip use some dental floss thru hole of new bolt put floss thru frame hole and gently pull. hope this helps let me know good luck

Jul 24, 2013 | 07:52 PM

A88FXRS

Racer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 374

Likes: 12

From: PHILADELPHIA PA

better yet, grab the torch, stuff hole with wet rags and out in 30 seconds.

Jul 26, 2013 | 12:57 AM

kjr6306

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 7

From: Chardon Ohio

Sawzall with GOOD blades. The harbor freight blades will not work on these bolts. Go to HD or Lowes and get at least 3-4 of the good thick metal blades. Have fun and enjoy the initiation.....

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Jul 26, 2013 | 01:51 AM

TimAT

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 7,123

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From: Gladstone MO

C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjr6306

Sawzall with GOOD blades. The harbor freight blades will not work on these bolts. Go to HD or Lowes and get at least 3-4 of the good thick metal blades. Have fun and enjoy the initiation.....

Lenox blades are about as good as they get. Not cheap.

Jul 26, 2013 | 02:49 AM

#10

mac79vette

Pro

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 582

Likes: 9

I have also had to use a sawzall. Good luck!

Jul 26, 2013 | 09:44 AM

#11

drwet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 3,233

Likes: 657

From: Thunder Bay

Good advice. Common problem. In fact it would be newsworthy if you DIDN'T have to use a sawzall to get them out.

Jul 26, 2013 | 10:15 AM

#12

jbrown8238

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 160

Likes: 3

From: Bellevue Nebraska

NE Events Coordinator

I used the Sawzall method on mine with these blades, cut the bolts like butter.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...40-c-10084.htm

Aug 2, 2013 | 05:00 PM

#13

bwinterstine

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 420

Likes: 4

From: Ft Myers Fl

Just trying to get mine off this afternoon. Right side I was able to get out ... left side not budging yet ... it is soaking. Sawzall standing by.

Aug 2, 2013 | 06:06 PM

#14

Ibanez540r

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 1,524

Likes: 61

From: Medina Ohio

ALSO just did this on my rolling chassis. Trailing arms were new and mounted on the chassis for a while in storage, went to remove them, one came out one didn't. Sawzall.

Aug 2, 2013 | 10:26 PM

#15

Denpo

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,626

Likes: 140

From: Kanuckistan

2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

If the body is off the frame, I have a simpler method.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...post1575721238

Aug 3, 2013 | 01:49 PM

#16

bwinterstine

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 420

Likes: 4

From: Ft Myers Fl

I've had the left TA bushing/shims/bolt soaking in PB for 2 days now. I was able to get the shims out on the left of the bushing but the shims on the right are sealed to the TA bolt and bushing ... won't budge. I'll be cutting it out tomorrow, 6" blade for my sawzall wasn't long enough to reach in there and cut thru bushing/shim/bolt as a unit. Picked up a couple 8" blades today and cleaned up the mess I've made taking out the leaf spring, right TA and shocks.

Denpo: You're a wild man! I'm going to try and keep my frame (at least so far).

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