I've been thinking...I know I need to update my '79 suspension and I'm convinced that Vette Brake is the way to go as well doing something to fix my sloppy steering.

Here is the problem, I've never worked on suspensions before, for that matter I've never been under my car except in my mechanics garage (tough confession). Soooo, I'm short on cash and thought can do this myself?

Should I leave this for the professionals? What should I watch out for? What is the best way to keep the car lifted during this adventure?

Thanks for the help.

Richard

 

I went through the same thoughts about my 68, many years ago. My motivation was a friend at work who told me he'd give me a hand. The hardest part was getting those old, rusty bolts and nuts to come loose. Often, it was really helpful to have a second brain there to go over the various ways to disassemble things, especially when the wrong method could result in injury (front spring removal). We changed the front springs and and installed the VB "GT" rear suspension kit + Bilstein shocks.

Fortunately, Vette Brakes supplies excellent directions for removing old parts and installing their new parts. If you can take your time and have a second car to use, you'll find that it really isn't that hard. Having someone there to help really pays dividends, if not for anything else but for the encouragement that is provided when a stubborn bolt rears its ugly head.

Oh, as far as the lifting part, just support the car on jack stands; you'll need to take the tires off anyway.

Good luck!

 

Obtain a copy of the 1963-82 suspension rebuild video from Van Steel. It will answer many of your questions. I just completed the front suspension on my 1980 and now I am working on the rear (trailing arms / spring / shocks / U-joints / etc.)

In the video, the Corvette they are working on came apart LOTS easier than mine did. I had to do a lot more :smash: .

Search the archives for discussions between rubber and poly suspension components. Lots of advocates on both sides. The archives also have safety items especially the front springs. My springs were not that much trouble, the car has a stiffer FE7 suspension. The archives will also help you decide what rebuilding you want to do yourself and what items you want a vendor to handle.

I also have the engine / transmission / exhaust pipes out of the car and that makes working on the suspension easier. Also nice if you have access to a sandblaster.

Plan on doing more than the suspension, you will probably have some "as long as have it torn apart" projects like brakes and wheel bearings.

I use jackstands to support the car, but I also have big wood blocks under the frame "just in case". Your shop manual will have the jackstand locations.

Many of the special tools, like spring compressors, you can "rent" for free at Autozone. (When you return the tool they refund your deposit.)

 

Thanks...I appreciate you alls ideas, this is helping.

Richard

 

You said you want to fix your sloppy steering, right? Good cure for that(and easy to install) is speed direct's rack n pinion steering! :yesnod: :cheers:

 

having had my car since I was 18 not having (and not wanting) to pay for labor has been my motivation from the beginning. I have come to know my car very well.