Chicken--Need a pep talk
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 213
From: Pittsburgh PA
Chicken--Need a pep talk
VPB Performance Plus Install--The front went well. The back is intimidating. I keep envisioning not being able to get that cross-member out due to rusty bolts, and I don't want a totally disabled Vette in my garage (backed in no less).
The tire carrier removal is step one and the odd bolts at the back don't accept a socket.
:(
The tire carrier removal is step one and the odd bolts at the back don't accept a socket.
:(
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
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From: Wichita, KS
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (foundvettelifeisgood)
Spray plenty of Liquid Wrench on all the hardware before starting out. Clean all the hardware with a stiff brush and spray again. You'll be glad you did.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,944
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (foundvettelifeisgood)
A pep talk?? You can do this Jay!
I can help you there but I can't help with the rear end dissassembly. I haven't gotten that far yet. I also had a totally dissabled Vette in my garage for almost 4 months in 2000 doing the front. :yesnod:
One way to look at rusty bolts is that whatever way you get them out-----when you're finished they'll be replaced with new ones. At some point you'll just say the heck with trying to peacefully remove them then grab the air chisel and lop off their heads. There's plenty of grade 8 bolts out there.
Remember---it's only a car. :D Naw, didn't think so---doesn't work for me either. :D
I can help you there but I can't help with the rear end dissassembly. I haven't gotten that far yet. I also had a totally dissabled Vette in my garage for almost 4 months in 2000 doing the front. :yesnod:
One way to look at rusty bolts is that whatever way you get them out-----when you're finished they'll be replaced with new ones. At some point you'll just say the heck with trying to peacefully remove them then grab the air chisel and lop off their heads. There's plenty of grade 8 bolts out there.
Remember---it's only a car. :D Naw, didn't think so---doesn't work for me either. :D
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (foundvettelifeisgood)
If you mean the 2 bolts that hold the cross member up, don't worry about them. I think those were the easiest of all. Just loosen them, don't take them out all the way, and then work on dropping the crossmember. It will come down with some work and will hang on the bolts. Then you can lower it all the way.
If you want to worry about something, worry about the lower shock mounts! I did mine last winter. Sent the TA's out for rebuilding etc. It is peace of mind knowing that the bearings aren't going to freeze and everything else is rebuilt. Now, go out into that garage and get to work. Before you know it, it will be spring. :cheers:
If you want to worry about something, worry about the lower shock mounts! I did mine last winter. Sent the TA's out for rebuilding etc. It is peace of mind knowing that the bearings aren't going to freeze and everything else is rebuilt. Now, go out into that garage and get to work. Before you know it, it will be spring. :cheers:
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,467
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (R. Bruno)
job's too hard. you should quite while your ahead. i'll give you $1000 for the car since it needs a new rear suspension ;)
(you know i'm just kidding because i'm jealous of your car, right?)
(you know i'm just kidding because i'm jealous of your car, right?)
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 0
From: No longer a member
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (clutchdust)
Well my 81 is a little different than yours but I had never done anything on a car of this magnitude before this. If I can do so can you, just plan ahead and use plenty of penetrating oil. Here's mine, now get to it! :jester
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,508
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From: Wisconsin
Re: Chicken--Need a pep talk (foundvettelifeisgood)
Just use a cresent wrench on the bottom of the two bolts that hold the tire carrier up. It goes fairly easily until you get to the shock mounts. Then you just stop and wonder why you started this in the first place.
