What wrong with these pictures........
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Pecatonica IL
What wrong with these pictures........
Well, I was trying to work off some of that Thanksgiving meal today by taking down the spare tire and familiarizing myself with my next project when there it was.....
:eek: :mad :cuss
Can somebody take the time to give me the steps and some key points for removing the cross member so I can get it to the shop to have it drilled out??
This is my first vette and first time rebuilding the rear suspension!
:eek: :mad :cuss
Can somebody take the time to give me the steps and some key points for removing the cross member so I can get it to the shop to have it drilled out??
This is my first vette and first time rebuilding the rear suspension!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (c3-4me)
Why not just remove it the way it is?
Step 1: Get an extended length drill bit sized for a suitable easy out, available at most hardware stores. The tapered square easy outs have always worked best for me.
Step 2: Center punch and drill a hole in the CENTER of the broken bolt from the bottom side of the retainer plate.
Step 3: Heat the snot out of the flange AROUND the broken bolt with an oxy/acetylene torch, or try soaking with a good penetrating oil for a few days before starting the project.
Step 4: Apply the easy out using a suitably sized 1/4" drive extension, ratchet or breaker bar, and 8 point socket.
Step 5: If the above won't move the bolt, you can always drill and re-tap the hole providing the hole was in the CENTER (VERY IMPORTANT) Using the same procedure: extended length bit, extension, 8 point socket, etc.
Step 6: replace the bolt with a proper length GRADE 8 bolt.
Step 1: Get an extended length drill bit sized for a suitable easy out, available at most hardware stores. The tapered square easy outs have always worked best for me.
Step 2: Center punch and drill a hole in the CENTER of the broken bolt from the bottom side of the retainer plate.
Step 3: Heat the snot out of the flange AROUND the broken bolt with an oxy/acetylene torch, or try soaking with a good penetrating oil for a few days before starting the project.
Step 4: Apply the easy out using a suitably sized 1/4" drive extension, ratchet or breaker bar, and 8 point socket.
Step 5: If the above won't move the bolt, you can always drill and re-tap the hole providing the hole was in the CENTER (VERY IMPORTANT) Using the same procedure: extended length bit, extension, 8 point socket, etc.
Step 6: replace the bolt with a proper length GRADE 8 bolt.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Pecatonica IL
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (Big Fish)
Thanks, but do you think after 23 years and 95,000 miles I will be able to get it out with an 'easy out'? I haven't had much luck with them in the past. I would much rather try your ides, and since I will be taking the spring and everything off anyway, I shouldn't need all the taper length drill and stuff to reach in. I don't feel very confortable though with a torch around the gas tank. :blueangel:
Thanks for the advice Big fish!
Anyone else???
Thanks for the advice Big fish!
Anyone else???
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (Big Fish)
No harm in trying the easy out first. I also never had much luck with them, though.
If the easy out fails, drill the bolt out and get a heli-coil kit. Follow the instructions using the correct drill bit and tap and with the heli-coil in there the repair is stronger than it ever was. Replace all bolts with new grade 8 stainless bolts and use copper based anti-seize to prevent this from happening again.
When re-installing, insert bolts and snug them (do not torque them). Lower the car to the ground and THEN torque the bolts.
If the easy out fails, drill the bolt out and get a heli-coil kit. Follow the instructions using the correct drill bit and tap and with the heli-coil in there the repair is stronger than it ever was. Replace all bolts with new grade 8 stainless bolts and use copper based anti-seize to prevent this from happening again.
When re-installing, insert bolts and snug them (do not torque them). Lower the car to the ground and THEN torque the bolts.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (c3-4me)
Out side of pulling the rear end out, Big fish ha given you the best way. If you do decide to remove the cover than buy a new heavy duty one and just replace it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Ok
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (redwingvette)
There is an alternative to drilling that I've had sucess with. This involves using a dremel w/cutoff wheel to cut a slot in the bolt and using an impact screwdriver to back the bolt out. In any case, its going to be way easier to fix this with the rear out of the car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Pecatonica IL
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (FeedVaal)
In any case, its going to be way easier to fix this with the rear out of the car.
I'm not sure if I am confortable with removing the whole thing, much less have the money to put it back together right.
Any ideas on how this happened? :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (c3-4me)
Any ideas on how this happened? :confused:
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (zwede)
if you don't have the money to do it yourself Don't take to a shop it'll prob.
cost more. if it isn't the daily driver you can do it .. (stainless bolts) don't
forget to check the others.
cost more. if it isn't the daily driver you can do it .. (stainless bolts) don't
forget to check the others.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (comp)
carefull, if you try to use an easy-out and it snaps off, your in trouble if you need to drill it out. Those easy-out are hardened and will wear a drill out... :smash:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Pecatonica IL
Re: What wrong with these pictures........ (Bob Jenkins)
Update: I took the leaf spring out last night, ( 10 leafs :confused: go figure) and the thing fell apart on me. The top 4 or so plates seperated. Don't know if this is normal. Everything else came apart easy since I let it soak in WD-40 for the past 2 days. I should be able to try the easy out tomorrow night and let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the advice!
Wish me luck. :)
Wish me luck. :)