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My first Vette wrenching session

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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 05:55 PM
  #1  
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St Jude Donor '13
Default My first Vette wrenching session

Just got finished removing the right upper control arm in order to replace the bushings. It took me five hours, a few bruises and cuts and alot of cursing, but it's out!

I'm experiencing a significant sense of accomplishment and I decided to inflict it upon those who would understand.
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 06:18 PM
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You Da Man!
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 06:44 PM
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:00 PM
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5 hrs to remove one upper controll arm? Hmm, I bet yur organized like me and spent half that time looking for tools. Did you get to use the BFH? Keep on wrenchin
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:05 PM
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I had never touched a wrench in my life until I bought my 77 last July. Rebuilt the front suspension and the entire power steering. I feel your pain and your joy! I finally completed it in May! For me it wasn't finding the right tools, it was trying to afford to buy the right tools!

There is definately a sense of accomplishment and pride when the project is done though. Only about 100 more projects to go!!

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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:33 PM
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If you're like me you better check, you might be down a couple pints,-----of blood.
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:49 PM
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The great feeling of doing it yourself will never be replaced
by throwing money to some one else.
Bob
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:55 PM
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Thats actually quite an accomplishment if the motor is still in there. They are a bear to get at. You should be proud of yourself.
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 09:34 AM
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Yeah, the motor is still in there and it was DEFINITELY a bear. Had to unbolt the AC compressor, remove the air intake ducts and pull the fan off so I could move the shroud enough to get the UCA off the bolts. The left one looks to be much easier to get at, but I'm sure will have it's own little problems.

There was definitely some blood loss involved, I have a nice little split on top of the last knuckle of my right middle finger.

Part of the 5 hours were spent organizing my garage enough to find my tools and then of course I had to run to the speed shop around the corner because I didn't have a 11/16 wrench!

This is the first project of this magnitude I have ever undertaken and I felt like Rocky at the top of the art museum stairs when that thing came out.
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 10:03 AM
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Yep it is always very rewarding to carry out the work yourself. Half the battle is confidence when starting a new project, lets face it our engines are pretty tough and relatively simple to work on.
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 11:01 AM
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take pride in every drop of blood lost
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