Chalie M

OK, so upon removal of rear differential/batwing assembly, I finally was able to get it to drop down (after some large pry-bar persuasion), but them dreaded Sombrero’s stay attached to the main frame of the car:-)

Looks like P/O never bent tabs over onto batwing to secure them in place!

Soooo, before I start soaking them with some type of penetrating oil etc. or get my cutting wheel/wizzer out, because them suckers ain’t budging…
Thought I would seek some forum advise.

2-Questions

1- Before I start soaking in Kroil or PB blaster oils, any advice on any magic lubricant?, or should I just get the wizzer/cut off wheel out.., trying to keep this simple, some times the noise from my attached garage intrudes into our happy household:-), if you know what I’m saying, sometimes the Chemical’s intrude as well:-)..

2- Recommendations for what supplier has the best replacement Sombreros to Purchase? read some stories about the tabs may not come long enough Or not enough tabs to bend over?
Thanks
Chalie


Prying methods:-)..

Pass; side frozen Ugg..

Drivers side frozen Ugg ..

Dan Hampton

The next time you attempt this, rent a power hammer. The support will dislodge in about four seconds.

rccarson

I gotta ask.. Did you remove the center bolts before removing the differential support?
RC

tbarb

I have never thought to use an impact gun here, can you explain where you separate the parts. I would be afraid of damaging the metal around the bushing, that's a good idea though.

C2Scho

Here is a recent thread on the subject where a bunch of us beat on this subject for a while. Hope this helps.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lp-please.html

DZVette

Here's an article by JohnZ from the Corvette Enthusiast mag. Maybe some tips in there.
Dave Z

Chalie M

I know can’t assume:-), yes. But thanks

supersport396

I'm doing this too and i used a heat gun in the cup where the bolt goes in. Smelled bad but they both popped right off. I was fighting them quite a bit without any luck before that.

Would like to know who offers the best replacement sombreros? CC in there catalog stars them as a CC Special whatever that means.

thoyer

I just replaced mine - got a set from both Bairs and Zip. The ones from Bairs I thought were better quality, more fold over tabs then the Zip ones and seemed like heavier gauge steel. I returned the Zip ones.

Tom

Sky65

Juice down the center as best you can, use a 3 arm gear puller.


I would remove the center bolt and use a replacement in case the center puller stud damages it. Don't install hold down bolt tight. Leave a little room for the bushing to drop but do not make a projectile out of it. If you put allot of pressure on it and it still does not want to come off give it good wack with an hammer. Advance Auto used to loan tools out for free. Done k is if they still do that.

Tom

Dan Hampton

A power hammer is different than an impact gun. Simply use it around the cross member where you removed the bolts. The vibration will dislodge that cross member in a nanosecond. Keep the blunt insert on the hammer against anything metal.

Chalie M

Thanks Tom, that was my main concern with the replacement cushions.. Got them on order..
Chalie
PS - sometimes laying under a car, yes even on jack stands can be a little daunting, in my older/senior years, my vertigo doesn’t help either, still love this hobby.
**currently have the cushions that are still frozen on the main frame soaking with some Kroil **

DansYellow66

You might try the old 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid. Might not be good for the rubber but sounds like you are replacing them anyway.

thoyer

Don't forget, as you are prying with a long pry bar - wedge it in so you are pushing down. If you pull up and the bushing pops or the pry bar slips there is a chance the pry bar will hit the quarter panel and cause some damage.............

Tom

Chalie M

Been there almost done that (it’s soooo tempting to pry the other way ) As tempting as it is I don’t even temp it anymore (Murthy’s Law:-)….


Blue painters tape helps with me preventing a little scratch that pry bar will leave more than a little scratch..