redman76

I started my winter project last week . . . rebuilding the rear suspension. I'm replacing everything except for the rear differential. I bought the Street/Slalom suspension package from VanSteel (550lb front, 360lb rear springs), rebuilt/exchange T/As, Spicer solid u-joints . . . everything is poly bushings. Front is completed, now I'm working on the rear. For this project, I'm not getting the differential rebuilt -- will have to do that another project due to $$$. I'll just replace the leaking rear cover gasket, replace the fuild and paint. Everything will get cleaned and a freash coat of paint. This is what it looks like now:



Everything came right out. T/A bolts slid right out; shock mounts popped loose second wack. I think I got pretty lucky so far. I did have one spindle that had a different size nut . . . not a problem, but I thought that was sort of interesting; spindle replaced in the past?




Rear differential came right out. Removed the front mounting bolt and two rear bolts and pulled it back and out.

I'll post more pics as I progress. This is the deepest I've ever dove into a car, so wish me luck. However, with all your help, I have no doubt we'll git-r-done

Dustup7T2

Excellent progress, Redman. Looks and sounds like you haven't had to fight like some of us did, wrestling that rascal out from under the car.

From your description, you are on top of the situation and it's only a matter of time to do the cleaning, painting and reassembly.

Keep us posted with the fine images and shout out if you run into any delay.

You've got a good grip on it, Man.

MN-Brent

Did you spray down the front pinion seal area with penetrating oil?

I saw a picture here of a rear pumpkin and cover done with a glossy GM engine orange and everything else in semi black. It looked spectacular.

Good luck and keep posting pics

kdf1986

Good luck on getting your project done. I just finished working on my 75 and I replaced the TA from Vansteel. But from there the project escalated into replacing more parts than I intended.

You will be happy with the end result when you see a nice, clean fresh area. I repainted the chassis with Eastwood chassis black, and degreased a lot of the other areas. It really looks good.

You are way ahead of me with removing the rear end though.
That may make your restoration job a lot easier.

kdf

redman76

Yeah, PB Blaster . . . trying to get a couple of subborn u-joints loose. I'm still trying to figure out what color to paint everything, but that's an interesting suggestion . . . will think about.

GPGG70

The Corvette Gods are looking over your job.

redman76

Here is a pic I forgot to post:

C3 4ME

I was just under the back of mine a 1/2 hour ago trying to decide what to do as far as the differrential on mine is concerned. I too would like to drop mine and get in there to clean and repaint.

MN-Brent

Here was the pic with Engine Orange. I cant remember who's car this was, but thought it was pretty sharp. Food for thought.:

redman76

WOW!!!! That does look great. Thanks for the pic. Hmmmmm . . . .

redman76

Made some progress tonight. I finally got all my u-joints out . . . figured out what the problem was -- I wasn't using a big enough BFH I put the 3 pounder on it and knocked them right out. I'm getting my final parts list together and selecting paints/colors. I'm thinking there will be an orange pumpkin in my future with matching brake calipers . . .

redman76

While I'm waiting on some of my parts to arrive and for the temps to warm up a little, I've been playing around a little bit with cleaning parts. Originally, I was thinking about buying a sand blaster, but decided I didn't want to spend that kind of money for the few parts I have. I've also been reading about tumblers for cleaning parts. Got me to thinking . . . I have my kids old rock tumbler, why not try that for grins. It's small, but it worked good. I used sand as my abrasive and then used my zinc plating kit to put a nice metallic finish on them. It's not practical since I can only do small stuff, but fun to play with. Here is the before and after shot:

redman76

Making steady progress . . . all my parts are in now including rebuilt O-ring piston calipers. I painted them with a 2-part high temp enamel. I'm using the same color on the differiential which I just finished painting; I'll post pics of that in a couple of days after everything dries good and I get the rear cover back on.

C3 4ME

looking good, can't wait to see the finished pics.

redman76

Here are some pics of the rearend. I had to replace the rear cover -- it's been leaking and upon inspection, looked liked someone had patched inside and out with some type of epoxy. For paint I used POR15. I've read a lot about others using POR15, so thought I would give it a try. That stuff is amazing! I brushed on the POR and brushed engine enamel for the orange topcoat. The aluminum color is sprayed. Weather is supposed to be good here this weekend, so the plan is to paint all the other miscellaneous hardware and finish cleaning the area under the car for paint. My goal is to have the car back on the road by the end of March.

rosslato

yer pumpkin is a thing of beauty. when i did my rear i coated everything w/por-15. lookn forward to the finished product.

GD70

Man, you're lucky everything came out so easily. Every time I read a rear suspension rebuild thread, I dread the day I do mine. Especially getting the TA arms out. You're doing beautiful work!
Glenn

OURSHARK

Looking really good, I am dreading the day I do mine, I usually do a project every winter on the vette. Not this year tho, I have a lack of $$$.

Alan 71

Hi RM,
It looks like you're having a good time on your project. I enjoy seeing your pictures. Good luck as you carry on!!!
Regards,
Alan

Red Rochester