78pace

UPS just brought presents to my front door steering rebuild kit for the old girl
just wondering if anyone has any insight or do's and dont's that might be useful before i start this project
thanks

phoenix

Hey 78pace... another Mass. vette :D:D

I'm working on my front end right now.

Get the manuals, read them, ask for help here at each step of the way.

Take your time, save extra cash for the inevitable unseen problems and then get at it.

Oh... and call the local CF members for a hand if you need it. We all work for beer :cheers: :cheers:

78pace

beer is always one thing there is plenty of nice to hear from a ma. cf member
have manual and looking forward to getting hands dirting :cheers:

HWY 9 - Z06

if you have an air compressor, be sure to beg, borrow, or steal an air hammer with pickle fork attachements for disassembly. you can tear the front end apart in about an hour with one. Also during re-assembly before you put your castle nuts on, take a small pin punch, stick it through the cotter key holes and line up all the cotter key holes, 1) to make sure they are pointed in a way to get the cotter keys in, and 2) cause details count. i learned that one after my 3rd front end rebuild. if you dont have the air tools, buy them, they pay for themselves the first time you use them. If you are doing ball joints too, i'm not sure on a '78, but on my '69 a spring compressor was all but useless. use your floor jack to lower the lower control arm(after you break the ball joint loose) to get the Springs out. Extra tip, make good measurements of your tie rods and such and match them as close as possible, and your alignment will be good enough to get to the alignment shop.


[Modified by HWY 9 - '69, 11:07 AM 1/17/2002]

yosshimura

For a spring compressor to be usefull, you need an internal spring compressor, like the SNap Ons. DOESN"T have to be the snap on, but just look at the catalog and you can see what to look for. I have bought two one american made for about $70 and one made in china (internal also) for $50, both did the jobs on my GM cars (Not a Vette)....of course I was using an air compressor, I can't imagine what some of you have to go through to do a front end rebuild without an air compressor :eek:

Vader953

78, pace. We're in the same boat my friend. I've got the entire front end rebuild kit too, and am nervous about starting. Lets keep in touch on the progress.

Taylor :(

Lohkay

The more I see those pace car colors, the more I like them.... :cool:

78pace

vader953 i wont be starting mine until April when i can get it into my brothers garage but let me know how you make out along the way
thanks

ps. its winter here anyway so no rush, snow ice salt on roads


[Modified by 78pace, 11:50 AM 1/18/2002]

KENTUCKY81

I've almost finished mine. Take care removing the bolts on the end of the control arm shafts. Mine had rust inside. I removed them with my impact and took the threads out with them. Fortunate I needed a new lower control arm anyway and it came with a new rod and bolts. Also be carfull not to bump the radiator hose when removing the drivers side upper control arm. I did one time to many and made a leak where the hose hooks on to the radiator. Those were my only self inflicted problems. Take your time and enjoy. :cheers:

78pace

thanks all

Chris@VetteFinders

CorvetteFAQ.com has some excellent articles and pictures.

78Vette-SA

Small but helpful suggestion which I am sure you already know. Make sure you keep track of what comes off the left and right.

Eddie 70

Just started mine this afternoon. Took the hood off, clutch/fan, water pump pulley(complete with F@d markings?) and started removing the radiator shroud. Phone call came in and put a halt to it all. Tomorrow is a new day though.