Body Mount Brackets

[72VETTE454]

Hello all! First posting. I have seen a couple of threads similar to this, but not quite. I need to replace the rear body mount brackets on my 72, they are basically gone. Thanks Michigan ad. They are riveted to the body, so I either need to grind off the heads or drill them out. I know replacing the body mounts is not fun, but possible. I'm just not sure about getting to those brackets with the body on. I plan on jacking up the body as far as possible to gain access. I will be replacing all of the body mounts while I'm there and probably the front mount brackets as well. I haven't looked at the two inner mounts yet. Thanks in advance for the help !

 

[The73vetteman]

Welcome to the CAC from another Michigan member.

I have the same rear mount issue on my 73, so I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this.

Don't ya just love salt?!!

'73

 

[Ol Blue]

72vette454

I recently removed the body on my daughter's 72 LT-1 Convert and will also have to replace the rear body mount brackets. I just ground the rivets off, but haven't replaced the brackets at this time.

I have replaced them on a 64 convert though, but the body was off on that one too. As I remember, you can still buy the soft aluminum rivets, and I believe at one time someone listed where you could get a tool to secure them as stock.

I hope you have better luck in removing all of the body bolts than I did. I think that out of the 8, I broke 5 of them. The one in front of the passenger wheel well had to be ground off with die grinder because the bolt head was so badly rusted. I will be replacing all 4 of the rusty cage/nuts on the frame next week, but won't be doing the body mount brackets for some time.
Good luck
Ol Blue

 

[Ol Blue]

Take a look at 67HEAVEN's web site for the tool he used for setting rivets.
http://www.computersupport.ca/Restoration/BodyWork4.htm
Ol Blue

 

[Red69]

My #4 body mounts were shot both inside and out. While the body was off, I ground off the rivets and removed everything. The outside caps were replaced with salvage yard pieces and I fabricated pieces for the inside. Orginality was not an issue for me, so I used s/s bolts to keep everything together. All those parts are now available through the aftermarket. Personally, unless you are building an NCRS show car, I wouldn't go through the trouble of using the rivets. The bolts do a better job, are easier to install and don't rust IMO.

 

[72VETTE454]

This will be one of my winter projects, so I will have to let you know how it turns out. I am also planning on using rubber mounts from a 73 to give me a better ride. Thanks

 

[Mac]

Be very, very careful, guys. A desire to repair body mounts can lead to... well, this. :eek

-Mac

 

[Red69]

Dang Mac.....I had to run into the garage and check if mine was still there under the body. Nice job!

 

[72VETTE454]

I wish mine looked like that Mac . I hope it doesn't turn into that...yet!

 

[Mac]

It's all back together now despite my efforts. It was a huge job but well worth the effort. The absolute key to a body-off frame resto is keeping records as you disassemble so it isn't as much of a 3-D puzzle when reassembly time comes. That being said, I still have a few pieces left over.... :eyerole

-Mac