body mounts

[john1977]

I have a 77 that needs new body mounts just wondered if anyone has done this without having to take the body all the way off?

 

[Thumper]

You can take one side loose, jack the body up just enough to replace that side, then tighten it back down and do the same on the other side. What you may run into is rusted mounting bolts, or caged nuts breaking loose. You may be lucky like I was and only one bolt broke and it was one of the front bolts that was easy to get to.

 

[Ripp 73]

I love it, no matter what the question is someone has always done it before and knows the ins and outs of the project. I had been wondering the same question myself. Just wasn't to the point of replacing them yet. Doesn't sound like too difficult of a task though, maybe I'll replace them sooner then I thought? Thanks Thumper.

 

[celeryman22]

I broke 4 of the 8 body mounts when I removed mine. Had to use a dremel to cut the head off. Luckily I was removing the body, so I welding in all new mounts.

 

[CQRT]

So for those of us not removing the body - - how the heck do you get the remaining portion of the bolt out if it snaps - - and then what do you do ??

And you're right Ripp - - -the folks on this board are terrific . . educational and entertaining!

Thanks--

 

[Thumper]

You rethink ever starting the project in the first place....

This is when projects take a turn for the worse. Some just go ahead and lift the body off of the frame (a bit more involved, but not as bad as it seems). Just depends on which bolt broke off. I soaked mine with PB Blaster for a few days before diving in, and then used a large breaker bar and applied steady, constant pressure. I'd back off if it felt like the bolt was twisting itself, rather than loosening. I also had the good fortune to be working on a Texas car with almost no rust to speak of. For our friends up north.....may the force be with you.

 

[George Black]

For those of you about to embark on this adventure: Read the excellent rendition by WRC3 of Arlington ,VA in his posting dated Sept. 20, 2004.

He has a 1976 coupe. If you have a convertible, the #4 mount adds about 25% more frustration to the project due to complete removal of rear deck lid and hinges.

The C3 corvette repair rule/axiom of "go slow, have patience, think about what you are doing, and laugh out loud occassionally" applies to this project; but it is doable.

 

[Thumper]

For those of you about to embark on this adventure: Read the excellent rendition by WRC3 of Arlington ,VA in his posting dated Sept. 20, 2004.

Here's the link to WRC3's body mount adventure.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56038

Thanks George for reminding me of this thread.

 

[Grizzly]

Besides PB Blaster try to get an impact wrench set for very low power so it kind of hammers it off. The vibration will loosen things that you will break with a big breaker bar. Sometimes it helps to go tighter a little no matter what method you use.

Drown it in PB Blaster.................

 

[john1977]

Ok no problem with #4 as I had to replace it and the frame mount less than two years ago so it should come out. However #2 & 3 I cant even see the nut side to soak it with PB Blaster???? If you do snap these off,then what,just how high would you have to lift the body and what all else would have to be unhooked. The reason I thought of doing it now is because iam doing a gear change and have most everything removed from under car now. Thanks jw

 

[George Black]

John: Quick reply; will provide more detailed information tomorrow--you will need to lift body about 3 to 4 inches total on each side; you can get to #2 and #3 from under the car to spray PB Blaster--just spray the entire body mount area the best you can but aim for the bolt. (Laying under the car you will be able to see the #2 and #3 rubber body mount cushions. ) Remove interior kick panels and spray # 2 bolt from the top also.
For #3 remove the access cover/panel in the rear fender well and spray the #3 bolt through the opening. That is the same location you access the #3 bolt through with a ratchet wrench.
PB Blaster will soak and penetrate; great product. Spray several times. I did mine once a day for 4 days before starting the project.

Question for you: When you previously replaced only the #4 rubber body mounts and frame bracket did you lift the body only in the rear by placing a jack by #4 mount and lifting one side at a time? (On my 73 I had to loosen the rear chrome bumpers from the frame; along with the antenna ground strap.)

 

[john1977]

At the time, I was getting ready to repaint the car and had just stripped the paint.So to answer your queation, yes I just jacked up near mount #4,didn't take much and wasn't to worried because the whole body had to be redone anyhow. My #4 frame mount was pretty well rusted away so I just cut it off and welded new ones on. did not have to lift body very much to get cushion in so I think you can do it without putting much strain on the body. Thanks jw

 

[john1977]

At the time, I was getting ready to repaint the car and had just stripped the paint.So to answer your queation, yes I just jacked up near mount #4,didn't take much and wasn't to worried because the whole body had to be redone anyhow. My #4 frame mount was pretty well rusted away so I just cut it off and welded new ones on. did not have to lift body very much to get cushion in so I think you can do it without putting much strain on the body. Thanks jw

My concern is regardless how much PB Blaster for how long, with my luck some of my bolts will snap off. Just know this will happen then what? Mine is a 77 so I didn't have the bumper brackets to deal with as you have. And can you really raise just one side 3-4"s with the other side still bolted down?

 

[George Black]

John: You have e mail.--G.P.Black

 

[john1977]

George, would not let me send direct to your e-mail so here you go jlwood@ee.net