Here goes nothing.

[rhipsher]

I'm starting on the clutch replacement right now Saturday 12:19pm. Here goes nothing. Picked up the clutch kit last night. It's already 90 degrees out side 66% humidity. This is going to suck.

 

[rhipsher]

So far I've got the exhaust dropped and out of the way. The console and shifter knob off. Man who ever had this car before me shure did like chewing on toothpicks. There were about 20 of them under the console. The motor is strapped and supported. Ready to start unbolting the transmmission. If I get it drooped by tonight, I'll consider that good progress. I'm going to order some pizza first.

 

[LT4man]

Thanks for the updates! You certainly have a good attitude. That is probably one of the hardest jobs to do on a C4 without having a lift.

Are you replacing the dual mass flywheel? I guess you would wait to see it to make a decision! :bash That's me on the LEFT! otfl

SAVE THE

 

[rhipsher]

You certainly are an attractive man.otfl

 

[bradslt5]

so how is it going ? if you havent removed the c geam yet it comes out easiest moving it towards the front . it also helps moving the jack under the trans up and down a little to find the sweet spot to take it out . qualifing update . shot 66 at coral de tierra to advance to cherry hills . this is for the us open not the senior. my kids i teach had entered me without my knowledge . i didnt learn about it till i recieved this little card telling me of my starting time . young people these days have a different sence of humor

 

[rhipsher]

Thats cool. I thought about being a big brother. But I've got my hands full with my two girls. I had to put the jack under the trans to get the bolts out of the torque beam. I might have to tap it out of there with a mallet. The front of it is loose enough for me to move. But the back is on there. And keep in mind I'm doing all this with no help. After I have my morning cup of coffee I'll start unbolting the trans.

 

[rhipsher]

I got the transmission out two hours ago and it is one heavy sucker.

 

[LT4man]

You know, if you had thought to drain the trans of its fluid before you took it out, it might weigh a little less! :L

I have to give you a lot of credit for doing this job by yourself.

SAVE THE

 

[gmjunkie]

I got the transmission out two hours ago and it is one heavy sucker.

Yesssssss it is!!!

 

[rhipsher]

Well I've got the new clutch on. I will put the bell housing on and thats all I can do without an extra set of hands. The pilot bushing is .900 deep. I rented a pilot bushing tool. I had to mark and take the flywheel off and it still would not reach the back of the pilot bushing. So I went and rented one from another store and both fingers would not fit in the hole. But after a little grinding it worked just fine. Sshhhhh. I used a steering wheel puller to press the new bushing in. Thats the way to go.

 

[rhipsher]

Me and another ZR-1 owner that lives in town came over and we got R done. It was a little rough for a few minutes. But once the spline was lined up just right it slide right in like butter. Its all down hill from here. U know this is the second major repair I've had to make and again requested help from my corvette club 250 members strong on their forum. And again no reply. I'm a little ticked off. I just don't know about this club anymore. The ZR-1 guys are always ready to lend a hand. And their not even associated with any clubs. It seems like the bigger these clubs get the more concernd they become with politics rather than the brotherhood.

 

[Toms007]

I have not done anything that major to my Vette....yet. But I'd say you were lucky to live in a town where you have other Corvette "buddies". There are only a couple other Corvettes here in town, and none of them are too helpful. As far as "Clubs" they aren't for me, just for the reasons you stated....too political.

Glad to hear you are on the downhill side of your project.

 

[LT4man]

I rented a pilot bushing tool. I had to mark and take the flywheel off and it still would not reach the back of the pilot bushing. So I went and rented one from another store and both fingers would not fit in the hole. But after a little grinding it worked just fine.

During the twenty (20) years of owning my mechanical (maniacal? )repair shop, I could not count how many times I used my trusty flame wrench to cut a pilot bushing out!

I say: Whatever works!

I am just disappointed I do not live closer to you. I would have really liked working on this with you. I do many repairs out of my home garage and having another person there would be so much appreciated. I am now working by myself. I do not chase the customers away while working on their vehicles. When I had my shop that was SOP!

SAVE THE

 

[rhipsher]

There's no way to sugar coat it. Pulling your transmission and clutch is a *****. Very time consuming and labor intensive. Its a serious job. But its not rocket science,it can be done. Before you start on it you need to make sure you have one hell of a set of tools. Luckly I built up my tools when I was restoring my 68 mustang. So I already had a huge roll away full of everything I could possibly need. I need a vacation now.