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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/10/04 10:27amMessage 1 of 9
C
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Jacksonville, FL - USA
Joined: 1/27/2003
Posts: 1
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe
I just installed a urethane bushing set but can't get the trailing arm bolts out to replace those bushings. They are shot and need to be replaced badly. There doesn't seem to be enough room to get to the inside of the bolt. Is there a trick to this? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Kevin, 72 Yellow Coupe
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/10/04 3:19pmMessage 2 of 9
J
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LEECHBURG, PA - USA
Joined: 12/8/2003
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 69 zl1 roadster,automatic, 2900 miles, origional owner. Used on Sundays!
Have had this problem before. Try cutting the nut in half and then soaking the bolt with WD-40 or simular material.

john
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/10/04 9:02pmMessage 3 of 9
j
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Eastern part of, CT - USA
Joined: 1/29/2002
Posts: 319
Vette(s): White 73 convertible - 350/auto, A/C PS, PB, PW, leather, t/t, two tops Also had a 69 t-top 20 years ago
Time for Mr. Torch! Joe

PS: I figured I'd add some helpful advice, too. I had to wiggle the one bolt that wasn't frozen to the frame around pretty hard to get it out, but it did come out. The other one needed the hot wrench.

|UPDATED|1/10/2004 9:02:13 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/10/04 9:28pmMessage 4 of 9
S
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CONCORD, MA - USA
Joined: 6/12/2002
Posts: 185
Vette(s): 78 Silver Anniversary (2 Tone) L82 auto loaded
I had to use my sawsall to cut both sides of the trailing
arm bolt and use the torch to release the bolt head from
the frame!
Welcome to the world of restoring 25 year old cars!
This is not a job for someone inexperienced ,this is
a challenge for even hardcore car guys!
Steve




|wavey|
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/10/04 11:42pmMessage 5 of 9
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Kingston, PA - USA
Joined: 11/26/2003
Posts: 636
Vette(s): 1977 L-82 originally white/buckskin interior. Currently undergoing a frame-off resto. and modifications.YEEHAW!!!
Hey Kevin...one word...SAWZALL!!! I replaced my trailing arms two years ago, and a sawzall is the only thing I found that worked. Good luck, plan for more problems than you can imagine, use a stainless bolt kit when reinstalling, and pray you never have to do it again.

I would rather have my ass kicked than doing that job again.

Alan |saluteflag|
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/11/04 6:30amMessage 6 of 9
m
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Joined: 6/16/2003
Posts: 252
As they said,take the shims out and use a sawz-all. Not a fun job, but hopefully it will last another 30 years.
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/11/04 1:35pmMessage 7 of 9
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA
Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2381
Vette(s): 1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.
I used a SAWZALL on mine too. MidAmerica carry's the bolt/stainless steel shim kit for about $40.
Sarge |cheers|


GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/11/04 7:14pmMessage 8 of 9
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
A bit of antiseize on the new bolts where they go through the bushing is also a good idea, even with the stainless.

Ken Styer
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Help! Stuck Trailing Arm Bolts

Posted: 1/12/04 1:11pmMessage 9 of 9
A
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
Posts: 805
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe Anything, but Stock and more mods to come! SSBC Force 10 Brakes, 3.73, TH350, 355 CID, Rack and Pinion, Vette Brakes suspension front and rear.
Use a mixture of antiseize and grease on the new bolts during reassembly. I used a sawzall on mine as well. Usually what happens is the bolt rusts inside the bushing. I bet if you look closely the bolt turns in the frame and moves in conjunction with the T.A.

Total pain in the |cussing|
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