Topic: Front rebuild
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I was just quoted today for a front rebuild for 3,300.00 that include rebuilding the steering box with 2 new front shocks. Is that high? Hell you can buy a front end rebuild kit for 200. even if you payed a 100. dollars and hour it should only take 16 hours right. Am I missing something here?
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Newark, CA - USA
Joined: 4/29/2004
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Vette(s): 1969 Corvette 4-speed ZZ-4 crate
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
That seems way high. Its not that hard to do. I did mine the winter before this. My power steer steering was in good shape so I didn't have to mess with it.
Hey sun the front does not look hard but I keep hearing stories about pressing the bushings on? How do you keep every thing align? Thats my biggest concern. Is there a book on the subject? Should a novice even try something like this? I have never did a front anything before.
IF THEY ARE DOING A COMPLETE RE=BIUILD INCLUDING UPPER AND LOWER A-ARMS , SHOCKS, STEERING COMPONENTS ETC... THAT PRICE SEEMS FAIR. mAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT THEY PLAN TO DO.
Order the $20.00 VHS tape from Van Steel it breaks down & shows you how to do the front & rear suspension. I think that price is way to high. You can buy & install an upgraded suspension from VBP & have it installed cheaper than that.
Alan
I am 3/4 the way through a frame off restoration. I have completed the front end pieces. The pressing in and out of the bushings is tricky. If you are not careful you can crush the A arms. I had to actually bore out the rubbers and punch out the actual bushing sleeves.
I would not recommend a novice to attempt bushing replacements.
Tom
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I used a propane torch to burn out the rubber of the bushings. Then used a large chisel and placed it between the flange of the bushing and A-arm. Then tapped it with a hammer doing each side to walk the bushing out. Then removed the cross shaft. To remove the other bushing support the A-arm and tap the sleeve out. To Put it back together I took it to a front end shop and had them press in the new bushings. I did not have the tools to properly support the A-arm when pressing in the new ones. I think I was charged $10 or $20 per A-arm to press in the bushings. Sorry it took me awhile to respond. Good luck with the rebuild
Sun that is a solid idea I will just take the bushing to a shop and have them do it. I did order the CD for the front end rebuild.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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