Topic: Trailing arm bolts..&^$$%@#
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Jim, if I have to go that route, is there any trick to getting the new bolt back in and through the T arms with the little bitty bit of work room there is?
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Former Member
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
I heard of this trick from a maintenance man were I work. I have not had the opportunity to try it so I don't know if it will work or not; but it is fairly simple and may be worth a try. Heat the nut and bolt up and melt wax over them. The wax will soak in to the threads and you should be able to loosen it. Let me know if you try it.
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Pappy's Toy
I cut mine out as well; that was the easy part - the reinstall took the most time on my setup. and yes I thought about removing the body or at least lifting it off the mounts for more room - it was a passsing thought once I weighed all the work involved.
Good luck and a lot of patience.
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I had forgotten about that but saw that done many years ago at at local shop when I was a youngster. If all else fails, Ill raid the Christmas candles. Thanks.
[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]I had forgotten about that but saw that done many years ago at at local shop when I was a youngster. If all else fails, Ill raid the Christmas candles. Thanks.[/QUOTE] Chip, I actually never heard of that method. Keep us posted if it works. My hands were destroyed from that job. The worst job is this and the power brake booster. Another great job is stainless steel brake line install without the body off....
corvette440hp

SHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
We really didn't have much trouble getting the new bolts back into the trailing arms... it did take 2 of us to do it though, one(me) holding the trailing arm somewhat aligned, and a buddy starting the bolt in, and then taking a hammer to it(we had it up on a lift, so, it was about head level, that did make a ton of difference... but, once the bolt was started, just took a few good whacks and it was in place...
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I found a youtube video on the candle wax trick while searching for help on this thing last night. Same tecnique I remember from long ago.
[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]I found a youtube video on the candle wax trick while searching for help on this thing last night. Same tecnique I remember from long ago.[/QUOTE] Thank you Chip, I learned a new trick. I forgot to mention the "JOY" of replacing the fuel lines with the body on
Working on our cars can create words that you never knew could flow from your mouth. Good luck with the trailing arms........and thanx again!


corvette440hp
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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