Next step is to continue to return to bare metal and extract the springs which after 50 years really want to stay where they are. The loom is out and off to be re-created. Need to break down the interior of the doors. Strip and reassemble the bright work. Then up on the dolly and off for metal surgery and a fresh coat of Ivory. More to come. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Interesting details on the electo-penciled on top of the left spring. The right spring gave its all. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Just one last process before mounting on the dolly. Rear suspension removal. Everything's been going very smooth save getting the bolts out of the bushings. 50 years have not been kind. Oil. Heat. Fire. Curses. Prayers. Every tool in the bag and I can't get the bolts out of the bushing sleeves. Ugh.... Image Unavailable, Please Login
I did and the nut came off nicely. However the bolt and bushing rotate together and the bolt will not budge. Repeated bashing is doing nothing but bending the carrier.
T308, I might suggest a little trick I picked up while doing this, mind you under much better (read that as not rusty) conditions. If you raise the axle all the way up the upper bolts tend to come out easier, and conversely, if you lower the axle the lower bolts come out easier. Anyway, the moral of the story is you might move the axle up and down with a jack and feel to see if the strain on the bolts changes. Good luck. john
If you want to see what I did you can go to Kerry's 330 GT Restoration site and search for Winter Project - Rear Suspension. As I recall, I removed the plate attached to the spring before I removed the radius arm. I have a very detailed diary and photos that I could email you if you want more information about what I did other than what you will find on Kerry's web site that I quoted.
Thanks Lowell and John. I tried combinations of all your tricks, but the two lower bolts still did not budge and as much as I hated to do it, I cut them off. The sleeve inside the silent block had fused to the bolt so all the earth, wind and fire wasn't going to move it. Now I've got to find some replacement LOBOs. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Pretty common. Neil Young was right, rust never sleeps and the bolt and sleeve become one. If you want genuine Lobo bolts there was a fastener supply near Pat Ottis's shop that sold them in nearly every size under the sun. Contact him and I am sure he can direct you.
Thanks for the lead. Sadly they no longer carry the LOBO line. Apparently they've switched to SPE. Perhaps a trip to Cornaredo is in order.
Leaf springs are finally off. One process that always scares the hell out of me. Something that should never be done alone, but when you must.... The nice collection of dirt is likely equal parts Italian, Belgian, Tennessean, Floridian and Californian. It's like an theological dig. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good work! If you do not know the routine for refitting the leaf springs make sure to ask before starting the job. You'll save yourself some pain and time. john
On the way for a gentle "blast". Getting closer..... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
It's coming along nicely. The engine rebuild is underway and the car's ready to go to paint and metal as soon as the slot opens up. Eleven years and counting! Image Unavailable, Please Login