I am getting ready to install new radiator core support bushings in my 69. I believe in order to do this, I will need to remove the core support. If I am correct in that the core support will need to be removed for proper install of the new bushings, my question is whether or not I will also need to remove the fenders (which I really don't want to do). The core support looks to be one of the mounting/fastening points of the fender, thus my concern is that if I am able to loosen the fenders up enough to remove the core support, it may induce too much stress on some of the other fastening areas, ultimately bending metal where it's not supposed to bend. I did a thorough search of the forum, but couldn't find anything about this. Any thoughts? As always, thanks for guidance. Up to this point you all have been able to arm me with just enough info to be dangerous!
You should be able to separate the subframe and core support enough to replace the bushings without taking everything apart. I say should, because I replaced mine when I replaced the other body bushings so the subframe was loose. Once the bolt is out of the bushing, you should be able to pry the core support up enough to swap the bushing.
You should be able to separate the subframe and core support enough to replace the bushings without taking everything apart. I say should, because I replaced mine when I replaced the other body bushings so the subframe was loose. Once the bolt is out of the bushing, you should be able to pry the core support up enough to swap the bushing.
Thanks Bob. So it sounds like I may need to loosen the subframe. That may be a little advanced for me as I am not even sure what area/point of the subframe I would need to loosen that would free up the core support enough to get the bushings in place.
>may need to loosen the subframe. That may be a little advanced for me as I am not even sure what area/point of the subframe I would need to loosen<
Yep! I usually stay out of these, but I don’t want to see you get into trouble. Do not jack with the subframe to chassis bolts!
On each outside-side of the core support there are two nuts-bolts that hold the front fender supports. They are the bolts noted by the arrows. Remove those nuts-bolts and remove the fender support. (If you pry upward on the core with those on place, there is a good chance that you’ll f-up the fenders.)
Pull the core bushing hardware, pry up on the core, slide the old bushing out and the new one in. I would use a rollbar, and I wouldn’t have a clue how to do it without one. You can pick up a Chinese one at Harbor Freight for about two bucks, and it would be fine for your wrenching skillset. Buy it! Once you have it, you’ll wonder how the hell you ever got anything done without it.
>may need to loosen the subframe. That may be a little advanced for me as I am not even sure what area/point of the subframe I would need to loosen<
Yep! I usually stay out of these, but I don’t want to see you get into trouble. Do not jack with the subframe to chassis bolts!
On each outside-side of the core support there are two nuts-bolts that hold the front fender supports. They are the bolts noted by the arrows. Remove those nuts-bolts and remove the fender support. (If you pry upward on the core with those on place, there is a good chance that you’ll f-up the fenders.)
Pull the core bushing hardware, pry up on the core, slide the old bushing out and the new one in. I would use a rollbar, and I wouldn’t have a clue how to do it without one. You can pick up a Chinese one at Harbor Freight for about two bucks, and it would be fine for your wrenching skillset. Buy it! Once you have it, you’ll wonder how the hell you ever got anything done without it.
Merv- Thanks for the guidance and for helping to keep me out of trouble (boy do I need it!). I took a quick look at the outside areas on the core support and I don't have the fender supports that are shown in your photo, but instead there are cocktail shakers (I have a vert.) in its place. The shakers are mounted to the core support by the 2 fastening points you depict in the photo and to the fender well area. The shakers are not high enough to reach the fender. So, my thinking is that I should follow your instructions and instead of removing the fender support, I'll have to remove the shakers (I think those things are pretty heavy). I'll post a couple of pics of that area shortly. Thanks again for the help. It's much appreciated!
I would do all the bushings at the same time, core support and body bushings. Use the search option and look for a detailed thread on the topic (there are several out there). Soak the bolts for a real long time before diving in. You will need to disconnect the steering column from the steering box to facilitate jacking the body off the frame. Not that hard of a job. Sounds hard but it really is not that bad.
I would do all the bushings at the same time, core support and body bushings. Use the search option and look for a detailed thread on the topic (there are several out there). Soak the bolts for a real long time before diving in. You will need to disconnect the steering column from the steering box to facilitate jacking the body off the frame. Not that hard of a job. Sounds hard but it really is not that bad.
Thanks for the info Larry. I did a quick search, saw some topics, but really didn't find a detailed thread (which given my lack of experience, I would need!). I'll keep looking.
I am quickly learning that things snowball when I start making improvements to my Bird. I started detailing the engine bay (removed pretty much removed everything but the engine) and figured after that after I finished I would tackle tweaking the alignment of the nose (which is why I want to replace the core support bushings). Of course now I am thinking that I hope it starts when I put everything back together again!
I might add that if you have rust issues under the car, be prepared for some serious escalation issues. If is clean underneath, you should be ok.
Larry, thanks for the thread. That helps. No rust at all that I can see anywhere on the subframe, rocker panels, etc. Everything seems very solid, so I should be okay.
I found these instructions on another forum (I believe it was for a Chevelle, but lot's of 1st Gen Camaro owners were chiming in as well). The interesting thing is that they mention no need to disconnect steering from the gear box.
"first soak the bolts ,you'll need to do this many times.. get them all to turn first.. and make sure the caged nut isn't just turning with the bolt.. after you know they'll all turn.. then get the car on 4 stands.. loosen all the bolts on one side,jack up under the rocker with a 2-4 between the rocker and the jack..unbolt one at a time and replace one at a time.. no need to undo stearing or brake lines..your only jacking it up 1/8th to maybe a 1/4 inch up off the frame.. add antiseaze to the new bolts and tq to spec. do the same to otherside..."
I only disconnected at the Rag joint. I attempted to do it without disconnecting and it was definitely interfering. Perhaps the 69s are unique. Someone else should chime in.
