Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hello Glen and Phil.....sorry for the delayed reply...as I have been out at the "Corvette Garage" working on the 74.....which has been keep me busy.... going to get back on the ZR-1 this afternoon and weekend.... I have watched another video where the front spring was not removed to remove the lower control arm.....I think all of the tension is off the spring on the driver's side as everything has been removed....as far as that k brace is....maybe I'm not seeing it correctly....but it doesn't seem like it can be removed....so going to try and remove the inner nut sides of the control arm as opposed to trying to remove the bolt from the outer head side.....we'll see what happens....thanking both of you for the replies and suggestions....very much appreciated.... :):)

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Attachment 16831


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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

So what you can do with the lower A arm bolts is remove the nuts then take a ratchet and work the bolt on the loosen direction. While turning it, take a flat blade screw driver and push it under the head of the bolt and pry back towards you. The bolt should slowly come out. Once you have enough space behind it you can get some pliers around the shank and pull against the head of the bolt while still ratcheting the head as well and it should pop out in no time.

Just get the car up on jack stands at the lowest setting and that should be enough height to remove the lower A arm. The springs in the ZR-1 are pretty stiff so it will not curl down too far without any weight on it. The arm will only come down so far even without a spring there due to the design of the craddle.

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

That is great Craig...."And then Some".....:thumbsup::):)

The 94 is on the Quickjacks....so it is high enough......great tips.... will definitely try this.....thanks....:thumbsup::thumbsup::)

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Been really busy lately with the 74 BB...as we're now test fitting the exhaust....but also need to get work done on the ZR-1....so this afternoon and evening I am getting the new rack and pinion ready for install...whenever that time will be...
since I'm using new tie rod ends... there wasn't any reason to disassemble the tie rods off the original rack....besides I needed the total length of the old rack to setup the new one and get as close as I could in the exact length....which I think I accomplished....the old rack measures 57" or 4" 9" from end-to-end and even though the circumstance of the new rod ends might be just a hair difference.... I also have the new rod setup exactly the same...so far so good....I also made sure to the best that I could that the distance from the inner ends of just beyond the rubber boot to the end of the tie rod are as close as they can be from the original rack to the new one....some pics....
Pic #1...original rack on the right... replacement rack on the left...
Pic #2...getting everything in adjustment....strange that on the passenger side of the rack I needed two adjustable wrenches to turn the tie rod. ..
Pic #3...but on the driver's side the tie rod screwed on by hand...
Pic #4...no way I was going to take apart the driver's side to get that rubber clamp cushion off the original and install on the new...
Pic #5...so I cut it to remove....
Pic #6...cleaned up the cushion and ready to install...should be good for another 30 years....
More pics in the next post....
Attachment 16876Attachment 16877Attachment 16878Attachment 16879Attachment 16880Attachment 16881

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Pic #7...on the new rack and here's where you can see and tell the difference that the two racks are close in production of each other...but there is slight differences here and there.....that cushion does not fit squarely in that space like on the original rack..(or it could be that the rubber boot is not exactly in the same location as on the original rack)...so in order for the clamp to sit correctly....I have to do a slight mod on the cushion by cutting into the end of the rubber so the clamp will fit correctly....
Pic #8...for those who have followed this thread....you will know that I have repainted the plenum for the umpteenth time....there is one tiny flaw on the top...which I may attempt to correct....and then will clear it to get the same look I have on some of the engine and suspension parts....
Pic #9...test fitting the exhaust on the 74...
Pic #10...view from the rear.... plastic ties work really well to keep the pipes suspended and line up everything...back to work on that next week....Attachment 16882Attachment 16883Attachment 16884Attachment 16885

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Tom,
Again, as usual, beautiful work!
Hope you actually plan on driving it again once completed!
Will it be on the field at Carlisle in August?
Stay well and keep HAVING FUN!
:cheers:
Marty

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hello Marty....thanks for the compliment....still more to do on both the 94 and the 74....and yes I am going to drive them....been long overdue....looking forward to making Carlisle this year....
Hope all is well with you....and I am having fun....even with doing 2 projects at the same time.....:):)

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Tom,
Come down to Wazoo land this Sunday for our holiday lunch. It is posted in the Mid-Atlantic section. Would be great to see you, been a longtime!

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hello Charlie....today is Monday and obviously I just saw this....I appreciate the invite...although I would not have been able to make it as one of my Corvette friends developed Covid last week...and I was around him the week before... even though I tested negative with my home kit....I would have not wanted to take the chance to expose anyone else....crazy times for sure...
Still working on the Z as you can see and will be great to see the rest of WAZOO again in the future....it has been a long time....[emoji16][emoji16]

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

I have another question....although I am not or have intentions to get the Z judged....I have cleaned up the upper control arm attachment bolts...it seems like they were painted...so were they painted from the factory or are they supposed to be their natural finish as shown in the pics???
Guess I just can't help myself...cleaning everything I get my hands on...the pics....
Pic #1...one bolt cleaned...one uncleaned....
Pic #2...another view...
Pic #3...cleaned....natural finish...
Pic #4...another view with some of the attaching spacers....all cleaned up...
Pic #5...I'll refer to this as the lower control arm plate... crud for sure on both sides...
Pic #6...the reverse side pictured and entire plate and bolts cleaned and ready for reinstall....
Attachment 16955Attachment 16956Attachment 16957Attachment 16958Attachment 16959Attachment 16960

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Had mine out last year and they were not painted.
Your 94 Z is one of the few I've seen with with aluminum spring protection guards installed. Apparently GM gave up on installing these at the factory for the last two years of production. My 94 was also missing these but was lucky enough to find a NOS set that are on the car now.


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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

You make two owners who have mentioned that they were not painted....so I'm assuming that at one time in the car's history that they were removed for whatever reason and painted on mine.....
As far as the shields go....maybe because mine is a very early production 94 is why they were installed....

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Been working on the 74 lately... but this afternoon decided to give it a try once again to remove the lower control arms on the 94....so finally success.... broke the bolts loose and got the front bolt out....the rear bolt is another story....so if anyone can refresh my memory on the secret to getting that bolt out...it would be greatly appreciated.... I think there was a post on exactly that...but having a hard time finding it....
as you see in the pic it is hitting that part of the underbody....is there something else that needs to be removed....
Thanks for any info....
Attachment 17215

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hi Tom you have to remove the K frame or cut the bolt when you put it back in turn it around

Glen

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Thanks Glen.....how difficult is it to remove the K frame....I just may cut the bolt like you mentioned if removing the K frame is a real PIA....

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hi Tom it's not hard to remove the K frame just one side at a time two front bolts one engine mount nut two rear maybe three rear

Glen

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Thanks Glen....I will take a look....[emoji16][emoji16]

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Back working on the ZR-1 today and checking out the front cross member brace....could use some advice or suggestions on the driver's side brace....as I may be missing something.... I'm at a loss for moving further....as you can see in Pic #1...how do you get to the top 13mm bolt to loosen.... in Pic #2... got the bottom 15mm bolt out and that top one is now loose...and seeing that another bolt that also needs to come out in the top middle of the brace....obviously when I get the braces removed....gives me more access to also cleanup and tighten the oil pan bolts....
Thanks for any info...Attachment 17244Attachment 17245

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hi Tom you can buy Wrenchs like these one long spanner for cracking the locked thread and ratcheting spanner for undoing the bolts when you can't get a socket and strong arm onto it if you need anymore help sing out

Glen Attachment 17246

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

I'm with Glen. I love my ratcheting box wrenches. You don't need them often but when you do they are the ticket. I think you can also get them with a swivel head. --Bob

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Had some great success this afternoon....removed the leftside brace to get access to the back lower control arm bolt for removal along with the arm itself...went really well... the 14" long 13/15mm combo wrench was key....thanking both Glen and Bob for their suggestions....just have to refresh myself on removing the control arm bushings.....some pics....[emoji16][emoji16]
Pic #1...success...
Pic #2...big time cleaning ahead...
Pic #3...14" combo wrench had the perfect leverage by hand to get the side 13mm bolts undone...
Pic #4...bushings don't look bad...
Pic #5...leftside spring pad...looks pretty good for its age...
Pic #6...now will have access to clean and check the oil pan bolts... I'm sure they will need to be tighten...rightside to do after leftside is done....Attachment 17329Attachment 17330Attachment 17331Attachment 17332Attachment 17333Attachment 17334

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Looks more like they are clear zinc coated. Not painted but coated just like yellow zinc parts but these have a white/ashy appearance.

They are not bare metal or they would and will flash rust. Just watch them if you don't coat them with something.

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Good to see you getting it done Tom the factory bolts are plated a dull grey or black color not sure of the process they use in New Zealand we can get bright zinc gold zinc and black zinc which looks great when done but go's a dark green color after a while dose anyone know the process the factory bolts come with you can get the bolts refinished that what I did with mine
Glen Collins

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

It's most likely cadmium plated.

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Thanks Glen....
Pic #1...had the brace bolts soaking all night...noticed that the threads have some type of sealant on them...so cleaning them out and will have to determine what type of sealant to use during reassembly.....
Pic #2...two front 15mm bolts with first cleaning....and will be ready to paint when fully cleaned....
Pic #3...this is the sealant that was embedded in the threads....
Pic #4...13mm side bolts for some odd reason....need to soak more in order to remove the old sealant...
Pic #5...interesting note is that both bolt heads have the same number and letter markings....even though they are different size bolts...I'm sure those markings have a significant meaning for both size bolts....
Attachment 17336Attachment 17337Attachment 17338Attachment 17339Attachment 17340

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Hi Tom metric bolts are grade 8.8 10.9 12.9 imperial bolts are also grade markings for grades 5 and 8 there are other gradings of bolts but these are the main automotive ones have attached a file gradings so hopefully it works

Glen Attachment 17347

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Appreciate the info on the Metric bolts Glen....always great to learn and understand more anytime....
More progress today....it's amazing how much grease and grime can accumulate in just about every area...especially if you have some type of leak or seepage over the years....case in point....the leftside brace...did an initial cleaning...and will redo and also paint....
Checked out Marc's tech sheet on "Waking up a Sleeping LT5"....with June 2022 close by....it will then be 4 years since the engine has been started....mostly because I have two builds going on at the same time...and I'm not putting 8-10 hours a day to complete....if I did that I would have had both cars up and running long ago....so I ordered a pre-lube engine oiler....so I won't damage the engine when all back together and ready to start....
And thinking about removing the Cam Covers...since I have all this open space in the engine compartment... but I really have to give that some thought....
some pics....
Pic #1...crud buildup over the years...
Pic #2...just a wipedown to get the grease off....
Pic #3...used a SOS pad to clean up even more....take note of the top of the brace in the center where it attaches to the engine mount (I'm assuming)....it appears that any type of moisture can and does get trapped there...as the paint is worn off and also appears that some rust was getting ready to start....
Pic #4...backside view with part#...
Pic #5...inside had big grease buildup as well...cleaned up nicely...
Pic #6...LS brace hardware totally cleaned and ready for paint....

Attachment 17348Attachment 17349Attachment 17350Attachment 17351Attachment 17352Attachment 17353

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Pic #7...the Pre-Lube Engine Oiler...
Pic #8...comes with 3 fittings....and one of them is the correct size as per Marc's paper....Attachment 17354Attachment 17355

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Where does the fitting for the pre-luber screw in?
Hmm? Could an Accu-Sump be hooked up there, to have the benefit
of pre-oiling on every start up?

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/k...-they-work-281

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Where the oil pressure sensor screws into...if you use your Z on a consistent basis....I would imagine that there wouldn't be any need for an Accu-Sump.....JMO....

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Need some info on removing the bolt from the front sway bar bracket that attaches to the LCA....this bolt won't budge either with electric impact or tapping the bolt out with a small sledge....so before I do any damage... does this bolt slide through the bushing sleeve...(which I'm thinking)...or is it threaded through....
thanks for any info....[emoji16][emoji16]Attachment 17356

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

If that is the upper stabilizer bar insulator then yes it slides through the sleeve.

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

That is the lower part of the bracket Gary....attached to the LCA and found out that it also slides out.... thanks...[emoji16][emoji16]

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Get a cheap socket put the head of the bolt in the socket and hammer it once it starts to move you should be able to get it out the rest of the way

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Back on the ZR-1 this afternoon...
finally got the sway bar bracket removed....did a preliminary cleaning of the LCA and the bracket after a short soak....bracket is in for more soaking...getting there....Attachment 17381Attachment 17383Attachment 17384Attachment 17385Attachment 17386Attachment 17387

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Can't tell you the number of times I have stripped...sanded and resprayed and then clear coated the plenum over the last almost 4 years..... I know I could have got it powder coated...but also like the feeling of do as much as I can myself....so after repainting the plenum months ago.... today I finally clear coated this piece once again....may not be perfect... but looks good enough to install...
also the LS sway bar bracket after soaking for a few days in Evapo-Rust....paint literally just wiped off....liking the bare metal finish. .especially in the comparison pics.....may leave as it and just clear coat....[emoji16][emoji16]Attachment 17391Attachment 17392Attachment 17394Attachment 17395Attachment 17396

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

This thread just hit 80 pages--Is this a Forum record? Been a fun thread to follow. --Bob

Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Thanks Bob....it has been fun....[emoji16][emoji16]

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Re: TB removal and then some!!!
 

Been extremely busy recently...not totally ZR-1 related...as our "new" Yellow 74 Convertible came home last week...and our Brown 74 Convertible went down to GA for some engine work....which now leaves time to devote fully to the 94....always something going on....[emoji16][emoji16]
Pic #1....still need more cleaning and painting to finish....was thinking about removing the cam covers for painting....but might just tape everything off and paint them on the engine....
Pic #2.....our "new" 74 Convertible is home....while not cosmetically perfect....the L-82 is rebuilt and all new suspension in place....
Pic #3...our 74 LS4 454 loaded and now in GA for some engine work.... no return time frame...so now full concentration for the ZR-1....[emoji16][emoji16]Attachment 17569Attachment 17570Attachment 17571

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