Finally getting my front end parts, everything but centerlink. It was replaced just prior to restoration years ago. I think I can do everything but the front end springs. I'll have a mechanic install those. What would be the best way to start? In what order? Anything to watch out for? Thanks, Pete

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67 red camaro convertible, 78 silver anniversary vette, 1976 kz900, 1985 Z28 camaro, 1971 chevelle. Too many toys now My four car garage is no longer big enough.

[This message has been edited by no1dc (edited 01-28-2001).]

I just finished this job on mine...

I'd recommend pulling everything apart first. Clean/repaint what will be re-installed (a-arms, spindles, etc.).

Once everything is ready...I would recommend:
1.) Install new bushings in the arms...
2.) Install arms onto subframe (don't fully torque the bolts yet).
3.) Install spindle to upper control arm.
4.) Install new springs and bolt lower arm to spindle.
5.) Install new shocks...
6.) Bolt up swaybar end links (may need to raise up lower arm with a jack to get 'em started.
7.) Install backing plates, steering arm, and caliper brakets.
8.) Time to put on the new steering parts (tie rods, idler arm, and center link).
9.) Install rotors (grease bearings and lube the rear seal before installing).
10.) Bolt up the calipers and brake lines.
11.) Put the tires on and set it down gently.
12.) With the weight back on the tires, torque the control arm busing bolts to specs....

That is the order I did mine....hope this helps...

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my webpage ---> www.mindspring.com/~mccorry (http://www.mindspring.com/~mccorry) (updated 1/24/01)

[This message has been edited by mccorry (edited 01-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by mccorry (edited 01-28-2001).]

Oh....and the springs aren't too bad to do. I did mine myself...

Just rent a good internal coil spring compressor and be carefull.

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my webpage ---> www.mindspring.com/~mccorry (http://www.mindspring.com/~mccorry) (updated 1/24/01)

I did the front end on my 68 and put PST poly graphite bushings in. Spend the extra money and get yourself some Hotchkis springs that give you a 2" front end drop. The best thing about them is you dont even have to use a spring compressor to get them in the pockets. BE EXTRA CAREFUL TAKING YOUR OLD SPRINGS OUT. I WRAPPED A CHAIN THRU THE SPRING AND CONTROL ARM . pLACE A FLOOR JACK UNDERNEATH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, REMOVE THE LOWER BALL JOINT NUT, HIT IT WITH A HAMMER TO BREAK IT FREE AND SLOWLY LOWER THE CONTRL ARM UNTIL THE SPRING TENSION IS GONE.

GOOD LUCK AND BE SAFE!!!

All that is correct. And undoing the ball joint end of my lower arm worked great for removal. But I fought with everything to put the spring IN with the bushings attached and trying to bring the ball joint and spindle together. I thought..."came OFF this way, just assemble in reverse..." NO WAY! NO HOW!

Then I read my Chilton's manual. "Attach at ball joint, then jack arm into place till bushings line up with holes in frame." Piece of Cake! Don't be afraid to read instructions...especially when you're messing with springs under tension (chained or not).

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'69 Garnet Red Convertible, Ivory over black, 350 w/turbo 400

I would highly recommend using a spring compressor. Those springs can be lethel if not secured right. You can rent a spring compressor at your local auto parts store. O'Rileys even lets you rent them for free.

Get the ones that go in on the interior of the spring for best results.

Kel

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It never ends...it just keeps getting better!http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1391133&a=10384235&p=37846926&Sequence=0&res=high

I've used a 1/2" dia length of all thread placed through the shock holes to do it.
Use a piece of thick plate on the lower A frame hole.
The neat thing about this is you can assemble the A frames without the engine in.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

Springs arent bad just use a floor jack to lower the control arm slowly then just pull it out, no sweat

67 Camaro Convertible w Supercharged 350

[This message has been edited by David R (edited 01-31-2001).]

If you dont mind, how much money were all the parts together?

I don't get it. I've read many times that the springs can be deadly. I did my upper and lower ball joints and do not remember any problem or issue with the springs.

What did I miss? The spindle is off, I'm banging away at the lower ball joint. I'm looking at the spring saying, hmmm, maybe I should change that right this second instead of screwing with this lower ball joint again.

Personally, I hate lower ball joints. Can't think of anything worse.

So, what did I miss on this spring thing?

Rick.


[This message has been edited by Scoop69RS-SS (edited 02-07-2001).]

Better to be safe than sorry.

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John D. Smith
69' SS/396
www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd (http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd)

[This message has been edited by kz1000ltd (edited 02-07-2001).]

Scoop69, I wonder if maybe the springs on your car had been cut or came with fewer coils so they were easy to slide in and out?? The springs on my car were under tons of tension and definitely dangerous when unbolting the suspension parts. And getting them back into the car was the biggest pain I have had on the car. There is no way I could have put the springs back in without the internal compressor. You are really lucky yours were so easy to do!!!