I am replacing the suspension on my 66 L79 Conv. I was not planning on removing the body as the frame looks good. However a closer inspection has revealed a very bad looking #4 or rear rubber body mount. Can I just replace just the two rear mounts? (The other mounts do not look that bad.) If so what is the procedure. Thanks, Dave
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Re: 66 Body Mounts
Dave,
Since no one has stepped to the plate, or so to speak, I'll give your question a try. I haven't, but some individuals have done body-on restorations that included replacing the two rear body-to-frame mount rubber cushions that you mention.
If your body mount bolts are original and you can keep from breaking them, then you will be in luck. It would be best to try to loosen the two body mount bolts just forward of the rear wheel wells also, in order to keep from putting any undue stress on any other part of the body, but loosening all of those four may or may not be possible. I would definitely caution you, that if you break any of the body mount bolts, it may create more problems than what you are trying to fix or restore. The two body mounts forward of the rear wheel wells, if the bolts break, can only best be repaired or restored with the body then off, something you would already want to avoid, unless it was eventually in your plans.
I am not aware of the best place to lift the body for cushion and shim replacement so I will not advise you where or how to do that. But to put it briefly, loosening the four body mount bolts that I mentioned, and removing the rear ones should enable you to lift the body enough to replace the rear rubber cushion and shims. Just a reminder, be sure to keep track exactly how many shims you removed from each mount and replace with the same.
Others may have the first hand body-on experience and add in with this, but in the meantime I hope this has helped. TBarr #24014 -
Re: 66 Body Mounts
Dave --- Just to as to Tom Barr's good advice, I was able to lift my body about 5" (either one side at a time, or both) by jacking the side rails of the bird cage with suitable sizes of 2 x 4 wood. To start, just slip them between the frame and the rocker cover hangers until they make good contact.
I used this method to change my front-to-rear brake line on my '65, and I could have changed body mounts at the same time. Like Tom says, count the shims BEFORE jacking, just in case the old masking tape does not hold them in place.Comment
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Re: 66 Body Mounts
Dave,
As Tom and Wayne mentioned,loosen #3 mounts if they seem cooperative but don't break them. If the do not budge, you can lift the #4 body bracket enough to remove the rubber cushion and shims. When you remove the #4 bolts be aware that you should soak the cage nuts inside car with penetrating oil. If they break loose in the cage, they are a pain to get a wrench or even vise grips on. After bolt removal, slide a wide flatbar between the underbody and top of the frame at the mount bracket. It only takes a little lift to release the cushion. When done, you can check the door to lock jamb gap to make sure the new cushion and shims are the same as before replacement. Good luck! WBComment
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Re: 66 Body Mounts
Dave,
I should have mentioned that the rear bumper brackets need to be removed from the frame. Also the rear exhaust panel needs to be removed if you have rear exhaust ports. Hope this helps! WBComment
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Re: 66 Body Mounts
Wild Bill,
I think we all completely forgot about that. Good catch. TBarr #24014Comment
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