Front Suspension - 71Vette

[Peter B.]

I am replacing my bushings and trying to clean everything up. I spent hours cleaning upper & lower control arms. Any recommendation on getting this grease off?

Any Idea on if these parts should be painted or not?

[Jim T.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

If you had a big enough container,something like a 18 gal tupperware storage container you could put 3-4 gallons of mineral spirits in it and scub away and then just pour the spirits into the original containers after it sets for a couple of days to give the dirt and grease enough time to settle to the bottom. Then you would have your cleaning/degreasing stuff for the next project.

[Jim T.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

If you had a big enough container,something like a 18 gal tupperware storage container you could put 3-4 gallons of mineral spirits in it and scub away and then just pour the spirits into the original containers after it sets for a couple of days to give the dirt and grease enough time to settle to the bottom. Then you would have your cleaning/degreasing stuff for the next project.

[Juliet P.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

Upper and lower control arms on my '70 are painted black. I use simple green and lots of paper towels to clean the grease. I buy the SG by the gallon and the paper towels by the case. Use a plastic putty knife with rounded corners to scrape the real thick ooze first. It ain't quick, but it works well and generally doesn't damage the original markings or paint (unless you scrape too hard with the putty knife). I've used a similar approach to Jim's idea with the solvent from the parts washer for parts not attached to the car. ~Juliet

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.ORG

[Juliet P.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

Upper and lower control arms on my '70 are painted black. I use simple green and lots of paper towels to clean the grease. I buy the SG by the gallon and the paper towels by the case. Use a plastic putty knife with rounded corners to scrape the real thick ooze first. It ain't quick, but it works well and generally doesn't damage the original markings or paint (unless you scrape too hard with the putty knife). I've used a similar approach to Jim's idea with the solvent from the parts washer for parts not attached to the car. ~Juliet

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.ORG

[Craig S.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

Personally, I always take it to my machine shop and let it spend 10 minutes in the Jet Spray washer, it doesn't take the original finish off, and get all the goop. Then you can decide how you want to approach noting the markings, stripping, and refinishing.....Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Front Suspension - 71Vette

Personally, I always take it to my machine shop and let it spend 10 minutes in the Jet Spray washer, it doesn't take the original finish off, and get all the goop. Then you can decide how you want to approach noting the markings, stripping, and refinishing.....Craig