Lower A-arm u-bolt replacement

GM replaced the u-bolts that connect the lower a-arms to the cross member with much larger units. The bolts on my truck were 7/16" and the new ones are 9/16". I figured GM increased the size of these for a reason and I'm guessing these have never been replaced since my truck was built 44 years ago. So better safe than sorry. The old u-bolts look pretty wimpy next to the new bolts.


I had to enlarge the holes to accommodate the larger u-bolts.


Here is the first one in place. Only three more to go

Grill / Radiator support panel rust repair

Today I repaired some rust on the Grill / Radiator support panel.

This section was below the old battery tray. The battery leaked and corroded this part.		I marked it off with a sharpie and then cut it out with the cutoff wheel.
Next I made a cardboard template and then transferred it onto some sheet metal.		Here is the metal piece cut out and bent.
Here is the piece set in place with the mounting hole drilled in it. I ran out of time to get it welded today.

Removing cross shafts

Today I removed the cross shafts from the upper control arms so I can replace them with new ones. Man they were a bitch. I had go buy a huge cresent wrench from Harbor Freight to brake them loose. Next up are lower control arm shafts which look even harder to get apart.

Suspension cross member bolted back on

Today I bolted the cross member back onto the frame. I used all new grade 8 hardware. It might be a little overkill but I don't want to mess around with cheap bolts on a part of the truck where the engine and entire front suspension connects. Here is an interesting article on grade 8 hardware.

Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up

The Lonestar Round Up car show is this weekend so I am definitely not getting any work done on the truck on Saturday. This is a really cool car show featuring traditionally-styled american hot rods and custom cars. www.lonestarroundup.com

Slow progress right now

Between my daughters surgery and helping out more around the house because Cristy needs to rest I haven't had much time to work on the truck. I did go buy a bunch of grade 8 bolts ($45 bucks worth!) to bolt the front suspension back together.

Final paint on the front suspension

Today I put on the final coat of Chassis Black on the front frame rails and the cross member. I am almost ready to start assembling the front end.