Changing body bushings 81 Elky

[rogus]

highly recommend using some penetrating oil for a week or two ahead of time. I just did mine on my el Camino. The very rear bolts had holes in the bed that i could soak the bolts through. For lifting the body you want to get all of the bolts removed first and then thread in the bolts on the side you aren’t working on just a few threads. I used a floor jack and a 2x4 on its edge to left the side I needed to work on. #3 bushing is probably the hardest since it has a nipple on the body to locate the body to the frame. Also had to remove the bolt holding the brake lines to the frame up front in order to lift the body high enough. Final tip is to remove the wheel wells to inspect the frame and make it easier to soak those bolts since they get the most amount of water

Thank you. Removing the brake line bolt might have otherwise been an after thought on my part.

 

[rogus]

This repair is defined by whether or not the bolts come out easily. bruisedbanana79 ’s recommendation is a very good one. If the bolts all come out, then this can easily be done in less than a day.

This repair is defined by whether or not the bolts come out easily.

aint that always the case...

 

[rogus]

I got started down this path because the clearance above the left front tire is noticeably less than on the passenger side front. I have already replaced the spring, the a-arms and and ball joints on that side which did raise it some but I believe it is still about an inch lower lower on the driver side. I'm hoping this will resolve the issue otherwise I'm out of ideas. Will have to put the job off for a few weeks because I just had surgery on my right hand. Figured it gave me time to collect some good opinions here and order parts if necessary.

 

[bruisedbanana79]

Man that sucks about the surgery but it’s a great time to soak those bolts while you wait

 

[rogus]

Man that sucks about the surgery but it’s a great time to soak those bolts while you wait

I hear ya!

 

[MrSony]

I found that there were dimples in the floor directly above where most of not all the body mounts were. I drilled a tiny hole in each of these dimples to squirt the penetrating lube into. I used a 2x6 on edge and lifted one side at a time with my jack. However make sure that the bolts are loose on the other side also

those dimples are from the bolts hitting the body lol, at least mine were in the trunk.

 

[newmexguy]

Possess some original body bolts/washers, as well as radiator support to frame hardware, taken years ago from NM / AZ cars, if you wind up needing any, let me know. Dave S. southern NM

 

[rogus]

Possess some original body bolts/washers, as well as radiator support to frame hardware, taken years ago from NM / AZ cars, if you wind up needing any, let me know. Dave S. southern NM

Actually yes, could use whatever I can get. Been having trouble finding bolts/washers around here lately. Would be more than happy to buy them from from you. If so you can email me at [email protected].

 

[rogus]

Actually yes, could use whatever I can get. Been having trouble finding bolts/washers around here lately. Would be more than happy to buy them from from you. If so you can email me at [email protected].

Finally have the the 4 front bushings replaced and and totally rebuilt the front suspension/steering. Will post a vid tomorrow. I invented a tool to help me safely lift the body from the frame without using a lift/jack. Will include that in vid.

 

[rogus]

Video as promised.
Ok. Front body bushing replacement finished and video on how I raised the body from the frame without damaging either with a simple tool I made. Hope you enjoy.