#2- How do I get the bolt out for the rear leaf?

[68converted]

I hammered it from the outside, small, medium and then BIG hammer. I tried to use my cut off grinder, (hit the rubber bushing inside and nearly cut off my head when it recoiled), I have even used the air hammer on it and the SOB will not budge. What the heck am I missing here? HELP

 

[65straightsick]

I hammered it from the outside, small, medium and then BIG hammer. I tried to use my cut off grinder, (hit the rubber bushing inside and nearly cut off my head when it recoiled), I have even used the air hammer on it and the SOB will not budge. What the heck am I missing here? HELP

Did you try a chainsaw?

 

[NorCal66]

I had to take the blade to mine...and it took forever...
Went through a few blades til I finally put money down for a nice titanium one, that did the trick.

 

[harryo007]

I had the same problem. More than likely the rubber bushing and the bolt have "become as one" Try some penetrating oil then spin the bolt head with either an impact wrench or an air ratchet if possible that should break it free. Good Luck

 

[67coupe351w]

I replaced the rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings on my leafs. I only mention it because you might have to end up removing the rubber with it if the bolt has infact rusted its way into the rubber.

I removed the rubber out of the leaf by drlling a bunch of holes in it wit ha 1/2 inch bit.

 

[68 & 00 GT]

I have a nice scar on my hand still from messing with that same damn issue over 10 years ago
Tried prying it w/ a screw driver, and it slipped off. Don't remember how I actually ended up getting it off though -

 

[dodgestang]

The only solution I have found that works EVERYTIME is Carbide Tip Reciprocating sawsaz blades.

The the bolt and the sleeve have rusted together so there is no way you will free the bolt and get it out through the hole.

Load up the sawzaw and start cutting. It will take 1-2 blades per bolt and about 15 minutes to cut through. You will of course then need to buy a couple new bolts.

 

[Ares67Coupe]

At least you know these things were built better than todays cars. LoL I have busted so many bolts on my friends cars, Honda's, etc, even when I only tightened em down to torque spec.

 

[Snail50]

I was anticipating this kind of problem when I redid the susp. in my 67, but amazingly the 37 y/o suspension came out with a few turns of the wrench....thanks to it being a California/Florida garage queen most of its life, no doubt.

Good luck, but like people said, you'll def. have to resort to "mechanical violence."

 

[Hack]

I used a 4 1/2" grinder. I started with penetrant and even took it to a shop, where they threw an impact wrench on it for free. They didn't get it to budge!

A grinder is nothing to mess around with. Remember, you're also very close to the gas tank under there. A sawzall is a good idea, but the same care required applies. The nice thing about a sawzall is the blades are thinner, so you don't have to remove nearly as much material.

 

[68converted]

Thanks all. I think I just have to invest in the Titanium Sawsall blade. I went through four regular blades on one bolt, that's when I tried the cut off grinder, then the air hammer, then the sludge hammer, then a bounch of yelling. I may have scared it out a little with the latter, I certainly freaked out my 5 year old!

Thanks for the advice on the titanium blade will try that in the morning. I'll let you know if I succeed. We all need a win once and a while. Take care all.

 

[68converted]

Success! Used a Carbide blade and it cut through it like it was butter!

 

[Snail50]

Success! Used a Carbide blade and it cut through it like it was butter!

Congrats. I brought a nice shiny Sawzall home from work tonight...not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'm sure I'll find something to cut. Maybe it will work on my coil springs??

 

[6Stang7]

Took my 14 hours to get through both of mine (and 8 sawall blades). What I would have given for a plasma cutter at the time.