Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Back from Sturgis
We are back from Sturgis and I am ready to start working on the Corvette. Problem is its been 100 to 105 degrees every day since we returned and that's too hot to be working in the garage. Forecast says cooler this weekend so maybe we can get the rear end refurbished. Be sure to check back in a few days.
And if you're wondering, we had a great time in Sturgis but we didn't see any crazy naked people. Bummer. None the less, there's a 30 second video of our trip and you're welcome to check it out here:
http://animoto.com/play/4OTQMylRry1bld7lbR61Cg
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Half Shafts
These 2 1/2" diameter half shafts were purchased recently on E-bay and are correct for our 63 Corvette. These half shafts are solid but the parts are rusted tight.
It took one full weekend to remove one set of universal joints from one half shaft. Aghh... The shafts soaked in carburetor cleaner during the day and they spent the night soaking in penetrating oil. It took hours of fiddling just to remove the snap rings. They were rusted solid in their seats, none came out whole, all were removed in pieces. Hours were also spent trying to remove the caps. I even bought a hydraulic press and it didn't work. The solution? A bigger hammer. Specifically, a sledge hammer and the willingness to swing it like a blacksmith.
It also took blood, sweat, and tears.
The parts were sand blasted then prepped for paint. Strips of photo paper were inserted where the bearing caps go to keep these areas from being painted.
A little primer followed by cast iron colored paint and they look like new.
More blood, sweat and tears were needed to install the new universal joints. I even broke my vice in the process. Compare this photo to the first photo.
And here they are in their full glory.
Next is our trip to Sturgis with Max and Riva H. When I return I'll refurbish the rear end. I am sure that thing will require blood and bruises. Stay tuned.
It took one full weekend to remove one set of universal joints from one half shaft. Aghh... The shafts soaked in carburetor cleaner during the day and they spent the night soaking in penetrating oil. It took hours of fiddling just to remove the snap rings. They were rusted solid in their seats, none came out whole, all were removed in pieces. Hours were also spent trying to remove the caps. I even bought a hydraulic press and it didn't work. The solution? A bigger hammer. Specifically, a sledge hammer and the willingness to swing it like a blacksmith.
It also took blood, sweat, and tears.
The parts were sand blasted then prepped for paint. Strips of photo paper were inserted where the bearing caps go to keep these areas from being painted.
A little primer followed by cast iron colored paint and they look like new.
More blood, sweat and tears were needed to install the new universal joints. I even broke my vice in the process. Compare this photo to the first photo.
And here they are in their full glory.
Next is our trip to Sturgis with Max and Riva H. When I return I'll refurbish the rear end. I am sure that thing will require blood and bruises. Stay tuned.
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