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Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

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  • dgs
    Super-Experienced
    • Feb 13 2003
    • 962

    Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

    Hello all.

    I've purchased a fromt end rebuild kit from Kanter as well as a set of gas shocks. I was planning on putting it all on this summer, but the thought of having the old 'Bird up on jacks all summer instead of out cruising has got me scheming. I'm thinking this is more of a winter project, when I can't drive the car anyway.

    Here's the rub. My 2 car garage is tight. In order to get the minivan in with the 'Bird, the old gal has got to be up against the wall. Leaving the van out all winter is not a valid option as I won't ask my wife to scrape windows and deal with snow. So, I was ondering. Can I do this one side at a time? That's the only way I could do it over the winter, one side against the wall while I work on the other. Once that side's done, turn the car around and do the other one.

    What do you think, am I crazy? Should I just bite the bullet and do it this summer?
    DGS (aka salguod)
    1960 Convertible - Raven Black, Red leather
    www.salguod.net
  • Alexander
    Webmaster
    • Oct 30 2002
    • 3321

    #2
    RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

    You can do it now and enjoy it.

    You can do one side at over the winter. I see nothing wrong with that.

    Alexander
    1959 Hardtop
    1960 Golde Top
    Alexander
    1959 Hard Top
    1960 Golde Top
    sigpic

    Comment

    • Guest

      #3
      RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

      I have my front end off the car, I don't think it will be that bad to put it back together. I think at the most it will take an afternoon to do it.

      Comment

      • dgs
        Super-Experienced
        • Feb 13 2003
        • 962

        #4
        RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

        Finally getting back to this, thanks for the help.

        Are you saying that this isn't as big a job as I'm fearing so I can get it done and enjoy it this summer? I've heard all the horror stories and I figure this will be a long project. I've also got to rebuild the power steering cylinder & replace the hoses as it leaks like crazy. I figured I'd have it up in the air all summer long, so might as well wait until fall or winter.

        BTW - Getting it back together doesn't sound bad, it's the getting it apart that I'm concerned about. Rusty bolts that haven't been apart in 45+ years ...
        DGS (aka salguod)
        1960 Convertible - Raven Black, Red leather
        www.salguod.net

        Comment

        • Alexander
          Webmaster
          • Oct 30 2002
          • 3321

          #5
          RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

          It is not a particularly hard job, but those front springs can be dangerous. They hold a large load, and can become projectiles when suddenly unloaded. Use only known quality spring compressors. Do not use cheap imported spring compressors. They will not hold.

          If you have any doubts about doing this, bring it to a professional mechanic, preferably one that has experience with old cars.

          Alexander
          1959 Hardtop
          1960 Golde Top
          Alexander
          1959 Hard Top
          1960 Golde Top
          sigpic

          Comment

          • dgs
            Super-Experienced
            • Feb 13 2003
            • 962

            #6
            RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

            I have no doubts about doing it, just concerned the summer will slip away while I've got the 'bird up on stands. :-) I've changed struts, springs & ball joints on my old Escort as well as many other big projects (clutches, timing belts, full brake jobs, etc.). Other than the springs being heavier, it's a similar job.

            I have thought about checking in with a mechanic to see what they'd charge, just to see. I'm alergic to spending money on stuff I know I can do, though, so I doubt I'll do that.

            Thanks,
            DGS (aka salguod)
            1960 Convertible - Raven Black, Red leather
            www.salguod.net

            Comment

            • Guest

              #7
              RE: Front end rebuild - one side at a time?

              You may want to check to see if you have the original ball-joints. This is what (to me) was frustrating.......grinding off pressed in ball joints. I say enjoy it all summer.........then "Rip her apart" when its cool.

              Comment

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