Sombrero Replacement

[Robert E.]

While searching the archives, John Hinckley mention an article he wrote in the September '06 edition of Corvette Enthusiast magazine.

Since my collection doesn't go back that far, I was hoping if someone had that article, would they mind scanning the pages and email it to me?

robert-eisner@bell.net

Thanks in advance

[Robert E.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

Thanks to Donald Ling, I now have a copy of the article.

Robert

While searching the archives, John Hinckley mention an article he wrote in the September '06 edition of Corvette Enthusiast magazine.

Since my collection doesn't go back that far, I was hoping if someone had that article, would they mind scanning the pages and email it to me?

robert-eisner@bell.net

Thanks in advance

[John H.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

If anyone else needs that article, this link will take you to it and you can download it:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/body_&_frame/SombreroDance.pdf

[Robert E.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

John, Thanks for taking the time to post your article. I'm wondering if changing the sombrero should be part a rear end restoration? In the spring I hope to get the nerve to remove my trailing arms and rear end for rebuilding.

Robert

If anyone else needs that article, this link will take you to it and you can download it:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...breroDance.pdf

[Timothy B.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

John,

When you had this done did they remove the cushions and relieve spring pressure at the trailing arms? That's pretty slick, how much trouble were the four blind bolts at the rear carrier?

[Curtis M.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

Robert,

The trailing arm/rear end project you're considering isn't nearly as daunting as it would appear. I'm in the process of doing this now. The hardest part was breaking loose 40 year old bolts.

If the sombreros need replaced, it will be much easier access. Mine did not fail, but the rubber was very deteriorated.

Good luck.

[John H.]

Re: Sombrero Replacement

John,

When you had this done did they remove the cushions and relieve spring pressure at the trailing arms? That's pretty slick, how much trouble were the four blind bolts at the rear carrier?

Tim -

Nope, left the spring and link bolts alone - just loosened the exhaust pipe-to-muffler clamps to lower the pipes a couple of inches, and disconnected the outboard half-shaft flanges from the spindle flanges, with a transmission jack supporting the diff under the spring plate after removing the single sombrero bushing bolt on each side and popping the crossmember loose.

Werner has a special long-shank flat-ratchet air tool (only found in assembly plants) with a fabricated socket insert that is skinny enough to reach in from the front to get at the four crossmember-to-diff bolts with the assembly lowered a couple of inches; after removing the four bolts, the crossmember slides out for the bench work, and goes back in place in reverse order.

The strut rod attachments aren't touched, so there's no need to re-set rear camber; the transmission jack pushes the assembly back up into place on the sombreros to drive the bushing bolts, re-connect the outer half-shaft flanges, re-position the exhaust pipes, tighten the clamps, and you're done.

Sure beats the Chassis Service Manual method that requires tearing the whole rear suspension apart.