[DML] Trailing Arm Bolt Removal

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In the continuing saga of the restoration of 7138 I attempted removal
of the trailing arm bolts starting with the passenger side. I removed
the nut (which seemed loose and came off easily) but I couldn't turn
the bolt. I couldn't move the trailing arm off the bolt, I couldn't
separate anything enough to cut the bolt. I thought the large flat
washer under the head of the bolt would keep me from getting the whole
mess with the mount and bushing out through the frame. I spoke to Rob
Grady and he said it should fit through the hole so I removed the
mounting screws for the bushing and I was able to force the washer
through. I then took the whole mess to a shop to press out the bolt.
It turns out the bolt would turn inside the bushing but it was SOLID
in the trailing arm. The shop was very surprised when it took 20 TONS
to break it loose and get it out of the trailing arm. It turns out
also that the bolt was bent by the head and corroded inside the
trailing arm. I point this out mainly to illustrate that if you are
still driving on the origional trailing arm bolts you may be flirting
with disaster. This is a hidden area that most owners and mechanics
ignore. "Out of sight-Out of mind". I highly recomend that every owner
have this critical area inspected at least once by someone who knows
what to look for and what they are looking at. I also want to mention
that I decided to go with the Toby "TABS" on this car. I just got them
today and they look very professional. They are probably "overkill"
but in this area which is so often overlooked and neglected maybe this
is "just what the Doctor ordered". BTW when I took the bushing mount
off the battery ground is under one of the bolts. It was all corroded.
It will be cleaned up but it is just another area that needs to be
attended to. This would have caused electrical problems. Most owners
have never seen the underside of their cars but everything under there
is VERY IMPORTANT. 
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757








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