Jay71Skylark
07-10-2005, 05:16 PM
And it is Frame Pads.
I pulled the 350 out of my '71 Skylark yesterday; today I removed the 350 frame pads and installed new frame pads for my freshly built 455.
Based on the experience, I may have a tip or two to offer those who haven't yet had the pleasure of doing this themselves.
First, safety!! Ramps or jackstands, block the wheels, set the parking brake...you know the drill!!!
Then, a round of penetrating oil for everyone! :beer
There are three bolts per side. Using a flex adapter and about a 6" extension should allow you to get a socket on each through the access holes in the frame between the A-arms. Getting the old bolts out really isn't that bad...the angles and kinda' rough, and visibility is a bit rougher. But if you carefully position yourself underneath, you'll eventually find the right viewing position.
The BBB frame pads are installed in different holes, forward and above the small block position. Look for "L" and "R" on the back of your new frame pads...you won't want to have to re-do your installation!
When installing your driver's side frame pad, you will want to manipulate the fuel lines so they are not in your way! Otherwise, you can play with your socket & flex all day long, and never get the bolt through the frame at a right angle. Also, use a screwdriver through the top/rear bolt hole in the frame pad to hold it in place during installation of the first bolt...which SHOULD be the top/forward bolt. This one is tougher to reach by orders of magnitude than the other bolts. So do it first, so you can move the frame pad around to receive it as necessary.
So how long does this process take? I started at 1:30 hoping to be inside for the start of the NASCAR race @ 2:30. I missed the start by almost 2 hours. I spent nearly 3 hours with the R&R of the frame pads. And it's a very good thing that I've already got my new engine sitting on a stand--along with all the hours & dollars spent scouring the internet to collect the necessary parts. Because if I'd experienced the frame pad fiesta earlier in the project, I'd have dropped the 350 back in and told my wife I was only kidding about the engine upgrade.
I'm hoping that I'll hear from one or two of you that I'm through the worst of it, and the rest of this project will be a walk in the park!! :TU:
I'm going to take a day or two to finish cleaning up the engine compartment, installing my new wiring harness and cleaning/painting brackets. I'm hoping to have a friend over sometime mid-week to help me drop the new 455 into place. I'm getting very close...........
By the way; over the past few weeks I've posted a lot of questions and you guys have provided quality answers. The information you've shared has allowed me to plan and execute the project thoughtfully and so far, efficiently. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I try to complete the new engine installation and get the car back on the road. And I hope I don't have to offer embarrassing confessions of forgotten steps or costly mistakes. I appreciate all the help.
Jay
I pulled the 350 out of my '71 Skylark yesterday; today I removed the 350 frame pads and installed new frame pads for my freshly built 455.
Based on the experience, I may have a tip or two to offer those who haven't yet had the pleasure of doing this themselves.
First, safety!! Ramps or jackstands, block the wheels, set the parking brake...you know the drill!!!
Then, a round of penetrating oil for everyone! :beer
There are three bolts per side. Using a flex adapter and about a 6" extension should allow you to get a socket on each through the access holes in the frame between the A-arms. Getting the old bolts out really isn't that bad...the angles and kinda' rough, and visibility is a bit rougher. But if you carefully position yourself underneath, you'll eventually find the right viewing position.
The BBB frame pads are installed in different holes, forward and above the small block position. Look for "L" and "R" on the back of your new frame pads...you won't want to have to re-do your installation!
When installing your driver's side frame pad, you will want to manipulate the fuel lines so they are not in your way! Otherwise, you can play with your socket & flex all day long, and never get the bolt through the frame at a right angle. Also, use a screwdriver through the top/rear bolt hole in the frame pad to hold it in place during installation of the first bolt...which SHOULD be the top/forward bolt. This one is tougher to reach by orders of magnitude than the other bolts. So do it first, so you can move the frame pad around to receive it as necessary.
So how long does this process take? I started at 1:30 hoping to be inside for the start of the NASCAR race @ 2:30. I missed the start by almost 2 hours. I spent nearly 3 hours with the R&R of the frame pads. And it's a very good thing that I've already got my new engine sitting on a stand--along with all the hours & dollars spent scouring the internet to collect the necessary parts. Because if I'd experienced the frame pad fiesta earlier in the project, I'd have dropped the 350 back in and told my wife I was only kidding about the engine upgrade.
I'm hoping that I'll hear from one or two of you that I'm through the worst of it, and the rest of this project will be a walk in the park!! :TU:
I'm going to take a day or two to finish cleaning up the engine compartment, installing my new wiring harness and cleaning/painting brackets. I'm hoping to have a friend over sometime mid-week to help me drop the new 455 into place. I'm getting very close...........
By the way; over the past few weeks I've posted a lot of questions and you guys have provided quality answers. The information you've shared has allowed me to plan and execute the project thoughtfully and so far, efficiently. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I try to complete the new engine installation and get the car back on the road. And I hope I don't have to offer embarrassing confessions of forgotten steps or costly mistakes. I appreciate all the help.
Jay