Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Victory victory

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

seems like all this guy does is just weigh stuff

and it weighs 2.3 Priuses

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

cross membrane ready for dirt, rust, and grime transfer... to my face!

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

It is a simple fact of thermal conductance. The simple answer is, they do both expand but the more complex answer is that the rate of that expansion is different for the different material and the distance from the heat source and the ability of the heat to thermally conduct across the separation of the two metals.

So if you have ever tried to cut a piece of metal with an acetylene torch it cuts relatively easily because the pre heat cones in the torch tip are preheating the metal ahead of the oxygen cutting jet. If you try to put several plates next to each other in a line like a train and try to cut them, typically the torch will stop cutting at the end of each plate because the heat cannot thermally transfer between the two plates as effectively as it does through solid material. You have to lay off of the cutting jet and reheat the new plate before continuing the cut.

Heating the outside of the upper spindle housing will in fact heat the tapered shaft but it is further away from the flame and the heat will not move across the gap between the bore and the shaft as easily as it does through solid metal. Even though they are tight against each other it will not conduct as well, which is just the effect we need to loosen stuck things. This process has to be done quickly, metal expands only so much and if the heating process takes too long then the tapered shaft will soak up the heat and expand as much as the spindle bore. It is a high heat directed quickly to an area, then force applied to the "cooler" member. Heat too long and you'll have to let the whole thing cool down to try again.

Being careful to apply heat in a very specific area will yield the best results. Haphazardly waving the torch all over the area will typically heat the bottom portion of the tapered shaft with a direct heat source causing expansion and ineffective results. Not using a rose bud that washes heat all over but using a larger welding tip that can focus the heat more is typically better as it directs the heat in a determined spot. Understand that the welding tip is designed to melt the metal and constant moving is essential. Pause too long and you will start to melt a portion of the spindle.

Keep in mind that the grease and rubber cup will be consumed in the fire long before the expansion trick will work. Removing the rubber cup and as much grease as you can is better for your lungs and the ceiling of your garage. keep a fan blowing to exhaust all of the fumes. I have used brake cleaner to emulsify all of the grease beyond what is visible so it is just a raw steel ball. Let the joint sit for about 15 minutes so that the solvent can evaporate before heating. You can never get all of it out and it will be quite smoky but it does work if done correctly.

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Mike, that was a well thought out and well written explanation of how it works.

Now Greg, it is magic. Accept it and move on.

Nice work. I hate pulling that stuff apart. Also, the YouTube channel is fun.

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Thank you Mike I echo Roberts sentiment, that was an awesome explanation, and I can see many readers benefitting from it

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

a couple before shots, as in before I transfer all the dirt, rust and grime to my face

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

the lower control arm ball joints are simply pressed in, and so they must be depressed, a proper ball joint puller kit rented from your local parts house makes quick work of said task

I like to use a 15 gallon black garbage can as an assist

if performing this task in the wee hours of the morning, I like to use a noisy impact driver, it quickly initiates a spirited conversation with your neighbors and helps them start their day

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

one down and one to go, note the balless lower control arm already got a tickle from the wire wheel

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

can anyone spot the difference between the two upper control arms, and care to comment

[Mike you seem to know stuff, so please wait till others had a chance to answer, unless you had your hand up to go to the bathroom, in that case go ahead]

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

thank you Robert I just uploaded a new "fun" video 1967-70 Chevy C10 Drum Brakes, Control Arms, Spindles, and Stuff

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

so I just had to get them ball joints out of the upper control arms, and after trying heat, and even drilling relief holes through em I took them to the shop press and POP after 72 tons of pressure they final gave

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

after liberating the stick from the upper control arm I thought my time would be best spent smoothing out all the sharp edges the factory missed, clearly this was the best use of my time

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

I then attempted to remove the stick from the lower control arm, but my 6 foot cheater bar proved inadequate

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

so then it was time to de rust the core support

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

wheelin' like a Boss !

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

You should get the more expensive wire wheels, the ones that have the shiny little rod projectiles ALL THE WAY AROUND the wheel. That was a lot of wheeling, and not the fun kind.

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

are you saying I'm getting ripped off buying these used, they was three for a dollar!?

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Not just good info ….but entertaining Too🤭

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

thanks I appreciate that

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

I for one say well done! Looks darn good.

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

starting to show some forward momentum

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

the key is to spend 86% of your time cleaning and wire brushing the internal cavities from below, where only the pit guy at the local Jiffy Lube will notice the next time you bring the truck in for an oil change... oh wait...!?!?!?

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

I just love this primer

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

also got Big Sexy back from the shop and popped it right in, fits like a glove

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

then it was back to more grunt work and cheater bars

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

I mighta used an "all-wrench" on that.

That's refinery worker slang for a cutting torch. It'll remove bolts that are stuck a lot faster, but I guess you wanted to save that part.

You sir are the king of wire wheeling!!!!

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

ha ha, thanks I need COSTCO to start carrying these:

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

You need a supplier who will sell them by the case!

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

tricks of the trade:

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

so a few grunts, moans, and uncontrollable farts later...

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

it should take you no longer than a beer and a half per lower control arm, unless you are an IPA drinker then it should take your mechanic two per side, cause she normally works on BMmmmmers (tongue and cheeks folks, it's a joke)

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Sorry I have been a bit off line the last several days so I have not had time to really sit and look through your progress.
You know when you ask a facetious question to a teacher he is going to give you a lengthy answer. Now if you asked what makes teflon stick to the pan? I would have no answer for you.

Since I let it marinate in the minds of your readers and gave it plenty of time with zero guesses I feel it is fair game for me to solve the riddle. The two upper control arms differ at the ball joint. One has been replaced at some point so it has bolts rather than hot rivets.

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

ha ha, spot on analysis

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

All of your tedious, mind numbing, wire impaling, hand vibrating, work will pay off in the future and I am sure you will get lots of complements from the Jiffy Lube guy.
Drop members are really cool and look great but the factory X member can turn some heads too. I have been down this grimy road before. I like to see original celebrated. Still lots of work to go...

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

wow Mike that looks the buisness, I love the silver control arms, the contrast is on point, a lot of guys just bomb everything black without much thought, yours is done the right way

It is all powder coated. Even the springs. Some wondered if the 400* would aneal the spring but 400* is just about where they are tempered. I have my own oven and I did it myself so no one to blame but me if the springs are ruined. It has been 10 years and the truck is the exact same height as it was when I finished it. Makes keeping it clean a breeze. Grime just wipes off.
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Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

I did the same I PC the springs, I did upper control arms with chrome PC I sent the engine cradle crossmember out for PC wouldn't fit in my oven :)

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

looks amazing, thank you for the inspiration, and clearance or install issues with them tubular arms?

Re: My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck
 

Yes gotta love that chrome powder coating. Just be careful when topping off your radiator. The Ethylene Glycol will ruin the finish and you'll be left with what looks like water spots.