Frame rivets and stuff for 71 Chevy Custom Deluxe?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Stage one cleaned the frame under the "missing" bed today, for the 71 Custom Deluxe. I hit it nearly 20 years ago with Krylon, and believe it or not, it's held up real well. A "couple" things have come up, including:

1. I found that one of the rivets for a leaf spring mount to frame is missing. I suspect it's been that way since new. I could just use a bolt, but nah, I'd like it to be right. Any recommendations? I don't have the equipment or knowledge.

2. I'm considering using POR15 Chasis black for the refinish. What's your opinion(s) on scuffing up what's there and applying it, as opposed to stripping this down to metal?

3. I'm thinking about removing the leaf springs for refinish. Seems to be straight forward. Support the axle, remove a bolt from each side of the leaf springs, remove the nut on top/center of the leaf springs (can't tell what type of bolt that is), and the four bolts from the hanger brackets. Am I missing something?

4. I need shocks. I'd like to stick to the original theme. Any suggestions?

5. I may want to replace the exhaust system. Again, I'd like to stick to the original theme. Any suggestions?


"couple things". Thanks for any input.

[hugger6933]

Can't and won't speak to the rivet BUT on the newer trucks, the top rear rivet is missing on the rear hanger for a bolt to go through for the back bumper but I don't think this situation is the same, I haven't paid attention. I do know I have had to replace a spring hanger on a newer type frame and did bolt it on with a double nut then tacked the end nut to the bolt threads to keep it from backing off. Kinda like a rednecks nut lock. Be careful when unbolting the springs they are heavy and it might be best to clamp them together with a c-clamp to keep the springs close to together until YOUR ready for them to come apart. The bolt in the middle[called the tie bolt] is gonna be a booger to get off you may have to cut it, there is no bolt head on the bottom it is round to fit in the lining hole.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

Can't and won't speak to the rivet BUT on the newer trucks, the top rear rivet is missing on the rear hanger for a bolt to go through for the back bumper but I don't think this situation is the same, I haven't paid attention. I do know I have had to replace a spring hanger on a newer type frame and did bolt it on with a double nut then tacked the end nut to the bolt threads to keep it from backing off. Kinda like a rednecks nut lock. Be careful when unbolting the springs they are heavy and it might be best to clamp them together with a c-clamp to keep the springs close to together until YOUR ready for them to come apart. The bolt in the middle[called the tie bolt] is gonna be a booger to get off you may have to cut it, there is no bolt head on the bottom it is round to fit in the lining hole.

Good idea, thanks for the info. Doesn't surprise me the tie bolt would be a bear.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

1. I found that one of the rivets for a leaf spring mount to frame is missing. I suspect it's been that way since new. I could just use a bolt, but nah, I'd like it to be right. Any recommendations? I don't have the equipment or knowledge.

A 3/8" grade 8 bolt and regular nut is the factory repair for a missing or miss hit rivet.

K

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

A 3/8" grade 8 bolt and regular nut is the factory repair for a missing or miss hit rivet.

K

Thank you Keith

[trapdoor2]

I can tell you that correctly installing a 3/8" steel rivet into that hole requires tools and experience...which very few people outside of the industry actually have. It isn't rocket-science, it is blacksmith-science. I've driven (and bucked) about a gazillion aluminum aircraft rivets and only hot-driven a few smaller steel ones.

It can be done...but sometimes a 'one rivet' journey is better to read about than to experience.

"May the Bolt be with you..." ;-)

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by trapdoor2

I can tell you that correctly installing a 3/8" steel rivet into that hole requires tools and experience...which very few people outside of the industry actually have. It isn't rocket-science, it is blacksmith-science. I've driven (and bucked) about a gazillion aluminum aircraft rivets and only hot-driven a few smaller steel ones.

It can be done...but sometimes a 'one rivet' journey is better to read about than to experience.

"May the Bolt be with you..." ;-)

That's what I'm thinking.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by trapdoor2

It isn't rocket-science, it is blacksmith-science.

I'm going to borrow this on occasion, if you don't mind.



K

[SS Tim]

Even the FSM advises reaming the hole to a very close fit for bolts in rivet holes. If the bolt isn't a light drive fit its just filling a hole.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

...
3. I'm thinking about removing the leaf springs for refinish. Seems to be straight forward. Support the axle, remove a bolt from each side of the leaf springs, remove the nut on top/center of the leaf springs (can't tell what type of bolt that is), and the four bolts from the hanger brackets. Am I missing something?...

That center bolt on the springs is generally under a lot of pre-load. It requires clamping the spring stack in such a way as to allow you to control and slowly release the pre-load after removing the nut from the bolt.

My understanding is center bolts and U bolts should be replaced after disassembly too.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

...5. I may want to replace the exhaust system. Again, I'd like to stick to the original theme. Any suggestions?...

http://waldronexhaust.com/cart/index...87fd5bac1dc709

http://www.waldronexhaust.com/


Thought Heartthrob had a big block 2wd kit for 68-72 but I can't seem to find it....

http://www.heartthrobexhaust.com/manifolddualkits.htm

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

http://waldronexhaust.com/cart/index...87fd5bac1dc709

http://www.waldronexhaust.com/


Thought Heartthrob had a big block 2wd kit for 68-72 but I can't seem to find it....

http://www.heartthrobexhaust.com/manifolddualkits.htm

Thanks Tim........MONEY PIT

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

That center bolt on the springs is generally under a lot of pre-load. It requires clamping the spring stack in such a way as to allow you to control and slowly release the pre-load after removing the nut from the bolt.

My understanding is center bolts and U bolts should be replaced after disassembly too.

I've come to the conclusion the leaf springs are staying put.