I'm in the middle of my front end rebuild. You guys talked me into doing it last fall. So far it's going fine except that I can't get the passenger side control arm off. It hits the exhaust manifold when I try to slide it off the mounting bolts. There is not enough room to get a sledge or anything else in there to knock the splined mounting bolts out. Am I going to have to remove the exhaust manifold or what? Any tips? The driver slid right off after removing the steering shaft. I'm working on my 69 chevelle 396.
Thanks guys!
jrm

You can remove the stud that is holding you hostage. Put the nut back onto the end of the stud and carefully pry it towards the outside of the car. It's like a wheel stud, but lots easier to remove. OR, (I don't know how you're hooked up with tools) cut the bolt with whatever you have available until you can remove the arm. The General still sells those upper bolts although your local dealer may force you to buy a package of 10. OR, remove the manfold, your choice!

Tom, I've tried prying it out but there must be 30 years of dirt in there cause it's tight. I'm not comfortable prying too hard on the manifold, I'm afraid I'll break it. I like the idea of cutting it off but I'd still have the remains stuck in the frame.
Thanks for your input.
jrm

Whoa! Don't cut that bolt. It's hardened and would be tough to cut. Try putting a large socket over the head of the bolt and then put a C clamp over the socket and the threaded end of the bolt. Tighten the clamp and the bolt should be forced out. You can also put the nut on the end of the bolt and tap it back and forth. This has worked for me before. Always use penetrating oil with either method. Good luck. -Bill

Bill70 has the right idea. I've done it this way myself with perfect results. I have large diameter Hooker SuperComps so it is a *tight* fit to even get in there.

JRM, you could of had that manifold off by now! Sorry prying didn't work. Sometimes when we try to save time, we end up wasting time. If you end up trashing the bolt in the end, I can send you the part number. You may be better off replacing those old bolts anyway, after all, this is the only time you're going to do this job on this car, right???

As Bill said, put the nut back on and tap it "back and forth". It may be more clear to say "side to side"

Wes.

Good news, I was nervous to pry on the manifold with a crow bar, but I tried a piece of hardwood (hammer handle) and after a couple of minutes they popped loose. The bolts are in remarkably good shape. My lower control arm mounting bolts are shot though, I'll replace those. Hey thanks again. Any more problems come up I'll post another question.
jrm