Episode 19 – You never know what you are going to run into during these classic car restoration projects. Rick comes across an old shock bracket located in the rear suspension. He works on cutting the old shock bracket out, getting the new one in, and drilling out all the spot welds for the spare tire tub. Now that it’s out of the way, he can move on to the gas tank and rear suspension.
Episode 19 – Video Transcript
Rick Drewry: Welcome back to project COVID 1953, our 1953 Chevy 150. I wanted to cover something that was kind of odd to me when I was working on it, and I got it figured out, but it took me a minute. In the rear suspension and in the rear trunk area – I went in, and there was this big metal bracket behind the rear seat in the trunk area; welded in and had these holes in there. I wasn’t sure what it was for. I finally figured it out. It was basically from when the car came new; it had a torque tube and differential, and the shocks mounted at an angle up into the trunk area. Apparently, over time, they rust out, and the body blows apart in there. Evidently, that is a common thing.
Somebody, after that happened, took a big piece of a quarter-inch thick metal and welded it in there, I guess, to use as new shock mounts. But, since then, the suspension is completely different because the shocks now mount to the frame and the differential, and that is not being used. So, there is no reason to leave it there. I spent time cutting out the old bracket, and that way I could see what I had to deal with; any panels that need the holes replaced or filled in, things like that. And, there were some. I worked on cutting the old one out, getting the new one in, and then at the same time, I also drilled out all the spot welds for the spare tire tub and got that out of the way as well. But like I say, you never know what you are going to run into. I figured out what it was. And then from there just removed it because I’m not going to need it. That way, it clears the area, and I can move on to the gas tank and suspension and things like that in the rear.
Legacy of Classic Auto Insurance
Classic Automobile Insurance Agency is a family business built on a love of classic cars. We take every opportunity to bring you unique learning opportunities like our hugely successful Project C10, powered by American Modern. Having owned a variety of collectible vehicles ourselves, we understand the special protections your iconic ride requires. Whether you bought it at an auction, drove it off the lot, or restored it to perfection in your garage. We will build you a customized auto insurance program that is designed specifically for owners of collectible cars while providing the top-notch customer support you expect. Visit our website at www.classicins.com to get an instant quote online or call 888-901-1338 and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
