New guy - Frame to body Bushing replacement

[70Nova05]

Hey all - I am a new guy with a 70 Nova - 350 that is in reasonable shape, but still needs a lot to bring it up to par. First of all being nearly all bushings in this thing are probably the originals and all need replaced. On the subframe bushings, has anyone ever replaced these? What is involved? Do I have any suprises in store? It looks like the rear ones can be replaces without too much difficulty, using a couple of jacks. Please let me know what to expect, if anyone has done this job in their garage before. I know the front clip will eventually need to be pulled to do this the right way, and that could be a year from now before I have a new motor ready for it. At that time I will convert it to disc brakes, clean up the entire front clip and paint it all the color of the car. For now, I just want to be able to drive it safely. Thanks much in advance.

[Nova_SS_72]

first of all sorry for my english,
I have replaced all the frame to body bushing in my '72 (six in total). I bought a bushing kit from summit racing made of polygraphite that is better than the rubber stock.
I did all the job with the engine out so it was easier. If you are two or more people and you do it in a professional garage with all the hardware, the bushing can be replaced in 24 hours.
Cheers!

[nova68]

i did all of my body bushings on my 68 again with the motor and tranny out so it was a snap took me about an 1 to do really easy. I dont know how it will work with the motor and tranny in though.

[AlmostStock]

I have done it on a 68 Camaro which is the same set up as your 70 Nova but I had everything striped off the front including all body panels and engine/trans. The sub frame was sent out for sandblasting and reinforced 2x4's were designed to go in its place so I could move the body around "rickshaw style". Since you are trying to do it without removing everything it will be different than my experience but it should be doable. Keep in mind that you will have to loosen a lot more than just the bushing bolts themselves to gain enough access to remove the old bushings and install the new ones. Support everything properly, take your time and watch what you are doing.

Are the bushings causing any problems? If not I would just wait until I restored the car before changing them. Welcome aboard!

[70Nova05]

Thanks, AlmostStock. I think that was exactly the guidence I was looking for. The bushings are rotted pretty bad and I can actually move them by hand from under the car. I am not sure "they" are causing problems, however it makes a lot of creaking and popping noises around corners that I have yet to identify. I have always been a suspension nut and true believer that handling a car at only 100MPH will win a race against a guy who's car can get there faster, but won't stay on the road. I suspect I'll just take it easy on it until I am ready to pull the motor and take it all the way apart. Thanks for the welcome... I hope to make a few friends here, learn a lot and hopefully teach a few things too.

[nova68]

almost is right if it isnt a problem dont mess with it