Re: Mike's 53 Caribbean

Posted by Tobs On 2022/5/2 9:29:58

Amature mechanic here...I drained the coolant, and still made a little mess draining the block with the plug by the starter....that was par for the course.
I managed to get all the nuts holding the intakes to the block off, and only backed out 2 studs. Heat, penetrating oil, back and forth with a 17mm ratcheting box wrench did it.
I was able to get the rear end of the muffler disconnected from the tail pipe, but the front of the muffler is still connected to the down pipe. I have a sawzall on the way, and will chop up the old muffler.

Also, looking at my front upper control arm bushings, I noticed that my uncle had installed spring spacers (helpers) into two coils of the front springs. I think I will just call EATON in Detroit and put new coils in while I have things apart. I fear the spacers would fail inspection here.

As for the weight on the front springs in my car...I have the Overdrive, which is lighter than the Ultramatic, but the 359 with a cast iron head. I am not sure if that weighs the same or more than the original 327. -I might need that info when ordering springs. Not sure how exact EATON supplies the springs.
Any guesses on weight? From my look at the specs, it is still pretty close to stock.