| The Removal of Bob's Front End [message #294741] |
Sat, 30 January 2016 20:16  |
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thainglo
Messages: 132
Registered: March 2015
Location: Iowa
Karma: 2
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I had the pleasure today to help out Bob Dunahugh as part of his restoration project. We removed the front part of convertible and its subframe so he can pull the drivetrain and take the best parts to put on the Mouse House. It was a gorgeous day for January in Iowa, sunny and temps in the low forties. We ran into only a few snags but each had a good time seeing how the coaches were constructed. The convertible was a great unit to have as your first subframe separation, as we got to use tools that would normally likely not be considered appropriate for the job. Think: sawzall, cutting wheel, lots of wire cutters, etc. I arrived at 10:30a, pulled out around 3:30 - so five solid hours of work.
Only injury is a seriously smashed finger from loosening one of the AC lines. Bob escaped unscathed.
All the pictures are posted here: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6904-bob-27s-front-end-removal.html
Going to try and imbed some pictures directly in the message... Here it goes!
This is what I saw when walking up the driveway. Ready for some excitement!
Here is what the remains of the convertible looked like, up close.
Initial plan was to separate the entire front end, including body attached to subframe. Bob had cut the body right where the front seats would be.
The hydraulic table is supporting both the cross member and transmission.
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA
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| Re: The Removal of Bob's Front End [message #294742 is a reply to message #294741] |
Sat, 30 January 2016 20:27  |
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thainglo
Messages: 132
Registered: March 2015
Location: Iowa
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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With a couple of brilliant minds working side by side, we decided the better plan would be to separate the body from the subframe BEFORE removing the entire assembly from the rest of the coach. Wow, that was a good idea!
Wasn't much more work, the gigantic bolt that connects the body support to the frame was a lot of fun to tackle. Took each of us working on it from the passenger side, I had enough access to get to the driver side while Bob worked the steering wheel axle. We also had to unbolt the AC lines (ouch), oil fill tube, coolant reservoir lines, coolant lines to heater core, speedometer cable, etc. Wasn't too bad since we could use the cutoff wheel on anything too stubborn. Think we only needed that on the speedometer cable.
Here is Bob working on the body/frame bolt once I got the wrench jammed in place so I could snap a pic:
Next up was the bobcat. This is the way to go for pulling parts off! Once we had everything disconnected, the body came off pretty easily. One small section of the floor under the passenger seat needed to be trimmed away with the sawzall to set the body free.
This part was pretty cool. It's swinging free, but we hadn't figured out exactly where to put it. Oops! Juggled around a few tires and let it rest on the driveway while Bob moved a generator to clear a path.
There it sits, just as nice as can be.
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA
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| Re: The Removal of Bob's Front End [message #294743 is a reply to message #294741] |
Sat, 30 January 2016 20:42 |
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thainglo
Messages: 132
Registered: March 2015
Location: Iowa
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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The subframe is now ready for its surgically precise removal from the rest of the convertible carcass. What is amazing is how great the frame looks - even forgetting about the fire. Bob can chime in, I'm not sure if he had done any restoration to the frame but it looks nice.
Bob had the rear of the convertible securely chained to his Astro van, so we hooked up the chain and he began to tug the subframe loose from the rest of the frame rails. It certainly took some tugging, but once it started to slide loose, was smooth sailing. For anyone following in our footsteps, the emergency brake cable needs to be removed before you get too far. Last oops of the day, fortunately!
Hard part done, Bob reviewing our handiwork.
Lessons learned:
1) We agreed wholeheartedly that Lesson Numero Uno is to not do this job alone. Two people made the work more fun, plus four eyes at different angles helps to identify hoses, wires, etc that need to be separated.
2) Bobcats. I was impressed. The front body had to be lifted up and over the radiator. While this wouldn't be part of the typical subframe removal, the Bobcat sure made it easy. I'm guessing you could roll the subframe out with it hooked to a truck or tractor, but being able to lift the forks really made it simple.
3) Watch out for those AC lines. When the nut starts to turn, it goes quick. Makes typing tougher...
Was a great way to spend the day, glad I could help out Bob. He was a huge help to me during my search and has been available for all sorts of inane questions I've sent his way! I also got to meet his lovely bride Linda which was a special treat. Bob quickly explained to her that I am the one to blame for the Mouse House, as I had found it while on my hunt. Bob found a diamond in the rough there - it is really coming along nicely.
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA
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| Re: The Removal of Bob's Front End [message #294758 is a reply to message #294741] |
Sun, 31 January 2016 06:23 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Thanks for the photos and description Matt. Most of us have been following Bob's process but the photos and descriptions just make it so much better.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: The Removal of Bob's Front End [message #294776 is a reply to message #294743] |
Sun, 31 January 2016 13:48 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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thainglo wrote on Sat, 30 January 2016 18:42The subframe is now ready for its surgically precise removal from the rest of the convertible carcass. What is amazing is how great the frame looks - even forgetting about the fire. Bob can chime in, I'm not sure if he had done any restoration to the frame but it looks nice...
It is amazing how much the fire ruined and yet the engine and even the hoses, plug wires, paint, etc. appear more or less unharmed. (I know they are not to be trusted.) Seeing what was left of the nose being lifted off was different.
We have discussed that you can pull an engine out the top, lower it out the bottom or take the clip out the front after the coach is jacked up very high. Now we have a fourth; lift part of the nose off with a bobcat.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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