
CORVETTE BODY 1B-17
Fig.
35—Removing Ventilator Assembly - 67
LOCK CYLINDER
Replacement
1.
Perform Operations 1 and 2 under Outer Handle -
Removal.
2.
Tap retainer t(flLg. 47) toward trailing edge of door
until free of cylinder.
3.
Disengage cylinder from rod and remove cylinder
and escutcheon from door.
Fig.
37—Removing Sash Retaining Screws
4.
Installation may be made by following removal pro-
cedure in reverse order.
HINGES-DOOR ASSEMBLY
Refer to Figure 48.
Removal
1.
Remove door sill plate.
2.
Remove door inner trim panel as outlined in this
section.
Fig.
36—Removing Vent Window Assembly - 67
Fig.
38-Removing Door Window
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE /MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-29
CUSHION
CUSHION ASNi.^ty** ACCESS
#2 BODY BRACKET
( 67 ONLY)
SHIM
( 37 POSITION).
CUSHION ASM.
( 37)
SHIM
( 67 POSITION)
CUSHION
( 37 ONLY)
#1 BODY BRACKET
Fig.
65—Body Mounts
PRECAUTIONS
Creams are available to protect the skin from a con-
dition known as occupational, or contact dermatitis. This
common type of dermatitis is not contagious. Improved
resin formulas in the approved kits have almost elimi-
nated skin irritation. Cream is supplied with the kit for
men who may have a tendency toward skin irritation
from the resins or dust.
The application of these creams is recommended
whenever the Resin Kit materials are used. Generally,
the cream is not required when the plastic solder kit is
being used. Directions for using the cream is as follows:
a. Wash hands clean. Dry thoroughly.
b.
Squeeze about 1/2 inch (or 1/2 teaspoonful) of
#71 cream into palm of hand.
c. Spread evenly and lightly until cream disappears.
Work cream into cuticle, between fingers and
around wrists.
d. Apply second coat, repeating Steps b and c.
e. Hold hands briefly under cold running water to
set cream.
2.
Remove resin mixture from hands as soon as possi-
ble and imperatively before mixture starts to gel.
This can be observed by the action of the material
being used. Resin may be removed with lacquer
thinner by washing in soap and water.
3.
Respirators are recommended when grinding. Also
some minor skin irritation from glass and powdered
cured resin may be evident. Washing in cold water
will help to minimize.
4.
Use a belt sander with a vacuum attachment for dust
control if possible.
5. Resin mixtures may produce toxic fumes and should
be used in well ventilated areas.
6. Be careful not to get any resin material on clothing.
7. Use the right materials for the job. It is important
to use the approved kits because Chevrolet's rigid
quality standards assure you the right material to
do the job. Other materials available may not meet
the required engineering and safety standards.
8. Keep the materials, utensils and work area clean
and dry. These repairs involve chemical reactions,
and dirt or moisture may upset the chemical bal-
ances and produce unsatisfactory results.
9. Before starting repair operations, look for hidden
damage by applying pressure around the damaged
area, looking for hairline cracks and other breakage.
Check for minor damage at other points in the vehi-
cle such as around exhaust pipes, grille, headlamps
and points of wear or rub. Early repair of this
minor damage may prevent major repair later.
PLASTIC SOLDER
KIT
The Plastic Solder Repair Kit is used for minor re-
pairs on the Corvette body. These materials will produce
an easy, quick and lasting repair in the case of small
cracks, surface imperfections and small holes.
1.
Use paint remover or power sander, and remove
finish from damaged area. Carefully inspect for
other areas requiring repair.
2.
Mix the materials (fig. 72).
3.
Apply the material, using a putty knife or rubber
squeegee, Figure 73. Work the material into the
repair and build the material up to the desired
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE

CORVETTE BODY 1B-41
Fig.
92—Applying Cement to Window
8. Impregnate backup plies of woven glass cloth with
prepared plastic mixture by dipping or brushing.
Remove excess plastic from cloth by squeezing.
9. Place impregnated backup plies on underside of
panels. If necessary, hold backup plies in place with
paper until plastic "gels."
10.
Prepare another plastic mixture of resin and
hardener and mix thoroughly. To this mixture add
Fig.
93—Removing Feeler Stock
cut glass fiber (1/2" lengths) until mixture has a
putty-like consistency, or utilize glass cloth.
11.
Fill "V" groove with reinforced plastic material
or saturated glass cloth. Build up surrounding area
with sufficient material to allow for finish
operations.
12.
Allow patch to harden.
1.3. File or sand (#80-D sandpaper) to general panel
contour.
14.
Allow plastic fill to harden, then sand, preparatory
to paint operations.
HARD TOP
CARE AND STORAGE
The outside painted finish of the hard top should be
cleaned the same way as the rest of the car. The inside
headlining should be cleaned as outlined under Cleaning
Soft Trim.
When not using hard top, store it indoors where it can
be kept clean and dry. If the top is to be stored for a long
period of time, keep it covered to avoid dirt settling on
top and headlining. It is not advisable, however, to wrap
top assembly in a manner which will stop air circulation.
The hard top rear window is plexiglas and should be
cared for in exactly the same manner as outlined for the
convertible top rear window (see Care of Folding Top
in this section). Never scrape ice from rear window-
scratches are sure to result.
REAR WINDOW
Consult Figures 83 and 84 for parts identification.
Removal
1.
Remove hard top from vehicle. Place protective
covering over headlining.
2.
Remove screws retaining lower reveal moldings and
cap.
3.
Mark position of right hand upper reveal molding
end on top (fig. 85) and pry molding out of weather-
strip.
Repeat on left hand molding.
4.
Remove rear garnish moldings as outlined farther
on in this section.
5. Working from inside of top, carefully work weather-
strip from frame flange and push weatherstrip-
window assembly toward rear of top until free of
window frame.
6. Remove weatherstrip from window and inspect care-
fully. If weatherstrip is damaged, it should be dis-
carded. If it is in usable condition, clean off all
foreign material.
Installation
1.
Clean window frame of all old sealer, dirt, etc.
Remove and discard upper reveal molding retainers.
2.
Install twelve new upper reveal molding retainers
using mark made when removing reveal moldings
as guide. The two middle retainers should be 2"
center to center, those remaining should be approxi-
mately 7" apart as shown in Figure 86.
3.
As an aid to engaging reveal moldings in retainers
later on, place a short length of feeler stock behind
each as shown in Figure 87.
4.
Install weatherstrip on window.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-42
Fig.
94—Garnish Moldings and Latch
1.
Molding - Latch
2.
Latch Assembly
3. Molding - Forward Header
4. Molding - Rear Upper
5. Molding - Rear Lower
6. Molding - Side
7. Molding - Forward Comer
8. Guide
8.
9,
Starting at bottom center of glass, insert a piece of
heavy cord, such as chalk line, in groove of weather-
strip.
Cut the cord long enough so that about 10" of
free length exists at- each end after going around the
weatherstrip. Tie ends of the cord together in over-
hand knot and tape loose ends to inside surface glass.
Masking tape may be used to hold weatherstrip to
glass (fig. 89).
Apply a bead of sealer such as 3M1170 or equivalent
to apex of frame as shown in Figure 88.
Place window assembly in opening as shown in
Figure 89.
Grasp ends of cord and pull toward front of top
assembly. Exert gentle but firm pressure on outside
of window in the area where string is emerging from
weatherstrip. Figure 90 shows action of string on
weatherstrip; lip of seal is pulled out of frame apex
and over frame flange.
When string has been removed, carefully inspect
seating of lip over entire perimeter of window,
paying particular attention to corners. Remove tape
strips if used.
10.
Apply a band of sealer in groove formed by weather-
strip and edge of window opening as shown in Figure
91.
11.
Inject a moderate quantity of cement (3M-6699B or
its equivalent) between window and weatherstrip as
shown in Figure 92.
12.
Install garnish and reveal moldings in reverse order
of removal. Note that upper reveal molding flanges
must pass between retainer and feeler stock. Feeler
stock is removed as molding is installed as shown
in Figure 93.
GARNISH MOLDINGS AND LATCHES
Figure 94 shows garnish molding and latch installation.
Note that latch may be adjusted to regulate header weath-
erstrip pressure on windshield frame. To adjust latch,
mark original position, loosen mounting screws and move
latch in desired direction. Be sure latch is engaged in
serrations before tightening mounting screws.
When removing garnish moldings, note that short
moldings under latches (Item I, Figure 94) are the
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-46
Fig.
99—Inner Forward Weatherstrip
or material from a hidden area directly on complaint
. car (such as under reveal moldings).
2.
Using an electric wood burning needle or low heat.
soldering gun, scrape off an appropriate amount of
vinyl from scrap piece of material or from hidden
area and immediately apply to scuffed or cut area on
car.
CAUTION: Be certain low heat is maintained to
prevent discoloration of cover.
3.
Carefully blend applied vinyl to fabric roof cover,
utilizing electric needle or soldering gun.
Wrinkles, Blisters and Bubbles
1.
Pierce each wrinkle, blister and bubble on fabric
roof cover with a small needle.
2.
Completely saturate a clean shop towel with water
and wring out.
3.
Apply cloth to wrinkle or blistered area.
4.
Apply a home type laundry iron over shop towel using
back and forth strokes until towel is dry. (If iron
has heat control settings, control should be set to
"wool".)
CAUTION: Do not continue to use iron after
towel has become dry as
excess,
heat may cause
permanent damage to vinyl roof cover.
5.
Remove towel and4nspect area. If slight wrinkles or
blisters are still present, perform the following
steps:
6. Using a syringe and hypodermic needle filled with
clear water, inject sufficient water into wrinkle or
bubble to dampen fabric backing.
7.
Repeat steps 2 through 4.
FOLDING TOP
CARE OF THE FOLDING TOP
To avoid water stains, mildew, or possible shrinkage
of the top material, do not keep the top folded for ex-
tended periods of time if it is damp or water soaked.
Permit top to dry out in a raised position before stowing.
Also avoid pasting advertising stickers, gummed labels
or masking" tape on the plastic back window. In addition
to being difficult to remove, the adhesive on these
stickers may also be injurious to the plastic composition
of the window.
Care of Rear Window
The large plastic rear window in the folding top will
remain in good condition for the life of the top if given
proper care. Due to the texture of the plastic window,
it is susceptible to scratches and abrasions; therefore,
when cleaning the window, follow the steps outlined below.
Fig.
100-Applying Sealer
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-11
Chevy II (Fig. 14)
Removal
1.
While vehicle weight is still on front wheels, position
support between upper control arm and frame side
rail (fig. 15).
NOTE: Bight side control arm support bracket
is illustrated in Figure 15. For left side, angled
support should be welded to reverse side of
plate.
2.
Raise vehicle and remove wheel and tire.
3.
Disconnect lower shock absorber mounting nuts, lock
washers and rubber washers from lower spring seat.
4.
Remove shock absorber upper mounting bracket
bolts.
Lift bracket and shock absorber assembly
from vehicle (fig. 16).
5.
Remove shock absorber from upper mounting bracket
and remove rubber bushings and washers.
Installation
1.
Assemble upper washer and rubber bushing to shock
absorber rod (refer to Figure 14).
2.
Assemble upper mounting bracket, bushing, washer
and nut to rod. Torque according to Specifications at
the end of this book.
3.
Install rubber washers to shock absorber lower seat
studs and insert shock absorber and upper bracket
assembly into shock absorber access hole, and posi-
tion to the lower spring seat. Install washers, nuts
and torque according to Specifications at the end of
this book.
NOTE: Shock absorber seat upper washers
must correctly pilot into spring seat.
4.
Install upper mounting bracket to spring tower and
torque nuts according to Specifications at the end of
this book.
STABILIZER BAR (FIG. 17)
Removal
1.
Raise vehicle and support both front wheels.
2.
Disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arm.
Remove stabilizer bar brackets from the frame
(Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette) or from
the front crossmember (Chevy n) and remove
stabilizer.
Fig.
16 - Removing Shock Absorber and Bracket - Chevy II
3.
Disconnect stabilizer link bolts, spacers and rubber
bushings from lower control arms.
4.
Inspect rubber stabilizer link bushings and Stabilizer
insulator bushings for aging. Replace if necessary.
Installation
1.
If new insulators
are necessary, coat stabilizer with
recommended rubber lubricant and slide frame bush-
ings into position.
2.
Insert stabilizer brackets over bushings and connect
to frame. Do not torque at this point. Connect sta-
bilizer ends to link bolts on lower control arms.
Torque bracket bolts and link nuts as shown in the
Specifications.
NOTE: Never get lubricant on outside of frame
stabilizer bar bushings or they may slip out of
brackets.
STRUT ROD (FIG. 18)
Chevrolet and Chevy II
Removal
1.
Raise vehicle to
clearance.
provide sufficient working
TYPICAL OF
CHEVROLET, CHEVELLE AND CAMARO
BRACKET LINK BOLT
CORVETTE
CHEVY H
Fig.
17- Stabilizer Bar
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION ,3-13
6. Carefully lower the inner end of the control arm.
Tension on the spring will be removed before the
spring can be removed from the vehicle.
7.
Remove the spring.
Installation
1.
With the suspension set up as in Step 2 of the disas-
sembly procedure, insert a block of wood between the
upper control arm and the spring tower to keep the
arm up out of the way.
2.
Set the spring in place on the crossmember after
checking on proper positioning necessary.
3.
Install the steel bar and wood block as shown in Fig-
ure 20 and lift the control arm up until the inner
pivot cam bolt can be installed. ,
4.
Install the outer cam and loosely install the lock
washer and nut
5.
Set the cam bolt on the mark scribed during the re-
moval procedure and hold in this position while tight-
ening the nut (See specifications at the end of this
book).
6. Replace the strut rod to lower control arm nuts,
bolts and lock washers, the stabilizer bar link, the
shock absorber, the tie rod end, and the wheel and
tire.
7.
Lower vehicle to floor and install the shock absorber
upper stem retaining nut retainer and grommet.
8. Check the camber adjustment.
Chevelle and Camaro
Removal
1.
With an open end wrench hold the shock absorber up-
per stem from turning, and then, remove the upper
stem retaining nut, retainer and rubber grommet.
2.
With the car supported by the frame so that the con-
trol arms hang free, remove the wheel and tire as-
sembly (replace one wheel nut to retain the brake
drum),
shock absorber, and stabilizer bar to lower
control arm link.
4.
5.
Fig.
21 - Front Spring Removal - Chevelle & Camaro
Place a steel bar (fabricated as shown in Figure 19)
through the shock absorber mounting hole in the
lower control arm so that the notch seats over the
bottom spring coil and the bar extends outboard be-
yond the end of the control arm and slightly toward
the front of the car.
With a suitable jack or hoist lift up slightly on the
end of the bar.
Remove the lower ball stud cotter pin and attaching
nut and remove the ball stud from the knuckle.
ALTERNATE METHOD
Fig.
22 - Removing or Installing Front Coil Spring - Corvette (Typical)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-15
4.
Insert Spring Compressor J-
6874-
4-
5 with Adapters
J-6874-8-9 into upp^r spring tower so that lower
MU"
bolt fits into shock absorber mounting holes in
spring seat (fig. 23). Secure the two lower studs to
the spring seat with nuts.
5.
Fit the tool upper pilot to top of spring and compress
spring by tightening upper nut (fig. 24). Compress
spring until screw is bottomed out.
6. Remove lower spring seat retaining nuts, lift spring
and seat assembly from control arm and guide it
down and out through fender skirt (fig. 25).
Spring Seat Replacement (Fig. 26)
1.
Release spring tension and disconnect spring com-
pressor from spring seat.
2.
Install new spring seat to spring compressor.
Installation
1.
If spring is to be replaced, install new spring into
tool and compress spring until screw is bottomed
out.
NOTE: Spring coil ends must be against spring
stops in upper and lower seats.
2.
Lift spring and tool assembly into place and position
so that the upper spring stop is inboard.
NOTE: Locating tab on upper spring seat may
be flattened before reinstalling spring.
3.
Install lower spring seat to control arm and torque
nuts as shown in the Specifications.
4.
Loosen spring compressor until spring is properly
seated in upper spring tower and remove.
5.
Install shock abosrber as outlined under Shock Ab-
sorber—Installation in this section.
Corvette
Removal
1.
With car on suitable hoist or jack, (support vehicle
by frame so control arms may swing free) remove
wheel and tire assembly, stabilizer bar and shock
absorber. Loosen the lower ball joint to steering
knuckle nut, and the' two lower control arm cross
shaft bushing bolts.
2.
Place Tool J-6874-1 across top of sixth coil (ap-
prox.),
then loosely secure Tool J-6874-2 to the up-
per shoe, with attaching capscrews and lock washers.
The upper shoe "V" notch and lower shoe raised land
should contact spring.
3.
Insert Tool J-6874 up through center of spring and
attach to upper and lower shoe assembly.
4.
Position spacers under shock absorber mounting hole
and against bottom of lower control arm. Install
special bearing washer and Tool J-6874-5. Locate
bearing against spacer and large washer against
bearing. Feed screw up through large washer bear-
ing and spacer and thread into Tool J-6874 and
tighten snugly (fig. 22).
5.
Center shoe assembly on spring and tighten screw
until a very slight compression is placed on spring
(fig. '22). Then firmly tighten down the two cap-
screws securing the upper and lower shoes to lock
these shoes to spring.
6. Turn head of screw until spring is compressed just
enough to clear the spring tower, then remove the
lower ball joint to steering knuckle nut (fig. 22).
NOTE: It may be necessary to assist the
spring out of the spring tower with a pry bar or
a similar tool.
7.
Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering
knuckle and lower the control arm with the com-
pressed spring. Immediately release compression
on spring by backing off long screw. Release spring
and tool and withdraw spring.
CAUTION: The spring force under compres-
sion is very large. Exercise every safety pre-
caution when performing this operation to see
that individuals and materials subject to damage
are removed from the path of the spring when
the control arm is being lowered. Also, the
compressed spring
be relaxed immedi-
ately after lowering the control arm to reduce
the time of exposure to the large compressive
force.
Installation
1.
Position spring with closely coiled end up. Place
Tool J-6874-1 across the top of the sixth coil (ap-
prox.) then loosely secure Tool J-6874-2 to the
upper shoe with attaching capscrews and lock wash-
ers.
The upper shoe MV" notch and lower shoe
raised land should contact spring.
2.
Insert Tool J-6874 up through center of spring and
attach to upper and lower shoe assembly with bolt
and nut.
3.
Set spring in its seat on the lower control arm.
4.
Position spacers centrally under shock absorber
mounting hole and against bottom of lower control
arm. Install bearing, large washer and Tool
J-6874-5.
Locate bearing against spacer and large
washer against bearing. Feed the screw up through
large washer, bearing and spacer and thread into
yoke rod. Tighten snugly, but do not start to draw
down yet
5.
Center the shoe assembly on the spring and tighten
the lag screw until a very slight compression is
placed on spring, then firmly tighten down the two
capscrews securing the upper and lower shoes. This
will lock the shoes to the coil spring.
6. Turn head of screw until spring is compressed just
enough to clear the spring tower.
NOTE: It may be necessary to assist the
spring into the spring tower with a pry bar or
similar tool.
7.
Immediately install the lower ball joint into steering
knuckle and secure in place with attaching nut.
8. Release compression on spring and at the same time
use a drift to guide the coil spring into its proper
seat. End of coils must be 3/8" from coil stops in
spring seat.
9. Tighten the lower ball joint to steering knuckle nut
and lock with cotter key.
10.
Install shock absorber and stabilizer bar.
11.
Install wheel, tire and drum assembly.
12.
Remove car from hoist or jack stands.
13.
Tighten the two lower control cross shaft bushing
bolts to 45-55 lbs. ft. torque.
NOTE: If a suitable adjustable jack-stand is
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL