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82 Trans Am Rear Suspension HELP!

 
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ndg1979



Joined: 12 Jul 2010
Posts: 2
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:50 pm    Post subject: 82 Trans Am Rear Suspension HELP! Reply with quote

Hello everyone,

I'm brand new to the site and bought my first GM product - an 82 Firebird Trans-Am with the Crossfire 305 (a car I've wanted since I was 6 thanks to Knight Rider). I recently had to replace the rear trackbar on my car as the rubber bushings were shot. One was ordered from the auto parts and it arrived today. My huge problem is that the old bolts are rusted and one snapped off during removal, but nobody (including the local Pontiac dealer) seems to sell a bolt that will fit. In standard, 1/2 inch is the closest size, is too loose. The original is metric, but a 12MM is too small and a 14MM won't fit. Not one hardware store seems to sell a 13MM.

It seems like it might be hard to install a sleeve as there are little metal nubs inside the ends of the bar and I am unsure if it is OK to use a drill bit to flatten them.

Any suggestions are more than greatly appreciated. Thanks
Nathan

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Larry
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:36 pm    Post subject: Bolts Needed Reply with quote

Small items are so often thrown out when cars are parted, and just as hard to find as NOS. In a suspension you need to be extra careful of replacing bolts that may not match strength-wise.

I would suggest you contact Frank at Frank's Pontiac Parts in California. Frank is well known for keeping EVERYTHING when he parts cars out. He is very helpful and often assists hobbyists with the oddball small items.

Send Frank a note at: frank@frankspontiacparts.com

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ndg1979



Joined: 12 Jul 2010
Posts: 2
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the tip - I sent an e-mail and will see what comes up. I'm looking for a parts car right now and as a rule of thumb, I usually keep everything that comes off a car myself. In fact, the old trackbar is currently being used to keep the hood propped up until I get the gas pins replaced. It is an absolute perfect fit and the rubber (though it is worn) still provides some protection to the hood and body. The bolts in the trackbar seem to be the oddest ever made and I cannot find them anywhere.
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Larry
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:58 am    Post subject: Trackbar? Reply with quote

I was thinking "trackbar" was something to do with your suspension (traction bar...?). But if it's holding your hood up, I guess not. What exactly is this part as I have not heard that term before. Regardless, I hope Frank can help.
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super



Joined: 08 Aug 2006
Posts: 643
Location: Sullivan, Missouri

1974 Super Duty TransAm

PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can the dealership not give you the bolt size for the application? Does the local dealership not have information they can pull up on computer in the parts department? Even my small dealership in town has broken down even the smallest details for me. If they can not help, they contact references.

I would get a bolt (grade 8 or better) and use never seize when installing. I have actually bought bolts at a CAT dealership. They had a huge variety.

Hope you get it squared away. The '82 TA is a unique car. My friend Selden purchased one new. He drove it home and installed a 406. The car sat in the garage until about 1995. It only had 32 miles on it! His had the 305 with a Borg Warner super T-10 4-speed originally.
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