I started getting the HHR ready for the frame shop.
Rear axle removal.
I tried to pull it back in line a little more on the trailer to move it around easier but it didn't move much. It did pull the forklift sideways 8 inches !
Getting it off the trailer for the fun to begin.
Had to pull the brakes apart to get the e-brake cable off.
I was relieved that it all unbolted without binding from the body being twisted. I don't see any indication of damage to the body.
Moved on to the left door, which I couldn't get to open. All the linkage inside was bent and crushed, so I cut it open to see what I could do.
The door had been locked at the time of the crash and the lock rod was pinched in the lock position. I was able to pry it up and open the door with the latch !!
The pillar is bent in more than I had hoped. I do have a complete pillar on order but I don't know if it will include enough of the rocker area. This extends out from the center quite a bit.
I removed the inner door panel. It is cracked on the bottom but will be OK. I also removed the mirror and outside lock for the replacement door.
The door still latches shut too !!
View of the pillar from the back door. It is pushed right up against the seat.
SShink said
Feb 15, 2012
Mitch, you are one brave man to tackle that!
It must be nice to work on parts that aren't rusted together like most of our cars!
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 16, 2012
Got the replacement axle today. It's from a 2010 with only 15k miles. It came very complete as seen, with the ebrake cables attached. I thought it was going to be a piece of cake to install without needing to get the cables out of the drum.
UNTIL, I went to attach the cables. I have NO idea where the cables go after they enter the unibody. I ended up fighting the original cables onto the new brakes...
The axle phase is now done and the car is ready to go to the frame shop next week. I was REALLY surprised to find the wheel wasn't bent !! It is scraped pretty good but runs true. It has almost new Bridgestone Blizzaks, so I will just leave the scraped wheels as my winter wheels/tires and get something else for summer use.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Thursday 16th of February 2012 06:00:35 PM
Derek69SS said
Feb 17, 2012
Blizzaks are awesome! I'll never drive on "all season" tires in the winter again.
Tim H said
Feb 18, 2012
I would be afraid to tackle or even atempt to do a project like this. My hats off to you on this one.
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 24, 2012
Nothing has happened with the car yet. I hope to get it in the shop next week but I have been collecting parts for it. I believe I have everything I need. BIG THANKS, again, to Bryan for the club discount at Friendly. With what he saved me on the necessary parts, I was able to purchase an SS roof spoiler to add a little class in the back.
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 23, 2012
It finally went on the frame rack today...
Ready to pull the center post back out and replace what can't be straightened.
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 23, 2012
Center post pulled, marked for removal and mostly cut out.
Replacement section ready to install.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Friday 23rd of March 2012 10:16:18 PM
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 23, 2012
Test fitting of the post and doors prior to welding.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Friday 23rd of March 2012 10:32:24 PM
Tim H said
Mar 24, 2012
Nice how much more do you have to straighten before you can start the prep for paint?
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 24, 2012
Final fit and welding. It should be ready to go to paint on Monday...
I started getting the HHR ready for the frame shop.
Rear axle removal.
I tried to pull it back in line a little more on the trailer to move it around easier but it didn't move much. It did pull the forklift sideways 8 inches !
Getting it off the trailer for the fun to begin.
Had to pull the brakes apart to get the e-brake cable off.
I was relieved that it all unbolted without binding from the body being twisted. I don't see any indication of damage to the body.
Moved on to the left door, which I couldn't get to open. All the linkage inside was bent and crushed, so I cut it open to see what I could do.
The door had been locked at the time of the crash and the lock rod was pinched in the lock position. I was able to pry it up and open the door with the latch !!
The pillar is bent in more than I had hoped. I do have a complete pillar on order but I don't know if it will include enough of the rocker area. This extends out from the center quite a bit.
I removed the inner door panel. It is cracked on the bottom but will be OK. I also removed the mirror and outside lock for the replacement door.
The door still latches shut too !!
View of the pillar from the back door. It is pushed right up against the seat.
Mitch, you are one brave man to tackle that!
It must be nice to work on parts that aren't rusted together like most of our cars!
Got the replacement axle today. It's from a 2010 with only 15k miles. It came very complete as seen, with the ebrake cables attached. I thought it was going to be a piece of cake to install without needing to get the cables out of the drum.
UNTIL, I went to attach the cables. I have NO idea where the cables go after they enter the unibody. I ended up fighting the original cables onto the new brakes...
The axle phase is now done and the car is ready to go to the frame shop next week. I was REALLY surprised to find the wheel wasn't bent !! It is scraped pretty good but runs true. It has almost new Bridgestone Blizzaks, so I will just leave the scraped wheels as my winter wheels/tires and get something else for summer use.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Thursday 16th of February 2012 06:00:35 PM
Nothing has happened with the car yet. I hope to get it in the shop next week but I have been collecting parts for it. I believe I have everything I need. BIG THANKS, again, to Bryan for the club discount at Friendly. With what he saved me on the necessary parts, I was able to purchase an SS roof spoiler to add a little class in the back.
It finally went on the frame rack today...
Ready to pull the center post back out and replace what can't be straightened.
Center post pulled, marked for removal and mostly cut out.
Replacement section ready to install.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Friday 23rd of March 2012 10:16:18 PM
Test fitting of the post and doors prior to welding.
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Friday 23rd of March 2012 10:32:24 PM
Final fit and welding. It should be ready to go to paint on Monday...