I tried to replace the front drivers side control arm bushings on my 1988 notchback and I cannot turn the paddle bolts to get the upper control arm off. When I unbolted the upper ball joint I can move the UCA by hand. Now I know why my car seems to be all over the road. I actually ended up with the socket slipping on one of the bolts rounding the head.

Took the car to firestone as I have the lifetime alignment and they couldn't loosen the bolts with a socket and told me to bring the car back when I get the new bolts in. I figured they would have tried some heat or something but hey it's firestone.

These paddles have torque flange nuts welded on them so is this what is making it hard to loosen them or maybe 30 years of rust? Any ideas how to remove the bolts without dropping the front suspension cradle?

I did soak the bolts down with PB Blaster this morning and will try tonight to see if I can turn the bolts. Plan B would be to weld a nut on top but I don't have a welder. I can drive the car since I put a 2x4 block of wood behind the control arm to keep it from sliding but I am not driving far or fast.

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1988 Notchback

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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-08-2018).]

Assuming the paddle nut has seized to the bolt, You should be able to grind/cut them off at the bolt head and replace the bolts and paddle nuts with some from rodney.

http://rodneydickman.com/ca...26_43&products_id=99
http://rodneydickman.com/ca...6_43&products_id=100

If you weren't able to spin the bolt then it could be seized to the control arm shaft. If that's the case, I would start with what tshark said. Hopefully you can get it to break lose.

Careful when grinding so you don't overhead the bushings.

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SSFiero@Aol.com

As a last resort try using a small Stillson wrench on the rounded bolt head. Those type of wrenches are used to hold firm on rounded surfaces

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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