Removing Rear Upper Shock Mounts?

[Linus72]

Hi what's the best way to remove rusted out shock mounts?
They look like rivets holding them in?
Best thing I can think of is to grind off the rivet heads?
Any help appreciated!
I might remove the bed as it's rusted out bad on bottom but on top it has no holes...

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's the way I do them...

You usually have to grind them flat to the frame before you drive them out. I use an air hammer for that.

 

[Linus72]

So after grinding them I have to punch them out?
Ok thanks!

 

[Roert42]

Same as Gump said.

I would buy a new set of bolts for the bed, and pull the bed off. Make it a lot easier to work.

 

[Linus72]

Yeah I have much work to do replacing leaf springs, rear brake lines, rear shocks and mounts etc.
To make it legal to drive can I just mount the taillights on 2x4s or something till I replace bed?

 

[gaz]

@Linus72 ,
If you do not have access to a grinder, you can also drill the center of the rivet, starting small around ⅛", then move up a size or 2 until close to the rivet shank's diameter, then punch/ knock it out.

I have had to knock off the rivet head with a cold chisel and 3lb hammer in the wrecking yard, due to tool support availability, then either knock it out with a punch or drill a bit first, then knock it out.

 

[Jazzer]

Use Grade 8 bolts when you install the new mounts….

-Jazzer

 

[rumblecloud]

Cruising around eBay yesterday and found these:

Rear upper shock mounts

I'm sure they are readily available elsewhere, but it's another source in case you need it.

 

[pjtoledo]

friendly FYI

the heads of the rivets are not always centered with the shank of the rivets.
they get pushed a bit sideways during "smushing"

so, drilling the center of the head with larger drills can cut into the frame.

 

[gaz]

@pjtoledo ,
Good point, though the visual center remains a good place to start. As mentioned, increasing bit size to "CLOSE" to the rivet diameter.

If as @pjtoledo mentioned the frame is interfered with, the hole diameter can be increased and a larger replacement fastener installed.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Personally I drill to half inch with a step drill bit. The holes are not necessarily lined up for the rivets. Drilling makes sure they are... And then use bolts that the shank that is in the hole isn't threaded. Use extra washers if you have to so the nut clamps down properly. I dont believe that grade 8 is necesary, grade 5 is plenty strong, but grade 8 won't hurt.

 

[Linus72]

What step drill bit did you use? I ruined my one bit drilling the radius arm to fix broken front shock

lower stud by drilling then clamping it with exhaust u bolt lol

 

[ericbphoto]

I use a cutoff wheel and cut slots in the head. Then chisel off the rest of the head. At that point, I try to knock it out with a hammer and punch. If that doesn't work, it is easy to see where to center your drill to drill it out.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Step drill bits set from Princess Auto (Harbor Freight).
I also grind a cross and use a punch...