1980 Body Mount Problem

[Bryan W.]

I would like to draw on the past experience of members to help me solve my problem of restoration of the right hand rear body mount on my 1980 model.
I have attempted to replace the rubber mount and in the process of removing rhe mounting bolt have found that the bolt "spins" as it seems as if the nut fastened to the enclosed end of the mount has become detached. Probably rust has been the cause of the problem.

The only solution I can see is to grind away the head of the bolt and the rivots holding the reinforced external portion of the mount, partially lift the body in an attempt to gain access to the encapulated nut or fastening to rectify the situation then try to restore the external bracket and rivots.

Has anyone performed this fix before?


Does anyone have the best solution to the problem please?

[Russ S.]

Re: 1980 Body Mount Problem

Have you tried to gain access to the nut from inside the luggage area by raising up the carpet? You might be able to get a vise grip on the spinning nut. Also use a penetrating oil on the nut.

[Bryan W.]

Re: 1980 Body Mount Problem

Have you tried to gain access to the nut from inside the luggage area by raising up the carpet? You might be able to get a vise grip on the spinning nut. Also use a penetrating oil on the nut.

I have not attempted anything as yet. Can I gain access to the nut from under the carpet without having to cut through body work? Is there an opening under there?

[Russ S.]

Re: 1980 Body Mount Problem

Bryan, I haven't worked on a 1980. My experience is with the early C3s so I don't know exactly how the later re-designed C3 (after 78 with the large back glass) is made but I would think being they have the same frame that the body mount would need to be in the same location. On a earlier C3 that mount is located in the very corner of the luggage compartment. On a convertible it would be directly below the deck lid hinge. On yours, it should be right in the corner also. You don't need to cut thru anything but you will need to pull your carpet back.

[Bryan W.]

Re: 1980 Body Mount Problem

Many thanks I'll get into it this weekend.