Dis-sassembly Tips

Over time, I have dismantled a lot of cars.  Here are some general tips and some specific to the Torinos and Cyclone.

One of the most useful tools is a painters putty knife.  It has a thick blade and is great for removing trim inside or outside of the car.

I deal with rusty fasteners in stages.  I use an air ratcher and avoid impact wrenches.  If the bolts move but are very tight, I apply some penetrant.  For those that won't move, I apply some heat to the nut with a propane torch.  If that fails, I cut the bolt with a cut off wheel if I can.  Finally, if all else fails, I use a cutting torch.

Bumpers
Just about every bumper gives up a pretty good fight.  The outer bolts on the front bumper usually break the captive nut on the backside.  I usually use a big screwdriver to keep the broken captive nut from turning and use a ratchet to remove the bold   I always heat the nuts on the rear bumper brackets (the ones welded to the bracket).  Without some heat, the nuts usually twist off.

Exterior Emblems, Badges
If the nuts are corroded, the pin will break off when you attempt to remove the nut.  I will use a cut off wheel to split the nut so that it falls off.  I do this on all the fender badges.

Stainless Trim on Hood at Windshield
This is tricky to remove without bending the trim.  I have ruined a few.  Where it is crmped on the hood, soak with penetrant for a few days.  Put a wood block on the edge of the trim (on the top side of the hood) and use a hammer to gently work the trim off.  Work it from one end to the other until it comes off.

Hash Marks (70-71 Fastback)
These are held on with small nuts.  If you are completely stripping your car, these can be easily removed after the window regulator is out.  If you are not stripping the car, you can get to the nuts be removing the vent in the door jamb.  Use a small ratchet with a deep well socket.

Back Window (70-71 Fastback)
This curved window is glued in place.  The adhesive must be cut before the glass will come out.    I use some 1/16 inch cable to cut adhesive.  Use a small knife to cut a hole in the adhesive to allow you to thread the cable through.  If you have a helper, have them get inside the car.  Both of you call pull the cable around the perimeter of the glass to cut the adhesive.  You will need to go completely around the edge of the glass.  Most home improvement stores have this cable.  The same technique applies to the windshield.