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pulling the body off, help.

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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 06:27 PM
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From: If the world didnt suck, we would all fall off. Troy,Ohio.
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08
Default pulling the body off, help.

I need to pull the body from my 77, I jacked up the front yesterday to change the front tires and it made a weird CRACK noise. It sets lopsided,
I'm sick all over
What is the correct routine to pulling it off? I really need the help.
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 06:47 PM
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Where did you have the jack positioned when you lifted the car? The most common spot is that front cross member under the front of the motor.

Have you climbed under it to see what you heard? Maybe it was the A-arm bushings letting loose.
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Where did you have the jack positioned when you lifted the car? The most common spot is that front cross member under the front of the motor.

Have you climbed under it to see what you heard? Maybe it was the A-arm bushings letting loose.
It came from the rear, the windshield even cracked
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by wacked
It came from the rear, the windshield even cracked

Before you start pulling the body off, get under it and start looking over the frame and body mount locations. Find out where you problem is and how bad it is.
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 07:20 PM
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Wow, that sux. Sounds like the frame flexed somewhere. Take a good look at it especially in the kickups, this could be bad
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 07:24 PM
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Looks like someone welded a plate clear across the drivers side part of the frame, the pas side is still good. I found a frame for $1400 shipped, time to pull the body. I'm glad this happend in the garage and not on the road. This just makes me sick all over..
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 08:51 PM
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Jacked up the front end yesterday, located a replacement frame and starting body off today!! WOW, slow down!!

I'm guessing you saw this coming!

Jacked up the front, how and where exactly? Sounds to me like you have a plan, got lot's of room? Going to refresh body or strictly a frame replacement?

Start by removing front bumper, rear bumper and electrical connections. That should keep you busy until, I don't know, 10:30??
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Old Apr 18, 2007 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by wacked
It came from the rear, the windshield even cracked
I hate to say it but it sounds like you may have birdcage troubles. Did you have any water entering the inside of the car from the windshield area? You need to pull the kick panels and check for heavy rust inside them and pull the covers off of both #3 body mounts for inspection.

I would go over the car with a fine tooth comb before you order any thing. You need to get an idea of how much damage/money you are looking at.
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Old Apr 19, 2007 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by wills670
I hate to say it but it sounds like you may have birdcage troubles. Did you have any water entering the inside of the car from the windshield area? You need to pull the kick panels and check for heavy rust inside them and pull the covers off of both #3 body mounts for inspection.

I would go over the car with a fine tooth comb before you order any thing. You need to get an idea of how much damage/money you are looking at.
The cage is fine, the rear gussets let go, thank god it under my classic car insurance. I love state farm, there going to pay for the fix
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Old Apr 19, 2007 | 10:55 PM
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huh?
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Old Apr 19, 2007 | 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by wacked
The cage is fine, the rear gussets let go, thank god it under my classic car insurance. I love state farm, there going to pay for the fix
State Farm has classic car insurance? They're going to pay for what exactly?
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Old Apr 20, 2007 | 07:38 PM
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If the frame is that bad, I doubt the birdcage is OK.
The windshield cracked because the birdcage bent/twisted.
Be prepared for the worst ... or just pack a bowl and fuggetaboutit.

Good Luck
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Old Apr 20, 2007 | 07:42 PM
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I agree on the shot birdcage. Here, you'll need these:

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Old Apr 20, 2007 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Where did you have the jack positioned when you lifted the car? The most common spot is that front cross member under the front of the motor.
Most common mistake, people like you are why they sell the dent removal tool. The front crossmember is not a good jacking point.
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Old Apr 20, 2007 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by V-Twin
Most common mistake, people like you are why they sell the dent removal tool. The front crossmember is not a good jacking point.

When did I ever say that's where I put the jack? When did I ever suggest to anyone that that's where to put the jack. I asked him a question, and used a common spot as reference so he wouldn't just say, "The front."

People like me? See yourself out of this one pal.
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Old Apr 20, 2007 | 07:57 PM
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The front crossmember can be a fine jacking point, if the frame is in good shape.
This, with the caveat that the frame will set down on jack stands
promptly after jacking up ... stands on either side at front of door.

The crossmember dent tool is for people at car shows with mirrors.

To prevent denting and jack slippage .... you need a jack plate installed:

http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...e_paint_04.jpg
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by wacked
The cage is fine, the rear gussets let go, thank god it under my classic car insurance. I love state farm, there going to pay for the fix
I'm curious how your getting State Farm to pay for that
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 12:47 AM
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So you jacked up the front and broke rear gussets (whatever those are) and cracked the windshield. Now the body is tweeked. A plate is welded under the drivers side. Plus, insurance will pay for repairs. Assuming this isn't some sort of joke, your salt encrusted Ohio frame is completly gone. I'd like to see some pictures if possible, sounds too bad to be true...gp
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 07:58 AM
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Hey Wacked, post pics when you can, I'd like to see what ya have goin on under there
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 1982CorvetteDude
I'm curious how your getting State Farm to pay for that
I told them I backed off the driveway.
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