Trying to remove body
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: chino ca
Trying to remove body
Okay im swapping a new engine into my vett a 454 so i wanna take off the body also am panting the body easier to paint i hear but i couldnt find anything in forums about removing the body how much is it what exactly do i have to take off what do i leave on anyone done this already ???
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C77,
Getting ready for, and lifting the body, is a TREMENDOUS amount of work.
I suggest you start by searching the C3 Tech/Perf Forum for 'bodyoff' and 'frameoff'. LOT'S of threads and information!
Regards,
Alan
Getting ready for, and lifting the body, is a TREMENDOUS amount of work.
I suggest you start by searching the C3 Tech/Perf Forum for 'bodyoff' and 'frameoff'. LOT'S of threads and information!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
This thread has lots of info on removing the mounts. Do a search on "body lift" and you should find lots of info and pics on lifting the body. Good luck,
Gary
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-bushings.html
Here's one showing a lift.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ting-rack.html
Gary
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-bushings.html
Here's one showing a lift.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ting-rack.html
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
My advice is not to remove the body if you don't have to. You can leave her in one piece and swap an engine or repaint.
There are several Corvette restoration books on the market. Most of them deal with C2s, but the process is essentially the same. Noland Adams has a series of books and videos, plus a How-To checklist. Purchase three or four of these, read through them to see how others have done it and to get an idea of what you're up against, then decide what you want to do.
There are several Corvette restoration books on the market. Most of them deal with C2s, but the process is essentially the same. Noland Adams has a series of books and videos, plus a How-To checklist. Purchase three or four of these, read through them to see how others have done it and to get an idea of what you're up against, then decide what you want to do.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Aug 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If your swapping in a BB in place of a SB you have a ton of work to do,
and that does not include or require taking the body off.
I suggest you think thru your plan of what you wish to do with the car'
and how much resources, time and Money you plan for this project.
Body off is a whole new (time consuming Project)
It really is not any easier to paint the body off,
and many say actually better to paint with Corvette body on,
to get the correct gaps for doors and such.
I just finished a body off, and ended up with body back on the frame for paint. 69VETT
and that does not include or require taking the body off.
I suggest you think thru your plan of what you wish to do with the car'
and how much resources, time and Money you plan for this project.
Body off is a whole new (time consuming Project)
It really is not any easier to paint the body off,
and many say actually better to paint with Corvette body on,
to get the correct gaps for doors and such.
I just finished a body off, and ended up with body back on the frame for paint. 69VETT
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: chino ca
exactly how much work is getting the 454 in i heard it was a easy drop well not easy but simple enough does it fit inside what ton of work am i looking at plus ive been doing most of the work myself so i like a good challenge
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
you must have all " Corvette BB " brackets and pulleys,
you will need hood clearance, bigger radiator and larger radiator core support.
radiator Fan new Exhaust, everything has about 1/4" clearance or less. 69VETTE
you will need hood clearance, bigger radiator and larger radiator core support.
radiator Fan new Exhaust, everything has about 1/4" clearance or less. 69VETTE
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The challenge is knowing what you're in for before you jump into it. Purchase the AIM for any year the big block was available and take a look at the factory installation. The AIM will list all the orginal part numbers you're going to need and show diagrams of how the installation was done on the assembly line.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 27
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C3 body off restoration
I am in the middle of a body off restoration on my C3. Getting the body off was not as difficult as I thought. Going back on may be a different story. I did a chemical dip and powder coating of my frame. The frame was in good condition but there were areas that I was not certain of its condition with the body on. At first I was going to paint the body off of the frame but I have decided on painting once I put it back on.
Another area that I could not assess was the condition of the brake lines. They turned out to be fine but I am replacing them with stainless. I was nervous about the brake lines as my lines on my 97 Dodge failed but I guess they don't make them like they used to.
A couple of things that are in my favor is I am retired and I have a couple of car lifts. I would hate trying to do the body removal without the lift.
Another area that I could not assess was the condition of the brake lines. They turned out to be fine but I am replacing them with stainless. I was nervous about the brake lines as my lines on my 97 Dodge failed but I guess they don't make them like they used to.
A couple of things that are in my favor is I am retired and I have a couple of car lifts. I would hate trying to do the body removal without the lift.
