TM1400

I have a 68 vert that I will be removing the body soon. I have already cut or removed all the mounting bolts as well as the bumper brackets so the body is free all the way around but still resting on the chassis. I bought the car almost completely disassembled so the doors are gutted except for glass (no latches etc installed) and the latch bolts are off the body. Need advice on what you would do before lifting.

1) Reinstall latches etc to be able to close doors securely?
2) Remove doors and make braces to bolt in (anyone have detail for making these)?
3) Can ratchet straps or something else be used to put some tension across this area from front to back?

I'm nervous about attempting to lift without doing something to secure this area first from all the info I've seen about cracking at the rockers when unsupported.

Thanks for any advice!
Tod

69FASTFUN

I am in the process of a restoration of my 72 convertible check out my build and how I lifted the body.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...storation.html

tyrant

I lifted the body off my '68 convertible with a engine hoist and a set of straps from one of the vendors. I would suggest putting the doors on. Unlike a coupe there is nothing stopping the body from bowing and possibly breaking. I've seen guys build supports to add to the structure. I just went slow and it was fine.

sullyman56

[QUOTE=tyrant;1595108138]I lifted the body off my '68 convertible with a engine hoist and a set of straps from one of the vendors. I would suggest putting the doors on. Unlike a coupe there is nothing stopping the body from bowing and possibly breaking. I've seen guys build supports to add to the structure. I just went slow and it was fine.[/QUOTE


When I lifted my 68 convertible, I did mine the same way with doors on. No problems coming off or going back on.

TM1400

[QUOTE=sullyman56;1595111086]Tyrant & Sullyman - I'm not sure if I confused things or not but the doors are still on the car. There's just no latch mechanism present for the doors to close properly. I was hoping for an alternative to putting all that back together just to lift the body but if that is your recommendation I will probably go ahead and do that.

Thanks again all!
Tod

69Vett

you can buy this cheap at home depot, telescoping cargo bar, add a ratchet strap to secure.
and lift away, measure before and after to reassure no changes in dimensions.

Mr D.

I went a little extreme this last time around during my 65 restoration. Having used a cherry picker in the past to pull both C2 & C3 bodies it gets the job done but doesn't give you much in the way of lift height.

I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 1 Ton Capacity Telescoping Gantry Crane ($583), two 1 Ton Push Beam Trolleys ($96) and a 2000 lb. Electric Hoist with Remote Control ($224) so I have $903 in this and its the best money I have spent. My garage has the ceiling height but the garage door not so much so I can't roll it outside.

I have a three car garage that gets a little tight but I have worked out a system of how I use it. I needed to lift my last body at least 4 foot off the ground so I could work under it and this Gantry Crane was the ticket to do just that. I shored the car up in cement blocks and had full access to the underside. I had a LOT, like really a LOT of undercoat to remove.

For those who have the ceiling height but no room for a 2-post lift the Gantry Crane might be what you need. When not in use I push it up against a wall and have shelving between the up rights.

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-...ane-62510.html

hunt4cleanair

Good stuff!

TM1400

With help from my step-son and wife, we managed to lift the body off yesterday. It is now resting comfortably on the body dolly waiting it's turn after the chassis work is completed.

I ended up locating the door locks in the pile of parts and reinstalling them so the doors could close and latch. Used five straps initially (2 to each side and 1 to radiator support). Started to lift and noticed some popping sounds. The gaps at the rear of the doors were widening so we released it back down and added a sixth strap looped around a board under the fuel door opening. She came right off!!

Alan 71

Hi TM,
It looks like your concern and planning paid off!!!
Body looks like it came up just fine!
Regards,
Alan

TM1400

I have to say it went pretty smooth, only took a couple hours including removal of the rear bumper brackets which were loose from the body but still in the way of removing the body.

Your dolly plan worked out great as well. Fit very well!! Thanks