Initial Body Lift?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Initial Body Lift?
Hello,
I’ve searched for pics and video but only found material with the body already separated from the frame and in straps. How do you initially separate the body from the frame?
Should I put a jack under the steel lip between body and frame under the doors and lift each side slowly or is there a easier safer way?
Thanks, Joe
I’ve searched for pics and video but only found material with the body already separated from the frame and in straps. How do you initially separate the body from the frame?
Should I put a jack under the steel lip between body and frame under the doors and lift each side slowly or is there a easier safer way?
Thanks, Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
Hello,
I’ve searched for pics and video but only found material with the body already separated from the frame and in straps. How do you initially separate the body from the frame?
Should I put a jack under the steel lip between body and frame under the doors and lift each side slowly or is there a easier safer way?
Thanks, Joe
I’ve searched for pics and video but only found material with the body already separated from the frame and in straps. How do you initially separate the body from the frame?
Should I put a jack under the steel lip between body and frame under the doors and lift each side slowly or is there a easier safer way?
Thanks, Joe
After everything is disconnected and all 8 mount bolts removed. Do not forget to remove bolts on radiator mount, I just removed it all. Brake lines and fuel and vapor lines. they all stay with the frame but your vapor canister is mounted to body. Steering connection, bumpers depending on year. Had my vehicle on jack stands so I could watch it coming off. Using straps I purchased from ecklers but shortened with ratchets as the ones you purchase are way too long. I started lifting shacking the body a little and it broke of the mounts where it had been sitting since 1973. Once about 3" off frame I went under to make sure everything was loose and I had missed the seat belt mount cable.
Just take it slow and do not be in a hurry. I did not have any help, but I like doing things by myself.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
This is what I did, I did not have a engine in mine.
After everything is disconnected and all 8 mount bolts removed. Do not forget to remove bolts on radiator mount, I just removed it all. Brake lines and fuel and vapor lines. they all stay with the frame but your vapor canister is mounted to body. Steering connection, bumpers depending on year. Had my vehicle on jack stands so I could watch it coming off. Using straps I purchased from ecklers but shortened with ratchets as the ones you purchase are way too long. I started lifting shacking the body a little and it broke of the mounts where it had been sitting since 1973. Once about 3" off frame I went under to make sure everything was loose and I had missed the seat belt mount cable.
Just take it slow and do not be in a hurry. I did not have any help, but I like doing things by myself.
After everything is disconnected and all 8 mount bolts removed. Do not forget to remove bolts on radiator mount, I just removed it all. Brake lines and fuel and vapor lines. they all stay with the frame but your vapor canister is mounted to body. Steering connection, bumpers depending on year. Had my vehicle on jack stands so I could watch it coming off. Using straps I purchased from ecklers but shortened with ratchets as the ones you purchase are way too long. I started lifting shacking the body a little and it broke of the mounts where it had been sitting since 1973. Once about 3" off frame I went under to make sure everything was loose and I had missed the seat belt mount cable.
Just take it slow and do not be in a hurry. I did not have any help, but I like doing things by myself.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 865
There is a check list on the forum .... use it it will help. So for mine I used my four post lift, I strapped the car in on my gantry and lowered the frame down from the body, it allowed the slow control I was comfortable with.
Dave
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 793
r
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,370
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
The driver's side of the frame has two 9/16 inch holes. The passenger's side of the frame has two 9/16 inch holes. Correspondingly there are 9/16 holes in the birdcage. Pins, on the factory assembly line, were placed in these holes to accurately mate the birdcage (the body) to the frame.
If you want to duplicate these 9/16 inch dowel rods, you cannot just go to the hardware store and buy 9/16 inch steel rods. They won't be exactly 9/16, they'll be slightly smaller diameter. To get real 9/16 inch steel rods, you have to go to a machinist supply store and possibly order them.
I think having these alignment pins will be a good idea for you body drop. Actually, the hardware store 9/16 inch rods will be pretty good...far better than nothing.
.....................................
Why aren't hardware store 9/16 inch rods, 9/16 inch? Simple, buy a 2X4 from the same hardware store. The 2X4 you buy will be 1 7/8 X 3 7/8. The 9/16 inch steel rod won't be 9/16 inch either...that's what I was told...don't know if it's true.
If you want to duplicate these 9/16 inch dowel rods, you cannot just go to the hardware store and buy 9/16 inch steel rods. They won't be exactly 9/16, they'll be slightly smaller diameter. To get real 9/16 inch steel rods, you have to go to a machinist supply store and possibly order them.
I think having these alignment pins will be a good idea for you body drop. Actually, the hardware store 9/16 inch rods will be pretty good...far better than nothing.
.....................................
Why aren't hardware store 9/16 inch rods, 9/16 inch? Simple, buy a 2X4 from the same hardware store. The 2X4 you buy will be 1 7/8 X 3 7/8. The 9/16 inch steel rod won't be 9/16 inch either...that's what I was told...don't know if it's true.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Feb 27, 2015 at 11:43 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
I was able to lift off my body with the forementioned straps and an engine lift. I had to shorten the straps by wrapping them around 2" X 4"s, plus I had to remove the tires and place the car down on wheel dollies. It just gave me enough clearance. But it worked.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 865
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 793
r