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As predicted, I've gotten a bit carried away with my project... I currently have the front clip off (swapping from '73 to correct chrome bumper front), doors off, steering column out, etc. etc. The car is incredibly solid with no rust whatsoever in the bird cage. The only flaws I've come across in the whole thing is that body reinforcement at the #4 mounts could use replacement. I was absolutely, positively not, under any circumstances going to pull the body... But, just for grins, how much work would I be looking at to replace the rear mounts? How hard to just lift the body slightly (have no way to really do this...)? What else needs to come off? If it could be done for the cost of the reinforcements and a Saturday's work, I might consider it.
You could do it but it is not without some work/problems. You'll need to at least loosen all of the body mount bolts, front frame bracket bolts, radiator support bolts, and possibly a few other things such as master cylinder brake lines and steering column rag joint. You don't really need to go too high to get that #4 reinforcement removed but the real problem could be the rest of the body mount bolts which may or may not be able to be loosened up without cutting them out. If you get lucky and everything loosens up then the #4 reinforcement and body mount bolt is not that difficult to replace. I did all new body mount cushions and bolts and also one of the #4 reinforcements but I did lift the body about 12" above the frame. Still working on painting and cleaning everything up before I tighten it all back down.
You could do it but it is not without some work/problems. You'll need to at least loosen all of the body mount bolts, front frame bracket bolts, radiator support bolts, and possibly a few other things such as master cylinder brake lines and steering column rag joint. You don't really need to go too high to get that #4 reinforcement removed but the real problem could be the rest of the body mount bolts which may or may not be able to be loosened up without cutting them out. If you get lucky and everything loosens up then the #4 reinforcement and body mount bolt is not that difficult to replace. I did all new body mount cushions and bolts and also one of the #4 reinforcements but I did lift the body about 12" above the frame. Still working on painting and cleaning everything up before I tighten it all back down.
Thanks. I forgot to mention that, in addition to the steering column, the radiator/core support and brake booster/m.c. are out, too.
You have a lot of stuff removed already. I would move ahead and get it done. I removed the side rocker channel covers and used a piece of wood with a bottle jack to spread the load under the rocker channels. Lift it nice and slow and check everything as you go to make sure everything is moving and you don't hear any cracking. I cut the rivets off of the #4 reinforcement with a cut off wheel and it came right off.
From the point in the last photo you posted, you are not far off from being able to lift the body completely off.
Main body bolts to frame, emergency brake cable, battery ground cable, positive cable and wiring from starter, interior pieces around shifter.
There may be a wire, clip, or other small items, but I don't remember any other major things to get the rear clip off. Surprisingly, there is very little holding these cars together.
Hi EM,
I agree that you're close to being able to lift.
Remember once it's ready to lift a "little" it's ready to lift a "lot".
You won't likely be this close to being able to do a through job again for a long time.
Regards,
Alan
Alan,
Get thee behind me... That way lies madness. But that's how these things always go: I start something simple (hey, lets swap the front clip). Then, a year (and too much $$) later, my wife is griping about "another old car with parts all over the place". And I realize that the 600 hours I have in it is about half of what it needs. But, dang it, you are exactly right. The "while I'm at it" things are what's kept every spare minute occupied for the past 6 months. Onward!
oldgto,
The rears are the only ones that don't look like new, so they're all I'm considering right now.
Mine started as most do "while I'm at it". I was just going to lift the body a little to do the fuel and brake lines. That led to while I have it lifted I'll clean and paint the frame. Now the entire rear suspension, trailing arms, differential, etc. is all taken apart and is on my garage floor in various stages of cleaning and painting. I am happy that I have taken the plunge though. It will be a much nicer car when I am done with it.
Hi EM,
For some people doing a body off restoration/modification is a wonderful experience!
It's certainly not right for every car and every owner but it can really be a pleasure.
Consider the possibilities!!!!
When else do you get a chance to do this?
Regards,
Alan
I start something simple..... Then, a year (and too much $$) later, my wife is griping about "another old car with parts all over the place". THAT sounds farmiliar!
The rears are the only ones that don't look like new, so they're all I'm considering right now.
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Body off or not?
That way lies madness. But that's how these things always go: I start something simple (hey, lets swap the front clip). Then, a year (and too much $$) later, my wife is griping about "another old car with parts all over the place". And I realize that the 600 hours I have in it is about half of what it needs. But, dang it, you are exactly right. The "while I'm at it" things are what's kept every spare minute occupied for the past 6 months. Onward!
