Frame off job order?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 180
From: Lockhart, TX
Frame off job order?
Hello,
I'm thinking about doing a frame off, putting an LSx in (motor isn't original anyway), welding and painting the frame, fixing some cracks where the bonding strip are, fixing the gaps, etc. I just don't know what order to accomplish everything in. Can I pull it apart and work on the body while its on the dolly or would that screw up the gaps when it was back on the frame? Is there a good guide on what to do when?
Thanks,
Simon
I'm thinking about doing a frame off, putting an LSx in (motor isn't original anyway), welding and painting the frame, fixing some cracks where the bonding strip are, fixing the gaps, etc. I just don't know what order to accomplish everything in. Can I pull it apart and work on the body while its on the dolly or would that screw up the gaps when it was back on the frame? Is there a good guide on what to do when?
Thanks,
Simon
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 87
Likes: 49
It might be a good idea to get some of the messy paint removal work done first. Then remove the body while you are detailing your frame. If you have cracked body seems/bonding strips they will be much easier to grind out and repair while the body is off. Let me restate that...The backside of them will be very accessible if repairs on the underside are needed. Then I would set the body down, bolt it in place, set the doors where you want them, and go to town with the body work and bonding strip seem repairs. One last thing, have the car sitting on fully inflated tires while you are doing that body work. You want the weight properly supported by the suspension while doing body repairs.
Good Luck,
Mark
Good Luck,
Mark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 283
From: New York
Personally I prefer doing all the gapping and body work with body on frame and it's own weight. Meaning on wheels on stands and leveled and measured at all four corners. Many do it with car on jig, I don't like that because you have to lift a finish body and unless you're a shop or have a really secure way it's a good way to potentially damage that pretty new paint. I'm using an engine lift and straps. Also the gaps might be off as you might need to shim the body mounts....(more lifting a finished product)
Just my .02 like I said many others do it on the dolly and then drop it on.
Just my .02 like I said many others do it on the dolly and then drop it on.
Last edited by nyciti; Mar 14, 2024 at 05:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 180
From: Lockhart, TX
It might be a good idea to get some of the messy paint removal work done first. Then remove the body while you are detailing your frame. If you have cracked body seems/bonding strips they will be much easier to grind out and repair while the body is off. Let me restate that...The backside of them will be very accessible if repairs on the underside are needed. Then I would set the body down, bolt it in place, set the doors where you want them, and go to town with the body work and bonding strip seem repairs. One last thing, have the car sitting on fully inflated tires while you are doing that body work. You want the weight properly supported by the suspension while doing body repairs.
Good Luck,
Mark
Good Luck,
Mark
Personally I prefer doing all the gapping and body work with body on frame and it's own weight. Meaning on wheels on stands and leveled and measured at all four corners. Many do it with car on jig, I don't like that because you have to lift a finish body and unless you're a shop or have a really secure way it's a good way to potentially damage that pretty new paint. I'm using an engine lift and straps. Also the gaps might be off as you might need to shim the body mounts....(more lifting a finished product)
Just my .02 like I said many others do it on the dolly and then drop it on.
Just my .02 like I said many others do it on the dolly and then drop it on.
Regards,
Simon
