Another Body Lift Question
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
Another Body Lift Question
I think I know the answer to this but need to be sure. After having removed the engine, tranny, radiator and core support from my '73 coupe, I have decided to "bite the bullet" and do a complete body lift. My question is this . . . do I need to reinstall the core support before lifting the body? Does the core support need to be in place to help hold the left and right side of the front end together?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
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From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I don't think so, the body lifts that I have seen had the radiator attached to the frame, not the body.
I'll be doing this soon so I'll be wanting to know for sure also.
I'll be doing this soon so I'll be wanting to know for sure also.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
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From: Algonac Michigan
I don't think that the front crossmember has to be in place to lift the frame. However the nose of the car should be supported some way so that the possibly fragile fiberglass at the nose wont fracture under it's own weight. I have yet to do mine, but when I do I won't be taking any chances when I do (very soon) Let me know what you decide.
SLY,
SLY,
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 149
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From: Allen TX
No the front cross member should be removed. I took my body off in March. Remove all mounting bolts to the frame, 8 of those. I would recommend taking everything out of the car to make it lighter. Take the doors off to and construct a brace so the car body doesn't flex.
The one item I forgot was the seat belt cable that went under the drive shaft. That's not everything but just remove as much as you can.
Todd
The one item I forgot was the seat belt cable that went under the drive shaft. That's not everything but just remove as much as you can.
Todd
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,692
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From: Loveland, CO
There seems to be confusion between radiator support and front crossmember, radiator, etc.
I have done many off's and on's and would recommend leaving the radiator support in when lifting (but radiator removed). The support doesn't weigh much and holds the front end together. Also, I usually slip a light rope around the support and then up to my lifting point to give the front end some support and stability. Doors off with cheap electrical conduit braces is also recommended. The doors tend to flex and chip the paint, especially on convertibles. Especially important after body work and painting.
I have done many off's and on's and would recommend leaving the radiator support in when lifting (but radiator removed). The support doesn't weigh much and holds the front end together. Also, I usually slip a light rope around the support and then up to my lifting point to give the front end some support and stability. Doors off with cheap electrical conduit braces is also recommended. The doors tend to flex and chip the paint, especially on convertibles. Especially important after body work and painting.
Last edited by rponfick; Dec 10, 2005 at 12:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Bossier City Louisiana
I think I agree with rponfick 
and will leave the radiator core support in before lifting. It makes sense that it would help hold the R and L halves firm and excellent point about providing another lift point to support the front end. Thanks for the advice.
and will leave the radiator core support in before lifting. It makes sense that it would help hold the R and L halves firm and excellent point about providing another lift point to support the front end. Thanks for the advice.
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From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
Originally Posted by rponfick
There seems to be confusion between radiator support and front crossmember, radiator, etc.
I have done many off's and on's and would recommend leaving the radiator support in when lifting (but radiator removed). The support doesn't weigh much and holds the front end together. Also, I usually slip a light rope around the support and then up to my lifting point to give the front end some support and stability. Doors off with cheap electrical conduit braces is also recommended. The doors tend to flex and chip the paint, especially on convertibles. Especially important after body work and painting.
I have done many off's and on's and would recommend leaving the radiator support in when lifting (but radiator removed). The support doesn't weigh much and holds the front end together. Also, I usually slip a light rope around the support and then up to my lifting point to give the front end some support and stability. Doors off with cheap electrical conduit braces is also recommended. The doors tend to flex and chip the paint, especially on convertibles. Especially important after body work and painting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
When I did my 69 coupe, I raised the body with the doors on and radiator support out. I must qualify that by saying most everything in the interior except the dash was removed and all headlight and vacuum related items out. The front end was not supported during the lift, but was during body storage. No ill effects were noticed and the door gaps never changed. I am not sure I fillow the crossmember removal, as I never removed any front crossmember. The radiator support will secure the front end as it locks the front splash aprons together. I removed my front aprons to be replaced, so the radiator support had to be removed. If you take it slowly, you will find everything holding it down without any damage.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,586
Likes: 974
From: Communist Colorado
hmmm
I was planning on leaving the doors on for support, also leaving the T-tops secured, the rad support in, & using a rope or tie down to support the weight of the front end,everything anchored at one lifting point. Also, the entire interior will be left in as well.I see no reason to remove anything but the kick panels for mount access. Am I right or wrong here?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
It is best if you leave the doors on and core support in...the doors give side support...if you want to remove the doors, then install side braces on both sides...the weight of the back/front may buckle the channel..at least on a roadster...