Body lift
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Henrietta New York
Body lift
Hello, Ready to lift the 81 body off the frame. Looking to the experts for advice. Is it OK to remove the body with the doors and glass T-tops in place? Please proved your experieneces. BTW..Front clip is removed.
All info is appreciated, Regards, Joe
All info is appreciated, Regards, Joe
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Not an expert at this but in my opinion I would leave the door on for support and the glass t-tops off. Any body flex will break those. If you look at the lift straps they hook under the body on the outsides edges of the doors. Make sure you support any front weight when lifting the body. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Warren Michigan
Body Off
Also not a expert but I have did a few,important put straps in correct place and adjust straps body lifts evenly,if any shims at body mounts if using same frame and all body lines are good same shims. Know it is important to set body on jig (but you have alot of work no front end) I have a jig out of tubing but you can make one out of wood, this is important for the body, needs support (rear door gap) take you time and you should not have any problems, if any ? or parts email leolhaudek@comcast.net
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
I lifted the body off my '81 a few years back. The body is still off of the frame and I am currently working on the project again and refinishing the frame. My garage roof wasn't tall enough for the straps to be fully extended so I tied a big knot in the straps to lift the body. The doors definitely need to be on for body support and I would be concerned about leaving glass tops in. However, I believe the way my straps touched the tops that without them in there it would have broken the windows since they were rolled up. I think if the windows had been down and the tops out I would have been ok. I think I have a real problem in my rocker channels just like redwingvette. Be sure to check yours out really well once the body is off.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Henrietta New York
Thanks for the replies. I am in the process of building a 2x2 steel tubing body cart. Due to lack of space the plan is to build it so that the body is high enought to roll the frame in and out of the garage as needed, or roll the body out without moving the chasis. That way I can work on either one. Will post photos when the cart is done.
