body removal questions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans LA
body removal questions
I need some help on a few things that have hung me up on removing the body on my 68 convertible. First, I went through 7 of the 8 body mounts with no trouble whatsoever. However, the drivers side mount all the way in the rear is giving me trouble. I can spin the bolt over and over, but it never gets any looser. Is there a nut on the top? I have looked, and could not find one, and the rear mount on the passenger side came out no problem. There is very little rust, and the bolt spins, so I am confused.
Second, where do i disconnect the steering? I think the coupler between the steering box and shaft looks like the best spot, but let me know if this is not the place to do it.
Third, what bolts come out on the nose of the car? I see two bolts on each side of the frame that appear to connect to the body. Additionally, there looks like four bolts in the middle right behind the nose that may need to come out. From looking under the car I wasn't sure what bolts needed to be removed. Please let me know which of these I need to remove.
Fourth, do I need to remove the seatbelts, or are they merely bolted to the body?
Thanks for all your help in advance.
Second, where do i disconnect the steering? I think the coupler between the steering box and shaft looks like the best spot, but let me know if this is not the place to do it.
Third, what bolts come out on the nose of the car? I see two bolts on each side of the frame that appear to connect to the body. Additionally, there looks like four bolts in the middle right behind the nose that may need to come out. From looking under the car I wasn't sure what bolts needed to be removed. Please let me know which of these I need to remove.
Fourth, do I need to remove the seatbelts, or are they merely bolted to the body?
Thanks for all your help in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
If the bolt spins, you will have to cut into the cage. To get the bolt from the top, you will have to remove the latch and the spring, very difficult to re-install. You can purchase a replacement cage.
Disconnect the steering coupler.
Seat bets are anchored to the frame. Remove the two bolts by the frame.
Remove the radiator support...the support is holding the nose.
Disconnect the steering coupler.
Seat bets are anchored to the frame. Remove the two bolts by the frame.
Remove the radiator support...the support is holding the nose.
Last edited by GDaina; May 29, 2006 at 06:52 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Judging by your questions you have not done this before.Be very,very careful with that convertable you could do real damage to the body if not supported properly.My body lift for convertables is 12 feet long and supports the nose and the tail.When you get the body off you will need to support it well.I use a rolling jig.BE CAREFUL !!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Originally Posted by xxVETTExx
I can spin the bolt over and over, but it never gets any looser. Is there a nut on the top?
Originally Posted by xxVETTExx
Second, where do i disconnect the steering?
Originally Posted by xxVETTExx
Third, what bolts come out on the nose of the car?
Originally Posted by xxVETTExx
Fourth, do I need to remove the seatbelts, or are they merely bolted to the body?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If you remove the core support there will be no support for the nose.If you dont support it the front end will crack at the top of the fender wells.This a big job keep asking questions or get a book or download complete instructions so you dont get in trouble.Good Luck Vette xx
Last edited by ...Roger...; Jun 2, 2006 at 02:52 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Erie PA
I had my core support out during the lift. Support that nose like it was said. Put some straps from the deck hinges to the dash support and tighten them up as there is no roof support.
Did my body off last week. Have a lot of pics on my site http://davepeck.us
Did my body off last week. Have a lot of pics on my site http://davepeck.us
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