Engine Replacement Order
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Engine Replacement Order
Have pretty much finished the rolling chassis restoration process on my 1971 roadster. I am trying to complete this project in the correct sequence. Should I be concentrating on motor/transmission install next, or body restoration and placement back onto frame, and then motor transmission install. Any advice is appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
There is no "correct" sequence. If you look up most restoration project pages, you will see that most install the engine/trans to the chassis while dody work is being done (if it is sent out). It is always a good rule of thumb to work on all the mechanicals first then the body. Since you have the body off if you install the engine/trans onto the chassis and then lower the body onto the chassis. This way you eliminate the possible of the engine/trans scratching the paint on the body.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I would most definitely put the motor and tranny in the chassis first before the body drop, MUCH easier that way!
the motor/tranny does not interfere with the body drop at all but the body does make it more difficult to install the motor & trans. so make life easy on yourself.
last summer we did a frame swap for a young man in our club on his '80.
you can see the body drop here and the motor/trans was already installed in the new frame.
the motor/tranny does not interfere with the body drop at all but the body does make it more difficult to install the motor & trans. so make life easy on yourself.
last summer we did a frame swap for a young man in our club on his '80.
you can see the body drop here and the motor/trans was already installed in the new frame.
Last edited by BarryK; Aug 8, 2008 at 08:03 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
IT is actually Fun assembling the complete rolling chassis,
and Drive-Train everything is easy accesable, easy to setup the motor.
I highly suggest installing everything possible, and testing every thing out, then drop the body into place ..........
unless you like crawling under, and bending over an Engine compartment.
69VETTE
and Drive-Train everything is easy accesable, easy to setup the motor.
I highly suggest installing everything possible, and testing every thing out, then drop the body into place ..........
unless you like crawling under, and bending over an Engine compartment.
69VETTE
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
WW,
I agree that putting the engine and transmission in chassis while the body is off seems to be the way to do it. Probably the only down side is that the body needs to be lifted a LITTLE higher to clear the engine when you're putting the body back on.
A complete chassis with running gear is SO beautiful it's almost shame to have to cover it up.
Regards,
Alan
PS: I also think that seeing the complete chassis helps to encourage you to do a great job on the body too.
I agree that putting the engine and transmission in chassis while the body is off seems to be the way to do it. Probably the only down side is that the body needs to be lifted a LITTLE higher to clear the engine when you're putting the body back on.
A complete chassis with running gear is SO beautiful it's almost shame to have to cover it up.
Regards,
Alan
PS: I also think that seeing the complete chassis helps to encourage you to do a great job on the body too.
