Advice / help needed on body off resto

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Jun 11, 2009 | 12:11 AM

c6vetteparts

Thread Starter

Instructor

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Advice / help needed on body off resto

A friend wants to do a frame-off resto on a 73 coupe. Ask me for advice on the most important 3 or 4 things not to do. Since he is clearly above my "pay-grade" I decided to ask here. Additionally, is the birdcage only bolted to the frame or bolted & welded (like the C6s). Also where can he buy, rent or borrow reliable info on safely removing & subsequently installing the body.

Thanks
Jerry
606-219-0947

Jun 11, 2009 | 08:24 AM

jnb5101

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 8,117

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From: charlotte north carolina

i think the most important thing not to do is underestimate the time and money needed to complete a frame-off. when these cars start coming apart there could be no end as to the problems uncovered. as far as the birdcage is concerned, it's welded. the body can be lifted with an engine hoist and a home made "H" frame. there are numerous posts on all of your questions.

Jun 11, 2009 | 01:08 PM

kenko74

Racer

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Oak Harbor WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by c6vetteparts

Additionally, is the birdcage only bolted to the frame or bolted & welded (like the C6s).

The birdcage is integral in the body fiberglass, it is not connected to the frame.

My advice is for you to quickly got out of the middle of this, and have your friend join this forum. There are thousands of posts discussing body off frame restorations, and complete frame removals. Use the search tool.

Jun 11, 2009 | 02:29 PM

72LS1Vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 4,883

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From: North Easton Mass

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenko74

The rocker channels are part of the birdcage and they are bolted to the frame, but there is no welding. There are 8 bolts holding the body on. 6 of them go through the birdcage and 2 are located in back of the rear wheels.

Your friend should get more familiar with what is involved in a body-off rebuild so he'll understand what he is getting into, both from a time/labor and money perspective. There are several sources on the web that detail body removal.

Rick B.

Jun 11, 2009 | 03:53 PM

GDaina

Race Director

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 16,978

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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio

Easiest way to remove the body....six or eight guys three/four per side and lift...nothing to it...

Jun 11, 2009 | 06:45 PM

jnb5101

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 8,117

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From: charlotte north carolina

i have to admit that i've never removed ALL of the glass around the birdcage of the two cars that i've rebuilt, but according to the aim: sill welded to support, welded to hinge pillar, welded to lower corner, welded to outer hige pillar, welded to top corner, welded to upper inner frame, welded to center roof support, welded to side roof bow, welded to lock pillar, welded to sill. where are these bolts?
i'm not trying to be a pia, but if there's repairs to be done on the birdcage, be sure you have a welder.

Jun 12, 2009 | 10:46 AM

redwingvette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 3,686

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From: Waterford Mi

Here is some info I put together when pulled my body off to replace the rocker channels;:
Body-off

Jun 12, 2009 | 10:54 AM

funk6294

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 34

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jnb5101

Correct me if I am wrong but I think you are refering to how the bird cage is assembled and the other post is refering to how the entire body is mounted to the frame. You are correct that the bird cage is welded together, but it bolts to the frame.