Body comming off...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Enola PA
Body comming off...
Okay the books and articles I have read seem to be right...
As much as I hate to admit it...
I need to replace the fuel and main brake line on a 69 Coupe. As much as I have tried, with the car as far in the air as I can get it, I just can't seem to get the lines twisted through the rear portion of the frame.
So here's the question... "how high" is "high enough"?
Sounds like something that would be said in the 60's...
The garage space is tight and I don't intend to move the body any furher than necessary to run the lines and replace the body mounts while I am in there. Any suggestions from those that have completed this task is appreciated. Tks, Mike
As much as I hate to admit it...
I need to replace the fuel and main brake line on a 69 Coupe. As much as I have tried, with the car as far in the air as I can get it, I just can't seem to get the lines twisted through the rear portion of the frame.
So here's the question... "how high" is "high enough"?
Sounds like something that would be said in the 60's...
The garage space is tight and I don't intend to move the body any furher than necessary to run the lines and replace the body mounts while I am in there. Any suggestions from those that have completed this task is appreciated. Tks, Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Another strategy you might want to try, before doing the "body-off" thing, is to consider altering the bends in the 'new' line...but only where you need it so you can get it installed...and then re-bend it back into shape. As long as the line you are installing is a quality product, it should tolerate a couple of s-l-o-w bends without losing significant strength. You just need to use good quality tube bending tools so there are no kinks put into the pipe. You might even test this approach with a piece of tubing you buy at the local parts store and you shape the "correct" (and troublesome) bends into. Then see if you can un-bend it enough to squeeze it into place; then re-bend to verify no damage to the tube. If it doesn't work all you're out is a tubing bender and a length of tubing. If it does, you don't have to pull the body!! [that's a good trade-off in my book]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mike,
Lifting the body is QUITE a bit of work.
I'd consider 7T1's suggestion about bending and then straightening the lines after installation.
For many people after the body is up the list of things to-do can get out of control and lead to a restoration. So consider his option well.
Regards,
Alan
Lifting the body is QUITE a bit of work.
I'd consider 7T1's suggestion about bending and then straightening the lines after installation.
For many people after the body is up the list of things to-do can get out of control and lead to a restoration. So consider his option well.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Enola PA
Thanks for the info, all good ideas...
I should have been more clear, this is a project 69 Coupe, there is no drive line or interior in the car. The suspension has been fully restored using VBP products fiber springs front and rear, Upgraded calipers and brakes, and Steeroids power rack, which would be the only real disassembly required if I lift the body off.
I should have been more clear, this is a project 69 Coupe, there is no drive line or interior in the car. The suspension has been fully restored using VBP products fiber springs front and rear, Upgraded calipers and brakes, and Steeroids power rack, which would be the only real disassembly required if I lift the body off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
I would lift the body - it wouldn't be higher than 12". Block it and be safe before putting those fingers in there... I think Classic Lines??? is the place where I got my SS lines
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Milton Florida
I'm planning on lifting the body enough to install new body bushings; I have a couple of threads from others that have done it. Does anyone know if that's enough room to change the lines also? That was my plan A.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
As I said in my earlier post, if the car is about 6 inches above the frame you can change the lines. The only problem area is at the transmission cross-member. Since the 4-speed cross-member is welded in you have to feed the brake and fuel lines through the opening at the frame. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
As I said in my earlier post, if the car is about 6 inches above the frame you can change the lines. The only problem area is at the transmission cross-member. Since the 4-speed cross-member is welded in you have to feed the brake and fuel lines through the opening at the frame. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 479
From: Appleton Wisconsin
I installed SS fuel lines on my 70 corvette with out lifting the body up, other people have also done it so it can be done. You need to bend the lines to get them in and then bend them back, it can be challenging. It took me about an hour in a half, good luck. Gary
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Milton Florida
Sorry, I should have said lift ONE SIDE at a time!! Ya think I could get 6inches doing it that way? Thanks!
