Is there a clear cut/simple step by step guide to body removal for a 1965 cnvt? Have read many books on body removal procedures but none that are step by step. Most seam to be lacking in detail. Looking for guide resources.
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
Most that you find are generic procedures because it would be far to complicated and expensive to have step-by-step for every year, model, and option. For example, if you have sidepipes, it is different than if you don't, if you have a radio, it is different than if you don't. The FI engine is different from the 250 hp, 300 hp, 365 hp, and from the 425 hp. Do you have power brakes or standard? Do you have the drum or disk?
That is just some of the differences just in '65. Imagine trying to do a book with detailed step-by-step procedures that has this many differences (and more) for each year?
Basically, the books are good tools, and you simply disconnect everything that connects from the body to the frame. Most books show how to brace the convertible body so it doesn't break in the middle from the weight of the front and the back.
It is just time consuming to find everything. Slow patience work will get you through it. It isn't complicated.
This is an advantage of being part of a local club. Someone probably has done it already. You can get a few club members to come over and help and it all goes much smoother than doing it all by yourself.
Good luck. -
Re: C2 - Body Removal
Joe -
I think you'll find just what you're looking for at the link below; the author is a VERY well-known Corvette restorer.
Mid-Year Body Pull & Drop Checklist - Kevin MacKayComment
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
John: Not counting all the many positives I've seen since joining the NCRS.... This link to the body removal is yet another top rank reason for being part of this fraternity. Never ceases to amaze me. I will be using it this fall. Thank you very much. GlennComment
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
John,
As good as that list is, I noticed it didn't list the removal of the rear bumpers. On my '63, the bolts go through the taillight panel and I'm sure they did on my '66 also. Also, there is no mention of getting the rear taillight wiring free of the chassis, as mine were clipped to the frame.
This isn't to be critical, but just to point out that even as good as this list is, it isn't step-by-step and every detail. Some things Joe will just have to look and see what else is connected, and often as the body is lifted SLOWLY.
This is a big advantage to having a mechanical lift as opposed to a half dozen big strong friends, as you will have to stop, look, and most likely remove items as the body comes off. From personal experience, friends may not mind the first newly-found hangup but the third or fourth can be killers. The first I did with friends 25 years ago because we were young and foolish, the rest I did with a hoist and sling.Comment
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
John, Not to be pickey, but he also missed the Seat Belt safety Cable ( which attaches to the two center seat belt bolts UNDER the body )---I know because I missed it too---live and learn!
ArtComment
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
Noland Adams has an excellent video that comes with a check list that was very helpful to me. It also comes with plans for a body dolly that I built.
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
Hey Joe -
I am writing a book on my 1963 convertible restoration and could forward some procedures and photos of a lifting jig and dolly - send me your e-mail address to mghaluska@aol.comComment
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Re: C2 - Body Removal
Mike - Noland's book and video are excellent, as is Kevin MacKay's list, but you can get Noland's items for a discount here at the NCRS store vs Ecklers...CraigComment
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