what does my 69 body weight? removing the body...

[John P.]

It has the interior removed and radiator removed, t-tops and im thinking of removing the doors as well.

Im preparing to remove the body and im looking for a lift to do the job with
any suggestions..

I looked in the archives and its not working so I couldnt find anything there....

thanks

johnny

[Craig S.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

Johnny - I purchased Noland Adams video and dolley construction package/lifting manual from the NCRS site. It was worthwhile and helps. I haven't done mine yet, not sure when I will, but I would proceed with a process. Personally, a lifting "bridge" above the car would be the way I would go, I have seen plans somewhere with key lift points for balancing the body. If you have a vert, I belive you need some braces with the doors out to prevent body flex. I don't know the weights....Craig

[John P.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

I have a copy of Nolands plans for the body dolly and I have it all cut and ready to build, A fella on the corvette forum built a "A" frame that he positioned over the car lifted the body like that with a body sling and it looked like a chain driven over head type lift.... that's what I am looking at getting, I found a chain lift for $20 on ebay and I think I might get it, but first im going to look around town and see if I can find something similar.. so I don't have to pay shipping..

My car is a coupe so Im not worried about pulling the doors

Johnny

[Stephen L.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

I lifted my 67 coupe using a chain hoist and a "spreader" X frame to keep the lift straps as short as possible. I needed a minimum headroom (hook height) of 8ft for the body to clear the frame/engine/etc after it was lifted. I want to improve my spreader before I place the body back on the frame for greater stability.
I used a 1 ton hoist. I estimate the body to weigh about 700-1000# with the seats removed but everything else in place.
I have some pictures if you're interested. Some folks recommend the "get a bunch of guys together for the body lift" approach. I hesitate at that as once you start you need to complete within the weakest persons time frame. If something is hung up or amiss you may have a problem. A chain hoist can lift "indefinitely".
sllavigne@charter.net

[John P.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

Thats exatly what I am looking at doing I dont want to damage poeple or car..

shot you a Email Steve..

johnny

[Larry E. Howard]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

Johnny,
I can't add much that everyone else hasn't already corvered. I removed my 69 coupe with a very tall frame and a one ton comealong. The engine was still in the frame so I had to have the body very high. I used the body strap offered by Corvette Central. While the body was suspended high in the air two of the straps came loose due to my mounting error but the other two held. I lowered the body down on four 5-gallon buckets. Later 6 big guys carried the body into my garage. It was all they could handle.
When I did my 57 I built a dolley that I slid under it. that is the only way to go.

[John P.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

Yes the idea of bringing friends over to lift the body does not sound good to me and since im in-charge of safety at work I should "lead by example" hahaha
thanks for your thoughts and unfortunate experience!

Only thing that I have installed is the tranny and rear end
so I shouldnt have to lift it to high maybe 6 feet

johnny

[Chuck R.]

Re: My 68 wasn't that bad

I had it stripped to the bare essentials leaving the following components still in place.
Nose with the core support, Doors and Targa tops.

I used a three ton engine hoist extended out as far as it would go and a lifting strap.

After double, triple, and quadruple checks, I started slowly jacking and after a bit of strain was placed on the lift strap "POP" up it came and then down it went by that very long and heavy nose. I was able to counter act the weight differential by careful examination and a rather large cinder block placed on the rear deck. DEAD LEVEL!

One thing to really be careful of when using the lift strap is to make sure that you place either c-clamps or vice grips on either side of each strap hook to make sure it doesn't slide off if the body does pitch or sway.

I played it even safer by attaching a fifth strap to the front of the nose and then attached to the central lifting point to avoid additional stresses to the bonding strips.

I was able to do the whole shooting match alone.

Of course I was a nervous wreck until I had it back on something solid but I'd rather be nervous than over confident.

I harp on it all the time, safety safety safety.

Regards,

Chuck 32205

[Steve D.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

Johnny

I lifted my 63 convertible with a hybrid of numerous configurations offered on this board (a truly national effort). Pictures available if you're interested. Regardless of the method you choose, if you attach an engine leveler to your hoist and then attach your lifting frame (or harness or whatever) to the engine leveler, then you can adjust the leveler as necessary to keep the body level after lift-off.

Steve

[Michael H.]

Re: what does my 69 body weight? removing the body

I designed a steel tube lifting jig that works quite well. I can send you a photo if you send me your e-mail address to mghaluska@aol.com