I am considering a full restoration of my '63 and am considering doing a body lift, i.e. frame off. However I am concerned about whether there will be "problems" with getting the body back on and aligned exactly as it was. I believe I will be able to get close to a complete restoration w/o removing the body, but the appeal of a complete restoration is also compelling. Any advice?
-
-
Re: frame on or off
Jim, if you live in the rust belt then the tin worms may have been hard at work on the frame and the birdcage. 63's were prone to lots of rust. From that alone I would yank the body.
After this must time I would think that many of your underbody supports would need a serious look. Rust takes it toll on them also. A new set with new rivets can avoid future problems.
Brake lines are easier to replace with the body off.
That is just some of the advantages. If you can find the shim marks then setting in back should not be much of a problem, just need lots of muscle or a good lift to hold the body.
I'm swure you'll get lots of input on this.
Good Luck
Harry -
Comment
-
Re: frame on or off
If you are planning on spending the money for a "near complete restoration" then by all means, pull the body. The results will be much better and the cost will be not much more. There should be no problem putting the body back on. Just have the proper equipment. As stated above, you may find some required repair work the wouldn't necessarily show itself with the body on.
i'm in the process of doing mine and I have found that when I restore something the areas around it "look bad" so I proceed to those items that I initially hadn't planned on restoring because they "looked fine" before I started.....Comment
-
Re: frame on or off
I have taken a little bit different approach on mine. Since I have two preschool kids, and a lot of stuff going on I decided to bite off one part of the car at a time. This past year I completed the underhood area including rebuilding the engine to cleaning up and painting the frame from as far back as I could reach from under the hood (Every where above the trans). Car is back together and now I can drive. Planning on doing the rear underbody ans susp. late this summer.
Why do it this way? Lot easier to control the parts. Lot easier to see progress. Lot easier to stop somewhere and enjoy the car or set it aside and go do something else in my life. Biggest negative I am going to try and get arond is getting access to the top of the frame.
ChrisComment
-
Re: body off !
Jim,
What I have learned from my 67 coupe is that a restoration is NOT complete without taking the body off. Aligning the body is the least of your worries. Make a diagram and mark the number of shim at each body mount position. NCRS has the Chassis Book you can purchase for this. Do you have enough time, money and space? This is what you need to ask yourself and answer honestly. I'm poor, so I do all my own work, EXCEPT machining, upholstery, and some electrical. I also found that my frame and suspension were the parts needing the most attention. Build a solid foundation first, and then tend to paint and interior later. One look at my undercarriage and you understand where my resto starts.
Justin #41362
Comment
-
Re: frame on or off
Jim-----
My recommendation remains the same as it's been for years:
1) If your frame needs repairs due to corrosion, etc., then, for better or worse, you have no option other than a body off;
2) If the frame is sound and you intend to drive the car after restoration (i.e. you don't plan for it to become a permanent "trailer queen"), then I don't recommend a body-off under any circumstances.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: frame on or off
After moving to Florida from Ohio in the mid eighties, I decided to pull the body just to inspect the frame for rust and to replace the bushings and fuel/brake lines. It didn't take much longer than doing the work with the body on. Alignment was not a problem. I did it in my garage on a limited budget with just a floor jack, 4x4's and a lot of concrete blocks. It is amazing how much easier it is to refresh the mechanics with the body off plus you can see any rust/corrosion problems.Comment
-
Re: frame on or off
Ideally, a frame off requires at least a two car space and plenty of extra room for individual parts storage. You'll need to purchase or build a body dolly. A pickup truck and or access to a trailer is also very handy to have. You'll also need to have a fairly complete hand tool set, a floor jack and 4 jackstands. If you have some air tools with a decent compressor all the better. You can get by without a lift but you'll need to have a good group of guys to perform the body lift and replacement.
One of the guys in our chapter hosted a tech session "body replacement" party at his shop to place the body back onto his solid axle car. He had restored only the rolling chassis and drivetrain, leaving the body and everthing else intact. If you haven't already joined the NCRS I would recommend joining and also your local chapter. Enjoy the help and experience of others who've done it before and can help you plan your project.Comment
-
Re: frame on or off
I agree. I have a '69 Texas car which was restored frame on. There wasn't a need to remove the body, and I doubt most could tell the difference. I drive the car in good weather, and it looks great. Sometimes I think we get carried away with the frame-off moniker. If you want to restore it and put it in a museum/trailer that's one thing, but that's not what they were built for. Just my 2 cents worth.Comment
-
Re: What John and Harry said !
Plus, I would add IF your married Jim, I would also include the commitment and support of your wife, especially if your going to eat up her side of the garage with a split up Vette
ChuckComment
Comment