1963 Roadster Body Drop

[Joe R.]

Just thought I would check before we drop the body on the frame. Does anyone have any suggestions for alignment before we drop the body. And just how many inches did the body drop at the factory? That is what a body drop is all about isn't it?

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[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Joe, When I dropped my 63 body back onto frame I used some threaded rods at the 4 corners, this really helps center everything.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Joe, When I dropped my 63 body back onto frame I used some threaded rods at the 4 corners, this really helps center everything.

Edward, In the front shot notice the threaded long bolts at #2 and #3 on both sides. Thanks for the tip! Next time I'll use a threaded rod as it would guide the body even earlier in the drop.
Thanks,
JR

[Bill W.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Joe its not a big deal , I have done it by myself . Its real easy with two people just go slow and use a line up punch from the underside . Watch the shifter T does not get caught on the floor .You will need to drop the mufflers they will hit the quarter panels .DSCN1359.jpgDSCN1363.jpg I took this one off by myself about midnight using camper jacks . I have a lifting beam that works on my cherry picker that is much easier but my pump was not working at the time .

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

I drop a plumb Bob from the body mount holes to the frame. Drop straight down.

[Jack J.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Bill, I had the same idea about the camper jacks when I acquired 4 of them to be used just like you did.

[Jim D.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

It's a simple 1 man job using a dolly under each wheel of the frame so you can make fine adjustments as you lower the body.

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[Leif A.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

It's a simple 1 man job using a dolly under each wheel of the frame so you can make fine adjustments as you lower the body.

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And, if you have a four post lift

[Jack J.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Jim, I have the same idea with my 4 post in the future which is much better than the camper jack method=one person.

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

And just how many inches did the body drop at the factory? That is what a body drop is all about isn't it?

Joe -

From its Trim Line transfer position in the body drop tackle, the body dropped about four feet to the frame, with alignment pins at the LH #1 mount and at the RH #4 mount; shifter was in third gear. Second photo shows the over-center "pull-together" fixture we used in the tailpipes to pull them inboard slightly so they cleared the bottom edges of the rear quarter panels.


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[Jason S.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Bill,
It looks like you were able to do the lift in a "normal" garage with 8' ceilings? Off hand, do you recall how high the body had to be lifted to clear the gas tank before the chassis could be rolled out - I'm estimating around 3'.
I wonder if anyone on this site has tried the body lift and body cart from Accessible Systems?
The "baby blue" parts shown on their site are what they make - and they retrofit into a conventional cherry picker.........
I'll post some pics - here is their website address:

https://www.accessiblesystems.com/bl.php

[Bill W.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Yes I guess about 3 feet or so . I also have an H beam . I will use it to replace the body . The safest way is a lift but I dont have room for one .DSCN1579.jpgDSCN1576.jpg

[Jason S.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Where/who did you get your h-frame from.....I see a label with crossed flags on it, but can't quite make out the label.
It does look as if your garage has a standard 8" ceilings?
Jason

[Bill W.]

Re: 1963 Roadster Body Drop

Jason I have about a 9 foot ceiling in the garage . My H frame came from a company called Restoration Revolution in Ashland ,Oregon . I bought it in 1990 . The phone number was 503 482 8860 . I dont think they are in business anymore but someone on the D board might know them. The owners name was Ken M. ( I cant read his writing . He made engine stands,lifts , body dollies etc. and did very good work .