C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

[Jim W.]

I am preparing to do a complete restoration (first time) on my 64 and was looking for information on the best logical componet removal sequence. I thought there would be good info in archives but my searches must be too broad using the obvious terms. Is there any book in the reference library that is especially usefull. How about Noland's 3rd DVD (I would prefer something in print for easy reference in the shop, but if it's worthwhile, i'll buy it). I could just start removing things using common sence, but thought there must be volumes on the subject that might prevent some hicups along the way. Thanks for any guidance.

PS: I have the AIM,shop manuals,Noland's Vol 2 Restoration Guide, Chassis Restoration Guide.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

Jim,

I can't personally vouch for it because I haven't tried it, but the Noland Adams DVD and workbook sure seemed informative to me.

Joe

[Erik S.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

I have used Noland's DVD's and book for the body off of my C3 - yes, the quality of the DVD reproduction is somewhat dated but the info is good stuff. Certainly for a first timer such as myself a good insight in the process - negative; Noland makes it look rather easy

[David S.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

This should answer your questions.

http://corvetterepair.com/tech_tips.htm

-Dave

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

If you are doing a total restoration then EVERTHING will be taken apart. I'd start with the interior, as you need to remove some of the components around the shifter to lift the body. Also the body will be much lighter when you get to that point. Leave the chassis and engine stuff until the body is off.
Typically, common sense rules.

Be sure to take lots of detail photos of everything for reference when reassembling. Door fit and panel fit photos are very helpful.....just how bad they really were.....

You might want to look at the body mount bolts and see if you can loosen them. If not, then you'll be able to soak them in liquid wrench while doing other disassembly in hopes of them breaking loose.

Keep everything.... even if it looks like its worthless.. you might need it for reference against new stuff.

"Catalog" all your fasteners in baggies so you can identify their location during reassembly. Such as "bumper brace rear" or body mount#4 etc.
Make a note of the number of shims at each body mount location for reference during reassembly

Have lots of fun... it's a long road to completion

[Jim W.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

This should answer your questions.

http://corvetterepair.com/tech_tips.htm

-Dave

Thanks Dave, that's just the sort of info I was looking for. Will come in handy on the put back together part, as this restore will take a few years.

[Bill M.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

I used the corvette repair checklist and worked out great. Just a warning when you disconect the seat belt body cable in the middle of the cockpit make sure the eyelets are off the studs before you lift. I did not and went nuts trying to figure out what was holding me up.

[Paul J.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

If you are doing a total restoration then EVERTHING will be taken apart. I'd start with the interior, as you need to remove some of the components around the shifter to lift the body. Also the body will be much lighter when you get to that point. Leave the chassis and engine stuff until the body is off.
Typically, common sense rules.

Be sure to take lots of detail photos of everything for reference when reassembling. Door fit and panel fit photos are very helpful.....just how bad they really were.....

You might want to look at the body mount bolts and see if you can loosen them. If not, then you'll be able to soak them in liquid wrench while doing other disassembly in hopes of them breaking loose.

Keep everything.... even if it looks like its worthless.. you might need it for reference against new stuff.

"Catalog" all your fasteners in baggies so you can identify their location during reassembly. Such as "bumper brace rear" or body mount#4 etc.
Make a note of the number of shims at each body mount location for reference during reassembly

Have lots of fun... it's a long road to completion

Jim:

I've done most of what Stephen has mentioned and it has worked out great. Take lots of pictures and "bag and tag" everything. I use old pill bottles and Glad lunchmeat boxes with stick on labels. These stack in large boxes easier and are easier to read than baggies.

You don't need to use a sequence, which helps me since I can jump around when I get bored in one area. Like Stephen said, it's just common sense.

One thing that I also do is keep a ledger for each section of the car that I am working on. I hate the paperwork but it documents things that are unusual to me and provides a guide to any tricks I need for reassembly. You will also need an AIM when you start reassembly.

Paul

[Paul J.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

I used the corvette repair checklist and worked out great. Just a warning when you disconect the seat belt body cable in the middle of the cockpit make sure the eyelets are off the studs before you lift. I did not and went nuts trying to figure out what was holding me up.

My 64 does not have seat belts.

[Tom M.]

Re: C2 Body-Off Disassembly Sequence

If you can find someone with young children, baby wipes containers also work great, and most people use alot of them

Jim:

I've done most of what Stephen has mentioned and it has worked out great. Take lots of pictures and "bag and tag" everything. I use old pill bottles and Glad lunchmeat boxes with stick on labels.

Paul