Body lift questions

[Kurt G.]

Taking the saged advise received on this board, I have decided to lift the body ofmy '72 coupe off my frame by tilting it to replace the fuel and brake lines. One question I have is, what all besides the body mount bolts do I have to take apart to avoid damage? I am planning on lifting the body only a few inches to allow access to the fuel line routing. This will also allow me to clean up some of the 35 years of Chicago grime from the top of the frame rails. I am doing it all this way as I don't want to pull the body all the way off at this time, as I am getting ready for Star judging on the exterior and interior, and to improve my 96.1 at the Texas regional this year to a 97 for Duntov.

Thanks for all your comments and advice.

[Alan S.]

Re: Body lift questions

Hi Kurt,
Right off hand I'd say the the bumpers/brackets need to be disconnected at either the body or frame. Remember the front bumper has brackets at each side, but also the large horse-shoe shaped bracket in the center. The bottom brackets for the front bumperettes bolt to the front cross member so will need to be loosened.
I think the bottom bolts on the core support will need to be loosened.
Perhaps the emergency brake cable will need to be loosened.
Even though you're lifting the other side, what about the 2 lines from the master cylinder to the brake distribution block?
How about the steering column?
Maybe the antenna ground connection
Since the drain line for the gas filler boot is fastened to a bumper brace should it be loosened so it doesn't pull free at the boot's nipple?
I mention these things bearing in mind that you're only lifting a little bit, but these items really don't have any 'slack'.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Paul J.]

Re: Body lift questions

Kurt, do you know about the "might as wells"? You're going through a lot to not take the body completely off. There's no difference between loosening bolts and taking them off.

I have'nt seen your car but if the body has'nt been off in 35 years, you are going to have some surprises underneath.

Paul

[David H.]

Re: Body lift questions

Kurt,
I've got Nolan's book on body removal. That checklist is pretty complete. Give me a call. Dave

P.S. Working on the frame with the body just lifted off has a nice "Sword of Damocles" appeal.

[Kurt G.]

Re: Body lift questions

Thanks, Alan for all the information. Dave, expect my call, but I also have the book. I am replacing the left side vent line and the brake line while I have the body up. I am just wondering if I have to unhook the ragjoint, etc. if the body is only coming up 4 or 5 inches.