Danp76

HI guys I have a 71 Cutlass convertible. I have some welding on the lower qtrs to complete, then I'd like to remove the body from the frame to give the frame a thorough sand blasting and painting. Where do you guys like to brace these convertible so that they won't twist or sag? Any good photos? Thanks guys, Dan.

mhouston44

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13389037765941

Not a convertible but maybe some good tips on how to lift it.

Danp76

Thanks for the photos, however, my car is a convertible, so I'm assuming the door openings need to be braced? Any procedures, recommendations for removing body off frame for a 71 cutlass convertible?

Eddie Hansen

That you should brace across at the firewall, then again in front of the wheel well at the body mount position, and then again at the very back.

I used 4 x 4"s on my 69 Convertible with 2 x 6 connectors between the trusses, I did not use the ones at the trunk, but would have liked to, I used an Engine Hoist with a spreader bar with the chains going through the trunk floor at the holes where the knock outs are and a floor jack on a spreader beam across the firewall area, I plan on getting a second engine hoist to put the body back down as they are fairly cheap with a harbor freight coupon, and it will be so much easier than a floor jack.

Eddie Hansen

I left the doors on and the top up and connected, and I have not noticed any sag whatsoever. I have finished my frame and will be lowering the body back down as soon as I have finished the underside of the floors, I will then be repairing both quarters.

OLD SKL 69

Gearheads 78 (Richard) has a great thread in "major builds and projects" where he took the body of his 66 conv off the frame. If I remember correctly, he has some great pictures on there as to how he did it and braced it.

Eddie Hansen

Darrell Gearheads thread is absolutely freakin awesome however he also had the benfit of a lift for the body ... but you are 200% correct awesome awesome thread...