So you guys were right. The further I dig into this car the more I want to do to it. Just wanted to start by replacing all the front bushing. Have gotten that far with everything still removed, painted and ready to install. In preparing the frame I just keep digging and digging, find more I want to do. So last night I sat back with a beer in hand and contemplated just removing the body so make it right from ground zero.

So my question is, what am I getting myself into if I do decide to dive in this far? And how do I get the body off? Is it in depth? Right now I have my fenders and all the steering components to include my steering control box removed. I'm thinking its just body mounts(6) and drop the gas tank. Am I about right?

 

From someone that does not know anything at all about it--Take more photos than you think you will need, to put all back togeather. I bet someone that really knows will get good info to you. If it is up in the air all the bolts are off the frame will someday fall to the garage floor. Go for it. Post photos --Andy

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...w-project.html

 

just look at every thing as many little projects. take lots of pictures. i also get a couple hundred zip lock bags. when you take something apart put all the bolts to that part into a bag and mark it for what it came off of. like rear end bolts in one bag, grill bolts and screws into another bag, door hinge bolts into another..... it is not that hard but just hard to man handle the body after it is off.

 

Like everyone has said pictures pictures and more pictures... service manual is a must also lots of bags for parts
I also catagorized in boxes after I bagged my parts

 

"It's like eating an elephant one bite at a time"-Richard gearheads78

 

Im looking at the same thing are you thinking if You pull gas tank and lines and brake lines, steering can you lift body off and roll it out strip it paint or coat it rebush it and roll it back then put body back on .? I have wondered how to lift body with out hurting it I have seen lifts on line that use your engine hoist to lift the body ? dont now if it a good deal or set up or not . Can you put 4by 4 under the car and the frame in 3 or four spots and then jack it up all the way around then roll out frame and re set up under frame mounts can you rent a lifter after it is off to clean bottom or do you have to buy them ?

 

14 body bushings/ 2 radiator housing bushings, fuel tank, steering gear, rear shocks,possibly some exhaust, and some wiring!!! A couple of good floor jacks and jack stands, and yes pictures pictures, pictures!!!!!

 

How to get my frame off the body?

Its easier to take the body off the frame....

 

Good point!!!

 

Take plenty of pics and don't forget the e brake cable,it will be a lot harder putting it back, do your home work


Get some good a strong 4x4 and concrete blocks




Pull it out when the body is high enough

 

If you can get the use of a twin post lift , it works really slick.
You'll have to get or build a body cart or rotissirie to keep the body on , unless you want to (or even can) tie up the hoist while you work on the frame.

Don't forget to properly brace convertible ( and very rusty hardtop) bodies, before lifting.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...off-frame.html

 

I just took my body off this weekend. The e-brake cable was a MAJOR PITA! I ended up cutting it. It's worth the $35 to never touch that thing again. :-)

 

Nice support pics guys. You do know this thread is over 6 years old?

 

So is mine lmao. As far as removing the body I like two engine hoists and use spreader bars

 

Pictured are two alternatives to removing your body from the frame.

Front end loader with forks.






Lift truck with ten foot spreader was no sweat.

 

I wished I had that set up!!

 

What do you wish now?