I am getting set to remove the body off my frame it is a 68 cutlass convertible I plan on
lifting the body with the doors in place should I still brace the body or will the doors do the. Job? The rockers and floors are rock solid any input would be great.
thank you
Mark

 

I think I've seen where people weld braces in place temporarily to ensure the body doesn't flex at the rocker/cowl and rocker/rear quarter areas. Not sure relying on the doors is a good idea.

 

I would bolt in angle iron supports, the body wil flex even with the doors installed.

 

Is that a purely convertible thing, or should that be done with any of them?

 

I've been restoring GM "A" bodies for over thirty five years. I've lifted hundreds of bodies off their frames. We've never had to brace the door openings on hardtops or convertibles unless there's a lot of rust damage. Now 50's bel-air convertibles are a different story. ~BOB

 

I lifted my 72 vert with the doors in place and no bracing. Just be smart. I lifted the body pretty level about 6 " at a time front to rear.

 

Thanks for all your replys the floors and rockers are perfect no rust at all but to play it safe I am going to brace it but still leave doors in place. I have a new two post lift comming on Sunday to help in this project. I am going to jack the body up about 10 inches or so and then use the lift the rest of the way.

 

For the price of two pieces of angle iron and the time to install them, why wouldn't you do it and have peace of mind?

 

hey buddie soak the sh-t out of those mounts for a while,why take a chance for more work. I soaked mine for 2 to 4 weeks everyday with pb power blaster and they easily came out and there was quite a bit of rust everywhere! by the way go all the way and finish the area right the first time you will never regret it.

 

X2

I agree. That's what I did when I lifted the body off of the frame. Kept it nice and straight. Definitely recommended.