63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

[Norm B.]

Very soon I am going to be lifting the body off my '63 Coupe to address some frame rust issues. In researching the process I see that removing the doors is optional but I can't see a need to remove them for what I am doing. I will be using the gantry crane, lift straps, and chain fall method so weight is not a big issue. Once off the body will be put on a Noland Adams type body dolly. Since I have never done this before my question is; Is there any real advantage in removing the doors?

[Dan A.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

Yep, you sure can.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

The factory did it; you can too.

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

Closed doors actually add strength to the body by tieing the A pillar to the B pillar

[Richard G.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

I'm sure you have a list of what to watch for or requires disconnecting.
Seems this one it typically missing:
When lifting the body be sure to watch the "T" handle on the transmission shift handle. It breaks easily.

[Norm B.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

Thanks guys. I was pretty sure I could leave them on but I wanted to make sure I was not overlooking something that might bite me later.

[Thomas N.]

Re: 63 Coupe Body Lift - Can I leave the Doors On?

If you have a rusty frame, you might have a rusty birdcage also, which the body will flex a whole lot more. What I do is make up a bar that bolts to the lower bolt of the upper hinge, and the upper bolts of the lower hinge, and bolts to the striker and ties the birdcage structure together. With this approach, you can still leave the doors on, but halfway opened. You'll get lots of responses on individual's approaches.