Mid-year body drop onto frame

[Jack J.]

Was the a AC compressor and alternator present and mounted on the engine when the body was lowered onto the frame during assembly? Car in question is for a 1964 coupe - 365 HP. Just trying to make plans. Thanks, Jack J.

[Bob R.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

I doubt either would fit/clear. I just dropped my 63 onto the chassis and had the alternator arm on but moved towards the engine and no alternator.

[Michael S.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

@jack, do you really want to find out as you have the body hanging in the air? i am planing on a body off restoration on my 64. i am taking as much off as i can. alt, distributor, water pump, shiftier, as well as stripping the car down to remove weight. interior etc.

[Dan H.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

Removed the body and replaced it on my 64 A/C PG car with full drivetrain in place, no problem. You don't want to be assembling parts over newly painted fenders, body was painted with doors, hood etc. in place as per factory. Took a case of Beer and six guys for R & R. Put radiator in after drop.
Dan

[Jack J.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

Mike, I appreciate your input, but body and completed and rolling chassis is at the restoration shop waiting on my engine and transmission before body drop via hoist, so they can then attach doors, install glass, seats, interior, bumpers and exhaust. I was remotely hoping that I would not have to move or remove anything on the completed engine but deep down inside I knew " IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN". Thanks again. Long story short, car should be completed after nearly 30 months and on the road by the time the GOOD weather appears in May in Michigan! "OVER RESTORED", original owner, a 1964, Black with Silver interior coupe. As far as a body off restoration- been there, done it, and bought the most "EXPENSIVE" T-shirt. Jack J.

[Jack J.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

Removed the body and replaced it on my 64 A/C PG car with full drivetrain in place, no problem. You don't want to be assembling parts over newly painted fenders, body was painted with doors, hood etc. in place as per factory. Took a case of Beer and six guys for R & R. Put radiator in after drop.
Dan

Dan, that's what I was hoping to do! I don't want to disturb assembled engine and 4-speed transmission with added AC and relocated alternator! However, radiator with added electric fan and shroud already installed in body. Sooo, I don't know. As they say, "Measure twice, cut once". Jack J.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

I put the body back onto the chassis with everything mounted No problems.
I did loosely install the back 2 body mount bolts first.
This allowed the body to "self align" as it was lowered onto the frame
Photos of complete engine/chassis prior to "drop".

[Michael J.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

My '66 body was dropped onto the chassis with the A/C compressor (original one) and alternator in place, no problems, but there was a tight fit on the battery in the box.

[Jack J.]

Re: Mid-year body drop onto frame

"However, radiator with added electric fan AND SHROUD ALREADY INSTALLED.