1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

[Mark P.]

My body has just been painted and my rolling chassis is restored and I am soon moving 800 miles.

I need advice on the minimum of what I need to install before the body drop so I can then more easily transport the body and chassis. I don't have a lot of time to work on it prior to the move.

Here is what I plan to install before the body drop:

Steering column
Engine
Transmission
Fuel line
Most brake lines


Should I install any of these items before the drop ?

1. any chrome or stainless trim pieces
2. any wiring
3. frame stenciling or other assembly markings
4. anything else ?

Thanks,

Mark

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

Mark,

Are you trailering it or hiring it out?

I'd do this...

Engine/Trans. Leave exhaust manifolds off.

Front(U shaped) and long front to rear brake line and clips. Axle lines not now.

Fuel line with just a few clips to keep solid.

Chassis stencils yes.

Radiator support to body if not yet. Not radiator yet so steering column can go in easier later.
I'd wait for steering column. You can steer it by just swinging the front wheels.

Body:
Just a few body mount bolts... Front support to frame/3rd arm bracket, 4 center outers , 2 rears. Just snug. Don't worry about shim counts. You'll need to test fit fan shroud to support & frame horns later when shimming. Don't forget this step its very important.

Top fender trims now to get at nuts easier. No side trims yet.
No wiring needed.

This should be enough to get most of it ready and a bit easier after the move. Good luck.

Rich

[Mark P.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

Mark, Manifold(left) off for steering box clearance. If Pitnam Arm is off it may be ok with manifold on. Right manifold ok to leave on.

Not a problem to add the column assy later. Go forward through the support opening then into the firewall.

Is exhaust installed? Now would be easier before body drop too.

Rich

[Mark P.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

Richard - can the shifter and drive line be easily installed after the body drop ?

I will plan to install the exhaust before the body drop.

Thanks for your advice.

Mark

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

If body on, I mount shifter and linkage on engine/trans assy before installation using a hoist and leveler. I pre-adjust trans linkage for proper operation. Then remove shifter leaving linkage on trans tied in close.

Install engine/trans assy, then shifter. Linkage preset so easy just connect and secure.

If body off, assy on chassis with shifter/linkage adjusted, shifter ball off, lever taped up to prevent inadvertent scratches, helper carefully guides shifter through hole while body coming down. I've done many myself though with no help.

Rich

[Mark P.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

Hi Richard - I decided to set the body on the frame and bolt it down. All the shims were set-up for me when it left the body shop so I was able to set it down and it fit perfectly and all gaps look great. It took several hours but with the lifting jig I borrowed from an NCRS member in my chapter everything went well and there was no damage to the body. The jig was inspired by the way they did it at the factory I think (see photo). I'll remove it after the 800 mile trip to my new home and prepare the chassis at my leisure rather than rushing it during a busy move. Thanks, MarkChassis 10_10_21.jpgPhoto 1.jpgPhoto 2.jpgPhoto 3.jpgIMG_1067.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Body Drop Advice Needed - looking for the minimum I need to install first

Nice setup and results Mark. Hope the move goes well.

Rich