1956 Body Drop

[Sheldon S.]

I am ready to drop the body on the frame and looking for any tips before starting. I have the column in and will remove the generator for clearance for steering box, Radiator support is in and will install rad afterwards. Fan shroud is in right now but wondering if I should remove for body install. All ideas greatly appreciated.

Sheldon

[Mark S.]

Go slowly! Is your distributor and floor linkage out? these are two things that sometimes get pinched, if left in. It is helpful to have another set of eyes watching where things line up.

[Gary C.]

Sheldon,

Wrap the steering column to protect it. Make sure all of the body cushions are in correctly placed where the old ones were. And follow Mark's suggestions to remove distributor, linkage, etc. anything that protrudes.

Good luck!

Gary
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[Rod K.]

You'll probably have to remove the steering arm from the box, mine hit the oil pan getting it past the frame. Also, I'd remove the fan shroud just to ensure it doesn't get damaged by body motion.

[David H.]

Sheldon

Have you tried a test lift of body off your dolly?

A test lift will indicate if you need to weight trunk etc to approximately level body.

Use of wheel dollys may make it easier to position your frame.

Someone to keep an eye on transmission shift lever as body is dropped.

Dave
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[Chris S.]

Brace the body
The rear of the bodies are heavy and will sag
I install braces to prevent any sagging
- Tip on wheel dollies are a must
No need to remove the distributor
Column will slide into place
Have 1 shim and 1 metal shim taped down and the 2 rear rubber mounts at the back in place
Have your spare time foam on the frame - I glue it in place for the spare tire hole
Long awls are helpful to line up body holes.
Several helpers.
Have your shims in place on the core support
Have your e brake cable in place - in the body
mount your speedo cable to the trans if it is a powerglide - it is TIGHT!!!
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[Roger W.]

Chris. That is a nice reinforcement in the doo opening. Did you fabricate it? It looks like you are attaching to the door hinges.

[Chris S.]

I did fab it up
It bolts to both the upper and lower hinge - all 6 bolts
Then to lock pillar
I place a thick piece of rubber material between the paint and the lock
Once on the frame - I unbolt the brace