C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

[David W.]

Hello All,

I have the body ready to lift on my C3 (1980) and want to make sure I have the hooks (using a modified strap kit from Ecklers) in the correct positions.
Does anyone have an illustration, advice, measurements on the exact placement of the hooks in the rocker channels?
Also, would it be better to remove the doors or should I leave them in place for rigidity? I just do not want to put a lot of pressure on the door skins. This car has a great paint job and want to avoid damage.

Regards, David

[Oliver B.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

There is a video/DVD (by Noland) available through Cincinnati-office... That should show all you ask for.

[Steve L.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

IF your hooking up onto the rocker channels, make sure they are not rusted out.

[David W.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

I bought the Noland Adams body lift DVD and I have to say I learned very little. The 15 seconds of factory body drop pictures toward the end of the DVD were far more educational than anything else. I guess if you have a C2 this video would be of some help. I have a C3 (1980) and have purchased the lift strap kit from Mid-America. What I am most concerned about is the placement of the hooks along the rocker channels. In the DVD there is a short piece showing the slings hooked to a hoist but the video is made from the front of the car. There are no shots showing the placement of the hooks along the rocker channel.
So, I am mostly back to where I started...in relation to the edges of the the doors, where is the best location in the rocker channels to place the hooks? And, using the slings is it best to remove the doors so as to not put a lot of pressure on the door skins.
Thanks for any help.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

I did not have much luck lifting a C-3 with the body straps as they come frome vendors. They are so long my 11 foot ceiling was not high enough.
The straps need to be placed at the ends of the channels and I would want the doors open if you need to save the paint. I cut that long strap I bought up and made all four straps 30 inches long when sewed up by a tent maker with a loop on the end. I use a lift point on each side of the car and a one inch pipe 30 inches long with 1 1/4 inch pipe collars with set screws and large washers to keep the straps and chain fall hook in place to lift straight up. With this setup you can move the lift point on the pipe to ballance the load. I like to keep the front with about 80 pounds on it with a rope as you don't want a perfect balance. I may have a picture somewhere I can find.

[David W.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

Thanks Lyle. Any photos would be great.

Regards, David

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

David,

Here's a picture of the body hanging over the dolly. I used an engine hoist in a garage with an 8ft ceiling. I just bundled up the extra strap to make it fit.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

...Here's a picture of the body hanging over the dolly. I used an engine hoist in a garage with an 8ft ceiling. I just bundled up the extra strap to make it fit.

I also have successfully used a vendor supplied strap assembly just as Tom shows with only an 8' foot garage ceiling. Absolute minimum ceiling height will depend on your lift device and the dolly height, but I suspect the minimum is close to 8' plus another six inches. I don't recall any problems with excess strap, but it was a while back.

To clarify, the lift was successful after one scary mishap caused by the strap hooks sliding on the birdcage rails. I lost control of the lift when the rear straps suddenly decided they wanted to carry the front end...the body literally "dropped", but no damage was done. If you examine Tom's picture, you can see the horizontal component of the load is causing the rear hook to rotate clockwise...this movement reduces the contact surface and therefore the friction force resisting forward movement of the hook. Install 1" C-clamps firmly on the rails at each hook to prevent the hooks from moving toward the center of the car.

[Roger O.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

Here's a picture that shows the rear pickup point I use.

[David W.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

Thanks guys. I learned more from Roger and Toms photos than I did from the entire Noland video.

Regards, David

[Roger O.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

Here is another picture from a different angle. The small straps are used to tweak front and rear pressures. Very noticeable on door to body openings on convertibles. The front ends are more by feel, I watch and feel very closely the "pucker" of the front fenders over the wheel openings. Good luck with your pull. ( I might have a couple pics of a 65 also if want to look at them.)

[Jim S.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

This is another way

Body drop.jpg

[David W.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

Thanks Jim. As with the other photos, your 1 picture tells me far more than the entire Noland Adams video. I can see the strap placement and have a much better idea where to place the hooks.
If there is anyone else out there like me looking for advice on body lifts, I highly encourage asking for advice here and highly discourage buying the Noland Adams video. As far as I am concerned the $40.00 I spent on this DVD is a total waste of money. I had it one day and gave it to a friend as long as he promised to NOT return it!

Regards, David

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

I use one of thease on each side with two chain falls centered over a four post lift.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Body Lift Points Using Straps

One more picture