Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

[Roger D.]

Folks:

I've ordered the Body Lift Workbook and Video from the NCRS store. Getting ready to lift the body on my '72 Coupe.

1. I don't know if using a 4-post lift is discussed at all in that resource but has anyone ever used one to do it? If so, what methodology did you use?
2. If you have used the lifting straps I've seen in some pics/videos has anyone ever had any issues with the straps damaging the paint/fiberglass?
3. Someone told me that they lift the body by inserting lifting bolts in the two holes under the door sill plates on either side of the car (they take the doors off first) and then lift from a single point above the center of the cabin. Has anyone tried that and if so what are the risks there.

Sorry for what may be silly questions, but I have never tried this before and it presents itself to me as a somewhat daunting task.

Regards,
Roger

[Jim D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

It's a simple one man job using a 4 post lift.

[Jim T.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Jim are the blocks under the lift posts to give more lifting height with the engine still in the frame?

[Jim D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Jim are the blocks under the lift posts to give more lifting height with the engine still in the frame?

Yes. I needed the extra height because the engine and gas tank were already installed and the frame had casters under the wheels so I could position it as I dropped the body.

[Tom R.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Roger,

I did the same as in Jim's picture for my 70. Although a convertible, the process is the same. For what it's worth, I utilized the ratchets on my straps to separate the body prior to using the hydraulics of the lift. I felt I had more initial control that way.

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Wow!! That's great! Thanks so much for the pictures.

I can't really tell in the picture what the strp mechanisms look like. Jim, Tom, can you please tell me where you got them? Model number or something? How about a picture of the strap/wratchet combo that you used?

Jim, your lift looks very much like the lift we're going to use when we do mine.

Thanks in advance for more info. I really appreciate it.

Regards,
Roger

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Jim, Tom, I've looked at several of the most well known Corvette parts stores on the internet and they all just sell the lift kit that joins the 4 straps to a central lifting eye. Did you just separate these from the lifting eye? If so, what mechanism allows them to be attached to the lift rails at each of the four points?

Regards,
Roger

[Tom R.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Roger,

I sent you a private message asking for your email - I can send you additional pictures and provide more information if you want.

Tom

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Tom,

I didn't see your PM in my inbox...so I sent you one. Hopefully you get it.

Regards,
Roger

[Jim D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Jim, Tom, I've looked at several of the most well known Corvette parts stores on the internet and they all just sell the lift kit that joins the 4 straps to a central lifting eye. Did you just separate these from the lifting eye? If so, what mechanism allows them to be attached to the lift rails at each of the four points?

Regards,
Roger

I bought 2 straps from Harbor Freight and welded up my own "hooks" so they wouldn't put stress on any fiberglass.

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

I bought 2 straps from Harbor Freight and welded up my own "hooks" so they wouldn't put stress on any fiberglass.

Jim, I sent you a PM.

[Jim D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Jim, I sent you a PM.

Pictures have been sent.

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Folks:

Well my brother and I were able to pull off (no pun intended) our very first Corvette body lift using a 4 post lift. For those interested and who might be considering the same method, please check out the YouTube video we created.
http://youtu.be/xLCNYSWcwPU

Here also are a couple of pictures. Sorry for my ugly mug there in the attachment.

Lift_Start.jpgLift_Cmplt.jpg

[Joe R.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

Roger,

That is very cool! Thanks for posting. Congratulations on a successful body removal!!!

Joe

[Roger D.]

Re: Lift '72 Coupe Body with 4-Post Lift

That is very cool! Thanks for posting. Congratulations on a successful body removal!!!

Thanks Joe. Maybe the video will be of help to someone else who sees it.