66 body drop options.

[Jim S.]

I removed the body with straps and an engine hoist and three people . Since this method allows for plenty of time to realign , fewer people , a lot more things to be attached to the body and therefor much more weight . I intend to drop the body the same way .

The differences from removal will be as follows :

1) **** It now has a paint job which I would like to keep and not scratch ! *******
2) It will be front heavy , as it will have the Condenser ,Radiator and shroud , already installed .
3) The frame will have a motor , gas tank and exhaust in place .etc. etc . So less to no wiggle room .

So my question are these :

Can I get suggestions and LOTS OF PICTURES of the many and creative ways you guys have dropped your body using an engine hoist ? IE, type of straps , hooks , jigs if any ,etc.

Will it drop freely with the fan shroud attached if I leave off the fan and clutch ?

Do I need to support it from the wheels wells , or is just inside of each sufficient ?


As Always your wisdom and help are much appreciated !!


Jim

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

2) It will be front heavy , as it will have the Condenser ,Radiator and shroud , already installed .
3) The frame will have a motor , gas tank and exhaust in place .etc. etc . So less to no wiggle room .
Jim

I would suggest leaving the radiator, shroud & condenser off until after the body drop. If you have wheel dollies, set the frame/chassis on those. They will make it easier to move side to side if needed. With exhausts on, remember to tie the tail pipes (behind mufflers) together drawing them to each other a couple inches for the mufflers to clear the body

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

Jim,

Thanks for that heads up on the mufflers, good to know ahead of time !

I don't have any wheel dollies , but sound like getting some might make things a lot easier .

Jim

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

In the case of a roadster, we have found it handy to have a strap run from nose to tail over the windshield to help reduce any sag in the body. Pad it at the nose and where strap will touch the rear deck. Just snug enough to keep nose and tail from dropping. With a two post lift the strap does not get in the way. I think it wouldn't either with an engine hoist.

You mention "just inside of each" referring to wheel wells. Not sure what you mean? We lift from below the birdcage on each side. One hook by the front of the door and one just behind the door.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

In the case of a roadster, we have found it handy to have a strap run from nose to tail over the windshield to help reduce any sag in the body. Pad it at the nose and where strap will touch the rear deck. Just snug enough to keep nose and tail from dropping. With a two post lift the strap does not get in the way. I think it wouldn't either with an engine hoist.




You mention "just inside of each" referring to wheel wells. Not sure what you mean? We lift from below the birdcage on each side. One hook by the front of the door and one just behind the door.

Jim,

Now were talking ! I would never have thought of a "Nose to Tail " winch strap. Mine is indeed a roadster so that is a great idea !

Now to the details ; what type of "pad" do you use ? Diapers , terrycloth towel , flannel ? How thick ? ..... Any pictures ? ! ? !





Yes , I meant just out side of the front and back of the door , which to me was just inside of the wheel wells . That is why I was concerned with sagging as well ,and wondered if it would be better to lift from the wheel wells . Although I was worried they were to fragile to do that safely.

Good tip !

Thanks ,

Jim

[Keith B.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

67 body drop 001.jpg67 body drop 015.jpgI used an A frame and attached the chains to brackets attached to the firewall (FEMALE LATCH) and where the convertible top attaches behind the seats. I felt it a very safe way to do the body drop and as you can see it was in my garage. I could have done it by myself but had my son and father assist. I would simply be careful you don't want an accident.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

Just pad the strap with a folded soft towel. The strap front to back will also keep the door jams from spreading.
I would not suggest lifting from the wheel wells.
Unless the doors get in the way of the straps when lifting with an engine hoist, there is no reason to remove them. We lift with straps using a two post lift so there is no issue with leaving the doors on.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]47789[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]47790[/ATTACH]I used an A frame and attached the chains to brackets attached to the firewall (FEMALE LATCH) and where the convertible top attaches behind the seats. I felt it a very safe way to do the body drop and as you can see it was in my garage. I could have done it by myself but had my son and father assist. I would simply be careful you don't want an accident.

This relies on latches mounted on Fiberglas. ;-) I think I prefer birdcage steel.

[John H.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

I would not suggest lifting from the wheel wells.

Jim -

The midyear body is remarkably stiff (vs. the C3, which is not); the plant lifted/dropped midyears from the wheel wells (with the tires removed) for many years.


66Drop300M1024.jpg

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

Jim -

The midyear body is remarkably stiff (vs. the C3, which is not); the plant lifted/dropped midyears from the wheel wells (with the tires removed) for many years.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]47791[/ATTACH]

I agree John, provided the OP has the 'hardware' that spreads the load at each wheelwell.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

Jim -

The midyear body is remarkably stiff (vs. the C3, which is not); the plant lifted/dropped midyears from the wheel wells (with the tires removed) for many years.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]47791[/ATTACH]

Hello John,

Yes , I have seen this picture , probably posted by you , and figured that woud be the best way to do it. However I knew I would need to make a box or I frame to accomplish it . luckily Keith just provided me with a photo of an example of how to do that . Mine would have to be longer than his , as I would want it to go from wheel well center to wheel well center . So it would require some heavy gauge steel and some time , but it might just be worth it !

Thank you sir.

Jim

Thanks ,

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]47789[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]47790[/ATTACH]I used an A frame and attached the chains to brackets attached to the firewall (FEMALE LATCH) and where the convertible top attaches behind the seats. I felt it a very safe way to do the body drop and as you can see it was in my garage. I could have done it by myself but had my son and father assist. I would simply be careful you don't want an accident.

Keith,

Excellent photos and exactly what I asked for .Yet another way of doing a body drop . I could only imagine a few different ways myself, but I knew you guys had come up with several.

As to my other question , Was the radiator and shroud attached before drop ?

JIm

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 body drop options.

Hi Jim ,

Thanks for the reply , Soft towels it shall be . I definitely do not want to remove the doors !

JIm