body lift C2

[Robert B.]

can it be done? lift a body off with an engine hoist. I did a dry run and there is NO way that my hoist will lift it high enough to clear the engine etc. L.I corvette lift straps are 7 ft. long..

Whats next. Maybe my lift is different then some other that I heard used a engine lift ?

Maybe I need to rent a different type of lift ??

[Michael G.]

Re: body lift C2

Have lifted several cars with a engine hoist. I shortened the straps and also took the wheels off the car setting the car on car dollies. By shortening the straps and lowering the car the engine hoist will do the job.

[Brian K.]

Re: body lift C2

Michael, how did you shorten your straps? Sorry for the interuption of your thread Robert.

[Robert B.]

Re: body lift C2

That would be good info re: the straps ??

[Bill M.]

Re: body lift C2

i just tied knots in mine. bought from LI corvettes

[Kenneth B.]

Re: body lift C2

i just tied knots in mine. bought from LI corvettes

If that won't work take the engine out first. You do have the engine lift.

[Gene M.]

Re: body lift C2

Take the wheels off as mentioned. Set the chassis on four mover dolly. That alone will give you about 8 inches. You may run out of lift with a standard 2,000 pound engine lift. I use a 2 ton engine lift that has a greater range with much longer arm and bigger ram. Without the bigger lift you need to get creative but it will work. I've done it prior to getting the bigger lift. The hook needs to be closer to the body to eliminate eating up the ram stroke length. A convertible is easier than a coupe since the hook will be lower than a coupe's roof.

[Michael G.]

Re: body lift C2

Michael, how did you shorten your straps? Sorry for the interuption of your thread Robert.

No need to remove engine/trans....your looking for trouble there. As as been mentioned by others:

• Ties knots in straps
• Get boom/picker closer to vehicle
• Shorten up stroke length
• Take wheels off car, I used my tire dollies.

Picks aren't the best but you'll get the gist. You'll notice how I supported rear of car with a turnbuckle/wire/screw in eyelet...hooks on either end.

[Jack H.]

Re: body lift C2

Nice pics Michael, thanks for sharing. I like the turnbuckle setup.

[Tom K.]

Re: body lift C2

I used a piece of 3/8" thread rod on each side of mine with a turnbuckle bolted to the upper hinge at one end and screwed into the latch on the rear. I know the cable will keep the body from flexing down, but I was concerned about flexing up while lifting. I think it worked well and kept the door openings the same size. This was my first lift and maybe I was just over cautious. I then lifted the body using a 2 post lift. My car is a 67 roadster and I lifted form the core support and another piece of thread rod across where the top bolts in. Worked great.

[Robert B.]

Re: body lift C2

thanks everyone, as I looked at the my lift this evening I was thinking of raising the mask where it bolts up on the lower frame where the wheels are located by about 20 inches,just need some some square metal tubing and and a little welding drill a few holes and my lift will be high enough to make it happen. Only concern is the center of gravity but the weight is pulling down on the mask so I figure it should be Ok .any thoughts ??

[Stephen B.]

Re: body lift C2

I helped lift a '63 with my engine hoist a couple of months ago.,

[Paul J.]

Re: body lift C2

Nice pics Michael, thanks for sharing. I like the turnbuckle setup.

Some scrap angle iron that originally came from the home center and a little quality time with the welder and grinder.

IMG_0884.jpgIMG_0885.jpg