Paint body on or off frame

[Beej]

I am into my 1976 frame off I am wondering what the opinions are on painting body while it is completely stripped on the the wood cart. Or would there be to much stress when the body is lifted back on frame. What do u guys think thanks

 

[6880 Mike]

All C3s were painted long before body drop and while mounted on assembly line dollies. You could do either. There should be no body flex in your dolly.

 

[Peer81]

I would say, in the factory (I think!) the body is mounted on a fixed moving dolly and is moved on the chassis in a perfect manner. If you're able to do the same then there is no problem.
But when I moved the body on the chassis (without paint) I know the body flex'ed and then the question is with paint, could the paint hold that tension? I wouldn't take the risk!

Greetings Peter

 

[Johan]

Why risk scratching the new paint during the body drop? Paint it after.

 

[JohnZ]

The body was built, painted, and trimmed on a steel build truck as shown below, and was then picked up by an overhead tackle at three points on each side for the Body Drop. The body is painted separate from the chassis during most quality body-off restorations; otherwise, masking off the entire chassis is a giant hassle.

 

[i10fwy]

Off the body! Just be very careful when mating the two. You will have a better finished result.

Congrats on the resto!

 

[Beej]

 

[Peer81]

I don't know why the result with the body on the chassis will be less then off the body?
As the chassis isn't interfering with the body maybe the wheels will be a little in the way for painting the wheelwell in the inside of the fender?

My painter took the time and wrapped everthing, he even asked me why I polished the driveshaft...

Greetings Peter