We Have Lift-Off!

[fine69]

It's been nearly a year since I did any bodywork on my Vette. Since I have the car pretty-much stripped down to nothing, I decided to go all the way, and do the off-frame resto.

I was able to remove 5 of the 8 mounts without problems; the other three had to be cut. Some final disconnections included the steering coupling, brake lines, parking brake, seat belt safety line, bumper brackets, and the gas tank wiring.

I built the makeshift body hoist.... It's not pretty, I know - but it did the trick. I used screws instead of nails so I can disassemble this beast, and salvage the lumber for something else later.

Here are some pics of the lift-off. I'll post some of the body on the dolly/cart next.

Funny how things change...

 

[GerryLP]

Pretty cool!!!

Did you find any buildsheets tucked in or under somewhere??



GerryLP:cool

 

[fine69]

Pretty cool!!!

Did you find any buildsheets tucked in or under somewhere??



GerryLP:cool

Gerry,

I wish! I suppose the main treasure would have been on top of the gas tank. Nothing there but dust...

 

[Peer81]

Looks great Ralph!

I remember doing it myself. The moment the body is lifted and your looking around if you didn't mis any ground wires or something, great times!
Good luck and as far as I can see your chassis is still in great condition.

Greetings Peter

 

[6880 Mike]

337 for a job number. Just curious. Does your consecutive unit number end with 837?

 

[fine69]

Looks great Ralph!

I remember doing it myself. The moment the body is lifted and your looking around if you didn't mis any ground wires or something, great times!
Good luck and as far as I can see your chassis is still in great condition.

Greetings Peter

Hi Peter,

No, I had to stop a few time and un-hook a couple items. When I finally went to transfer the body to the dolly, I found I had also missed the ground cable from the battery box!

Frame appears okay. I do have one area that needs to be repaired. It's that common area at left rear side immediately before the rear wheel.

Ralph

 

[fine69]

337 for a job number. Just curious. Does your consecutive unit number end with 837?

Mike,

So 337 is the job number? Interesting.

Is the consecutive unit number the last part of the VIN? If so, my number is 10859.

 

[Maine Vette]

I remember pulling the body from my 71 for the first time. It has been the most exciting part of the restoration by far - really cool feeling. There's just something about pulling a car in two that really gives you a great sense of male pride!

Good luck with the project, lookin good so far! And as a bonus your chassis even looks like it's in great shape. Bonus!