Newbie needs advice

[Dino31]

Hi everyone, I recently got '31 coupe and in the middle of a tear down. I need advice on how to get the body off the frame. I working in a shop with an eight foot ceiling, so I'll probably have to do it outside. Unfortunately, I don't have a strong enough beam in my shop to use chain hoist. I did find one thread on this site that gave me some clues. How did you guys do it.
And one question, before I step on any toes, is this site for restoration to original, or include modifications? Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[Mike in Mass]

hey Dino please add your location ,under your name who knows maybe sombody close by can help you out welcome to the barn !

 

[Tinbasher]

When working with limited manpower. The easiest way I've found once the body is unbolted from the frame is to remove the Steering column. This will give you a lot of extra room and you'll need less height to clear the body over the rear cross member and the shifter. If you lift the cowl with a 2X4 about 12" long and a floor jack you can get enough room to slip a 2X6 across under the cowl side to side. Then you can jack up on the 2X6 to the maximum of the floor jack and place axle stands under the 2X6. You should have the body up at the front about 8". Then jack up the rear of the body on the rear body crossmember and slip a 2X6 under the body ahead of the rear wheel arch and jack up the 2X6 on each side placing the axle stand under as you go. How the whole body will be up about 8" from the frame. Now check and make sure that the wheels clear the jack stands and the rear cross member of the frame clears the rear 2X6. Now you can roll the frame ahead as much as possible. Usually about a foot because the shifter will be up against the front seat rail. Now you will need some help to lift the front of the body and pivot it on the rear 2X6 to clear the shifter. (If you can remove the shifter and the tower it make things easier) and block up the 2X6 for clearance. With this done now you can roll out the chassis from under the body. The is can be done with two people but 3 or 4 makes it much easier and safer. Be careful when you do this.

The Old Tinbasher

 

[edmondclinton]

About 4 to 6 young men with strong arms and backs.

 

[Fred K-OR]

I like Old Tinbasher's method. It seems like an easy way if you don't have overhead lifting abilities. If you take off the shifter, be sure you cover the hole in your ****** to keep junk out.

Also don't worry about what you post on this site. Everyone, with some exceptions, are very helpful.

 

[1930artdeco]

Welcome to the Barn. How about a few pictures?

Mike

 

[Dino31]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I don't know if I can post pics without becoming a member. I tried to post some pics of the project so far, but able to. Thanks again, I'll edit my profile.

 

[700rpm]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I don't know if I can post pics without becoming a member. I tried to post some pics of the project so far, but able to. Thanks again, I'll edit my profile.

The secret to posting pix is use jpegs, less than 500k.

 

[desotoguy]

In addition to all of the above, take the wheels off and set the chassis on (4) wheel dollies. Won't need to raise the body as high. Also when you put the chassis back under the body, the process is much easier to get the two part back in alignment.
Also with dollies you can block up the body at the rear, use an engine hoist on one side at the front, and the chassis can be moved out to one side if garage space permits.

 

[Big hammer]

After raising Tudor body with bottle jack and 2x4 blocked it off frame, two buddies my dad and myself used 6ft 2x4's and walked the body back. It was a little tough 6 guys would have been nice, all the glass doors windshield still in the body

 

[Mitch//pa]

Roll it outside for more clearance. Lift up the body and roll the chassis out from under it. Not to big of a deal
Document with pics or you'll wish you had them later

 

[boomerusmc]

Dino...not sure how close you are, but I'm in Stafford, Va. Holler if you need a hand.

 

[Dino31]

Thanks again everyone. I googled this subject an got an old thread from I guess is the old Ford Barn and someone had posted saying he used a engine hoist through a doorway. I've thought about that,but I'm concerned the body would warp. Also wondering if it was lifted from the top with towing straps through the widow tops, if the roof would bow in from the weight? boomerusmc, thanks for the offer, Stafford is about an hour and a half, I'm in Sterling. I'll be in touch. I don't want to upset anyone, but is this a restoration only site? I'll try to post some pics of the old girl. Thanks again.

 

[Dino31]

Here she is when we bought her outside of Frederick, MD

 

[700rpm]

Yes, this site for restorations and restoration questions. Rodders go over the HAMB site, jalopyjournal.com. That's a nice car. I hope you're not going to rod it.

 

[Slowplane]

I removed the body from my '29 station wagon last Christmas, working by myself. four by fours, saw horses, a couple of floor jacks, and various wood blocks.
Take your time, think it out, and you'll be fine.
(I didn't consider lifting from above, as my firewood box was already full..)
Then I built a dolly to set it on, and roll it around; may have that body back on this week.