When my buddy and I took my body off the frame it was a miracle nobody was killed or disfigured. All we had was a few jacks and a couple of jack stands. Now my frame work is complete and need to get the body back on (using the same 2 knuckleheads). Does anyone have some garage tricks or methods of getting this done somewhat safely and easily. Sadly I did not get the forklift I wanted for my birthday!
I like to use a cherry picker(they are not just for engines) to support one end of the body, and then two guys can usually manhandle the other end without too much trouble.
On my roadster, I used the cherry picker....Made an extension for the boom (about 30 inches) and ran the front wheels out as far as possible. I welded some eyes on the floor (4) and used adjustable lifting straps to level everthing. Since I don't seem to play well with others, I did the job by myself. Pretty easy, just gotta' think a little. Pat
I have a skyhook in my shop (supported by several of the roof trusses), and some metal sawhorses (made of 2x2 tubing welded together), and I've managed to get a few bodies on and off chassis by myself. I'ts dangerous work, you need to think ahead, and never get under the body
The cherry picker works well. Although if your body is heavy or if you don't have a roof, your mileage may vary. Here's a pic of how I did it. The 2x4 is bolted to the lift at the end with two strips of metal screwed to the board and a bolt ran through the lift end. The backend is held in place by some pieces of wood attached to the board and also attached to the lift. I think I used wood screws for all of it. I built it in a hurry. I got the idea from a guy on here. He built a beefier system and was lifting an early 50's chevy truck cab. (if I remember right). Be safe, Good luck.
thats what we did puttin the body on my 53 and off of gleeser's 54 chev, put the cherry picker in the trunk, get something to fit across the trunk opening and chain or strap to each side. way better than jacks and stands, blocks, ect. thats how we took mine off too, 3 people though, a buddy and my girlfriend, not a lot of fun.
How tall is your garage? I had our architect spec out a beam that was 2500lbs over rated for the needs of our house and then I welded up a shackle and a put a hook on it and bought chain hoist. I've lifted the nose of my Jeep with that thing and didn't even creak.
After 25 years of bustin my balls I got this boom crane (the red thing)... I'll never be without one again...
Jensenz52, Everybody have given you some great ideas to put your body back on the frame. Well, my friends and I put may '41 Ford convertible back on with muscle. Four guys on each side, we walked the body over the frame from the rear with no problems. Maybe with a sedan it might more difficult, never been there. Be cool Cruiser 49
The Jalopy Journal
