Removing Body from Frame

[Art B]

I need advice from the experts!:SMART:

It's time to get the 70 GS body off the frame and onto a rotisserie. What are the recommended lift points and methods to safely accomplish this?

Do you recommend 4 x 4's and 55 gal. drums as an intermediate point prior to the rotisserie? I will roll the chassis forward after enough clearance is achieved.

Thanks in advanced for your guidance.

Art B

[Joe65Skylark GS]

I used saw horses made out of 2 by 4's. Needed the 2x4's cause you need more than 8 ft. I lifted my 65 at the trunk lock part and the front to a few bolts I found on the firewall.

I have a restoration thread on the V8buick site. Same screen name, just do a search and you will find a bunch of pics.

[Art B]

Thanks for the reply. I like your method of picking up through the rear trunk body plug holes. That allows for supporting the weight on the trunk front-to-back floor reinforcements.

Front fender mounting holes or door hinge mounting holes seem like secure lift points for the front end.

I will use a pair of engine hoists to do the lifting and use temporary supports while the chassis is rolled out. That should also serve as a safe transfer method to the rotisserie.

Art B

[MichaelGarrison]

we use a 2 post lift and the rockers are strong enough not to do any damage when lifting.

[Art B]

Mike:

Unfortunately, I don't have a 2 post lift, so I must resort to low tech methods. My main concern is safety and not dropping to body. If the body can be lifted and set on temporary supports, the rotisserie ends can be attached and the body lifted to the correct height on the rotisserie uprights.

Based on your comment regarding the rocker panels, I take it that I could slip 4 x 4's under the body for support without concern. Say just behind the door hinges and just in front of the rear weel wells. Is that correct?

Having not done this before, I appreciate your advice.

Art

[MichaelGarrison]

I liftedd a car from the seat belt bolts with 4 guys to guide and one engine hoist does that help?

[Art B]

Mike:

Since this will be a one-man operation, I will opt for two engine hoists. Using 4 x 4's as an intermediate resting point will let me do this at my pace without getting stressed out!

Thanks.

Art

[Art B]

OK...it's done!

Using a combination of the advice from the Forum the body made it to the rotisserie without issue.
The lift points were the rear trunk body plug holes and the upper front fender bolt holes. A 2x4 under the trunk floor with a length of 3/4" rope through the body plug holes was simple. A length of chain through a 2x4 spreader to lift straight up worked worked great up front.
Four 55 gal. drums were used as a rest point while attaching the body to the rotisserie. I would not have thought the rocker panels would have supported the weight.
A few adjustments to find the center of gravity and that was it!
Thanks again for the advice. Now let's hope my rotisserie welds are OK.

Art B

[Yardley]

Ummmm.... why on earth would a car in such good condition need a frame-off rotisserie job???

[Art B]

Well, the body is not as good as it looks under the lights. It was repainted some time in its past and the prep was poor. I am finding rust in the lower extremities that will require patches. The rotisserie makes all areas easier to get to including the underside.

Art B