Classic Body Removal

[ukadamwest]

I'm chewing over work on the Suffix A and thinking about removing the body from the chassis.

The chassis has some corrosion on it, but i have a sound donor chassis. The Suffix A was purchased as not running, so the engine, gearbox and transfer box are all unknown. It was supplied with a boot full of parts, many new and still in land rover boxes, including a new clutch, so figure that was shot anyway, but in restoring it, a new clutch would be on the cards anyway.

I've started ordering up the replacement body shell items, sills, obviously, A and B pillars so the first job, would be getting the bodyshell rigid so there is no flexing if it is lifted.

my thinking is, with the bodyshell and the chassis separated, that would give me full access to the engine and drivetrain as well as access to the chassis. The other option would be to keep them together and work around. I.E pull the engine, axles and work on the chassis sections as they become accessible.

I dont have a two post lift, but do have access to a fork lift.

The bodyshell right now has all interior out, the only thing remaining in it is the dash, loadspace floor is also out. The front wings are moderatly corroded, so will be replaced anyway, the steering column is still connected, cooling pipework removed...

So the question is.. has anyone separated the body and chassis.. what is the best way of doing it (without a 2 post lift, or am i settting myself up for a world of hurt or should leave them united and work around.



(And Ant.. you're welcome to pitch in )

 

[Grrrrrr]

I'd be looking for Zen. When it comes to pulling Classics apart I reckon he's done his fair share. Of course, he'll probably try to get you to put a truck engine in.

 

[biketeacherdave]

Blimey mate if you need some muscle let me know bit brave of you splitting the chassis n body

 

[ukadamwest]

Much appreciated dave.. I'll hold you to that.. I've got witnesses !!

Here's a pic of the Suffix A, the CSK, the Vogue SE and the P38 Vogue.. Taken on a phone, hence the quality.. (and yes the P38 does need a good clean !)

final finish on the Vogue SE by the way..

 

[biketeacherdave]

Well when you watch those silly yank programmes 4 or 5 guys usually manage to lift body's off chassis no problems so don't see why it can't be done

 

[Grrrrrr]

Much appreciated dave.. I'll hold you to that.. I've got witnesses !!

Here's a pic of the Suffix A, the CSK, the Vogue SE and the P38 Vogue.. Taken on a phone, hence the quality..

Witnessed!

Yeah, that looks like a Zen job.

 

[Grrrrrr]

Those roof beams look like they can take some weight ...

 

[brianp38dse]

Blimey wish I had a work shop like that, beats a driveway any time.

 

[ukadamwest]

I was thinking about using an engine hoist (if i can borrow one) straps to the rear body cross member but not sure where on the front.. a bolt through the door mount with a ring welded on maybe ??

It needs a good 2ft raise to clear the engine from the front panel. or do i cut the front inner wings off?

 

[Grrrrrr]

Blimey wish I had a work shop like that, beats a driveway any time.

That'll be the Bat-cave.

 

[ukadamwest]

Blimey wish I had a work shop like that, beats a driveway any time.

i rent the space it's 5,000 sq ft and i share it with a couple of guys who are s**t hot welders..

Mind you.. i did most of the Vogue SE in the garage at home.. a bit limited on room compared to the unit !

 

[ukadamwest]

Those roof beams look like they can take some weight ...

Probably, but then driving the fork lift in would be easier. could probably ask the guys to knock up a T frame so it could be lifted from the top of the door frame and out the back.. i just dont want to kink the roof

 

[tomcat59alan]

I was thinking about using an engine hoist (if i can borrow one) straps to the rear body cross member but not sure where on the front.. a bolt through the door mount with a ring welded on maybe ??

It needs a good 2ft raise to clear the engine from the front panel. or do i cut the front inner wings off?

Scaffold plank through the front doors, with the windows down of course. Block and tackle from a scaffold frame and a sturdy rope tied to the plank. simples.

 

[tomcat59alan]

If you have the fork lift then its easier. All windows down, forks through the doors tight to the front windscreen, protect the body with padding and lift.

 

[ukadamwest]

Scaffold plank through the front doors, with the windows down of course. Block and tackle from a scaffold frame and a sturdy rope tied to the plank. simples.

Doors are off the Suffix A, so that knocks some weight off as well giving good access. the gearbox cover panel is off but not the tunnel. rear wiring is back into the bodyshell. front water works disconnected, wiring loom unplugged at the connection.. fuel line is disconnected.. it's just the steering column joint left and i think that's it.. unless there's something else.....

 

[ukadamwest]

If you have the fork lift then its easier. All windows down, forks through the doors tight to the front windscreen, protect the body with padding and lift.

OK.. and weight distribution ?? i would think the weight of the bulkhead would compensate for the weight of the rear end.

Have you done this before ??????

 

[tomcat59alan]

Doors are off the Suffix A, so that knocks some weight off as well giving good access. the gearbox cover panel is off but not the tunnel. rear wiring is back into the bodyshell. front water works disconnected, wiring loom unplugged at the connection.. fuel line is disconnected.. it's just the steering column joint left and i think that's it.. unless there's something else.....

!0 body to chassis bolts

 

[tomcat59alan]

OK.. and weight distribution ?? i would think the weight of the bulkhead would compensate for the weight of the rear end.

Have you done this before ??????

Yes, lift as close to the front windscreen.

 

[ukadamwest]

!0 body to chassis bolts

yep those.... mind you they're mostly rust anyway..

 

[ukadamwest]

Yes, lift as close to the front windscreen.

Was the bodyshell damaged at all when you did it ?