In a few weeks i will be taking the body off my frame to paint the frame, firewall and a few other things. Any advice on things i should do while i have the frame out? If i have the money ill get somy urethane bushings and body mounts to put on after i cover the frame. If i dont have the money then i can always do that later. Same goes with SS brake lines. Anythink else you would absolutly do while the frame is out?

And..

Who has the best way to take the body off? Has anybody had their body off and had it sag or bend while waiting for the frame? Any info from experiance will help.

As an after thought, I thought it would have been better to box in the frame's center section. Its very flimsy and you'll see that when you get it apart.

I forgot to mention that i would be puting in a X brace behind the crossmember. I had a parts el camino that i took off the body to paint the fram and prepare it os i could just swap it out with the elcamino (cabalero) i will be using, but that frame had some rust wholes and i couldnt use it.

I'd like to see some pics of the X brace, when you get it made. I have been thinking about ways to strengthen the frame.

Hey Furious 82,

Pulling off the body - you will not have to worry too much about twisting the body - they are pretty rigid on the Elky. I have seen them pulled off in many ways. If you are like the rest of us, you probably do not have access to a shop with I-beams in the ceiling where you can hang the body . . . so . . .

Two good engine hoists, one in the front, one in the rear, attaching to the body to make sure they are secure is paramount where safety and slippage is concerned. I have done this with chains, bolting in multiple places such as door hinges and the "Eye plate" at the top of the cowl where the fender mounts. I have also seen the car lifted with tow-straps which are a lot more forgiving than chains, but are harder to secure to the car to avoid slippage. The back is the toughest part as you want to aviod wrapping anything around the quarters as you will damage them. Look for "bolt-through" areas under the floor to secure the chain / straps to and lift from behind with the tailgate removed. My advice would be to find a friend that has done this before - it is not that complicated, but they will have some experience and know the nuances of the lift, such as putting the front hoist under the side of the car rather than in from the front, so the frame can roll forward when it is broken from the car.

As for replacement - anything like the brake lines and / or the fuel lines should be replaced while the body is separated from the frame. Replacing / rebuilding rear axle parts are also better done while separated as is the gas tank and its' components.

I agree with Elky Pete - the side frame rails on these cars are pretty flimsy (the rails that run beneath the passenger area). If you can box the side rails, it will definitely help the car to flex less. However, the frame must be leveled and braced as the heat from welding the heavy metal can warp the rails. Again - if you have not done anything like this before, try to find professional help, for hands-on advice if nothing else. Don't be afraid to walk into a body / frame shop to ask questions. A lot of guys are willing to help out, especially in the free advice category.

Dan

Anybody ever put and fram braces on their 5th gen? I looked under and room for an X brace is almost non existant with my exhaust. If i cant think of another design ill just have to settle with boxing in the frame. Anybody have pics of their boxed in frame? Ill see what designs i can come up with for a brace.