Body removal from frame

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timberice

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 27, 2010
45
0
0
Chicago,Il
I was wondering what all is required to remove the body from the frame on a 1987 cutlass. Currently the car is completely together. But I plan on getting the car painted soon and would like to have the frame cleaned up and painted. What all do I need to remove to get the body off? I'm trying to remove as less as possible. Can the engine and trans stay in place? How hard is it to lift the body off the frame. Not sure I want to go this route but I am looking for some ideas and opinions. Thanks for the help.
 

L.A.X-RATED

Royal Smart Person
Aug 25, 2010
1,387
385
83
nice :D great photo step-by-step!!! realy will help all the first timers.do you have any templates of the side frame boxing you performed? just got done with a frame off resto on my 86 elco.and cant wait to do my 87 SS monte :wink:the boxing of the frame i did not do on elco,but definetly want to on my SS.thanks for the motivation 8)
 

79elky454ss

Greasemonkey
Sep 30, 2007
240
0
0
ohio
Just move slow and take your time, You can leave the drivetrain in the chassis,but, it will make blasting/painting the frame hard. I ran into clearance issues with the rear tires on the way out from under, so I just removed them and lowered the jack and let it do the rolling. Safety first! have plenty of room to work,plenty of blocking and jackstands. You will have LOTS of wires,cables and lines to unhook!
 

timberice

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 27, 2010
45
0
0
Chicago,Il
Thanks for the tips. I'm still planing out what I want to do. I would love to do my car justice and give it a frame off restoration but space is the true issue. I will see how this goes.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
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Socialist NY
One thing that is not shown is the disconection of the emergency brake.

Forget to remove that cable when your lifting off the body and it could ruin your day.
 

redboy504

Greasemonkey
Oct 20, 2010
206
0
16
New Orleans, LA
That's exactly where I am right now. The only thing still holding the body to the frame is the emergency brake cable. I'm not really sure how to disconnect it. I need some help there.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
First thing to do is WD40 or PB Blaster the E-Brake adjuster.

Then loosen it up with 2 wrenches. You DO NOT have to take it completely off.

DSCF0169.jpg



After it is loosened up.

Get under the dash and push the cable towards the rear of the car and out of the pedal bracket.

ebrake.jpg


After that is done now comes the fun part.

I put a gas line size hose clamp on the cable lock to close all the fingers on it.

DSCF0170.jpg



Then pulled it out with a vise grip

DSCF0171.jpg



After that you can just push it through the firewall.
 
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