I'm sure I've shared most of this elsewhere buried in other posts but here it is a single topic format.
When I finally came to the realization that a frame on restoration would only meet my desired outcome with an inordinate amount of on my back work, I sucked it up and considered methods to frame off.
My 20' by 20' two car garage is cozy when I deduct for my wife's 3' wide handicap scooter ramp, 3' of storage on one wall and 3' of tool boxes and work benches beside the ramp. That leaves only enough room for a 5' wide car and 3' of work space on each side. Not enough room for a rotisserie or fancy floor lift.
I watched every you tube video I could find on the subject until I came to two that turned on the light bulbs. While many videos used car dollies, heavy timbers and juggling jack stands to slide the frame to the side of the shell, that looked like an opportunity to get crushed and sure wouldn't work in my garage.
The first video that began to register a workable approach was of a man at least my age backing up to a '50's Chevy shell that had been unbolted from the frame and lifting the back of the shell 6" while making the point that "It isn't that heavy, its only sheet metal!" The second video that confirmed the point showed 5 or 6 guys carrying a '60's car shell from frame to jack stands.
I deducted that my shell likely weighed between 600# and 800#. I didn't plan to be climbing into the shell or moving it around so I did not add an further reinforcing. I also wanted a plan that was if not CASO, at least inexpensive... my solution $20.
I already had the frame and shell on jack stands,
so I slid a 2X4 through the pocket behind the firewall mount
and one under the floor board at the front of the trunk.
I then put saw horse kits on the end of both 2x4's, unbolted the frame and lowered the frame alternating font and back 6 inches at a time leaving the shell suspended.
I settled the frame on car dollies. I roll it outside to work on then pull it back under the shell with an electric winch when I'm through. I'd need another 6 inches of lift to mount wheels and clear the shell.
When ready, I'll just reverse the process and lift the frame up to join the body and lower them together.
My original plan to rejoin the shell to frame as soon as the frame was finished is evolving as I'm enjoying working on the body at standing height. Today I pulled rocker panels and treated inner panels sitting on a stool. If it was down on the frame, I'd have been doing it on my elbows.
I do take extra care in moving the frame in and out to not hook a bat wing or hub on a saw horse leg. I wouldn't use this method if there were kids around, other people in and out of my garage or if it were to be on the stand for an extended period. But, in this situation, I feel quite safe with the method.
When I finally came to the realization that a frame on restoration would only meet my desired outcome with an inordinate amount of on my back work, I sucked it up and considered methods to frame off.
My 20' by 20' two car garage is cozy when I deduct for my wife's 3' wide handicap scooter ramp, 3' of storage on one wall and 3' of tool boxes and work benches beside the ramp. That leaves only enough room for a 5' wide car and 3' of work space on each side. Not enough room for a rotisserie or fancy floor lift.
I watched every you tube video I could find on the subject until I came to two that turned on the light bulbs. While many videos used car dollies, heavy timbers and juggling jack stands to slide the frame to the side of the shell, that looked like an opportunity to get crushed and sure wouldn't work in my garage.
The first video that began to register a workable approach was of a man at least my age backing up to a '50's Chevy shell that had been unbolted from the frame and lifting the back of the shell 6" while making the point that "It isn't that heavy, its only sheet metal!" The second video that confirmed the point showed 5 or 6 guys carrying a '60's car shell from frame to jack stands.
I deducted that my shell likely weighed between 600# and 800#. I didn't plan to be climbing into the shell or moving it around so I did not add an further reinforcing. I also wanted a plan that was if not CASO, at least inexpensive... my solution $20.
I already had the frame and shell on jack stands,
so I slid a 2X4 through the pocket behind the firewall mount
and one under the floor board at the front of the trunk.
I then put saw horse kits on the end of both 2x4's, unbolted the frame and lowered the frame alternating font and back 6 inches at a time leaving the shell suspended.
I settled the frame on car dollies. I roll it outside to work on then pull it back under the shell with an electric winch when I'm through. I'd need another 6 inches of lift to mount wheels and clear the shell.
When ready, I'll just reverse the process and lift the frame up to join the body and lower them together.
My original plan to rejoin the shell to frame as soon as the frame was finished is evolving as I'm enjoying working on the body at standing height. Today I pulled rocker panels and treated inner panels sitting on a stool. If it was down on the frame, I'd have been doing it on my elbows.
I do take extra care in moving the frame in and out to not hook a bat wing or hub on a saw horse leg. I wouldn't use this method if there were kids around, other people in and out of my garage or if it were to be on the stand for an extended period. But, in this situation, I feel quite safe with the method.
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