I have the frame out of my 71. Im planning on sandblasting the frame, doing the disk conversion and painting it. The body needs a RH full quarter and a trunk deck filler.

Should I cover the frame with plastic and bolt the body on before replacing sheetmetal?

The interior rust has been repaired and painted with corroless.

My other question is when do you worry about interior. This question seems dumb at times to me but I wouldnt want to scratch the paint putting in interior.

I guess I just need a order of assembly from someone who has been down this road.

my brain is starting to smoke tryin to figure the best order of assembly..Thanks

I'm no body man, but I would put it back on the frame before doing any sheetmetal work.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)

depending on how picky you are of the overspray on you frame you can just mask the rockers. but put the body back on the frame for sure. bolting it would be best too. but dont put the interior in until last. use tape on the paint in areas where you think you might scratch it whill installing the interior and remove the tape when done. but you have a good idea about covering the frame with plastic. cut holes in it where the body mounts are. and when your done just cut it all away. good idea.

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1970 Chevelle 454 Wagons haul A$$ in style! "The Chopped Suburban". to see some goto
www.EINSTYN.com (http://www.EINSTYN.com) FO_FDYFO = four-fifty four! TC#1460, VCEA#2

[This message has been edited by FO_FDYFO (edited 02-11-2002).]

I am doing a frame-off on my 69 ELky at a friendly body shop where the owner likes to do hot rods. It is a learn-as-you-go thing with a LOT of help from the body man. One thing he really stresses is to cut in the doors, jams, hood, etc. before putting everything together. If using bc/cc, then bc/cc the doors, etc. prior to assembly. Then paint the outside all at once. This is ESPECIALLY important if the paint is metallic. A non-metallic paint can be used on the separate parts, even painted at separate times, the only worry being reassembling things without chipping. The professional restorers do it in piece parts, but they have all the tools, help, experience, etc. The rest of us do it more carefully...

I have replaced just about every piece of the Elky other that the roof with the body off. I am using a rotisserie, but anything to get the body up to do any underside welding is a MAJOR plus. For the quarters there is little botomside welding so it is your choice there.

I am just finishing up my last quarter panel. Once done the body guy will cut in the doors and windows and paint the interior. Then I will replace the entire interior as I have already completely gutted it. All new wiring, gauges, etc. Then the body goes back onto the frame. Just be sure the seats and sliders are out if you are doing much under the dash as you will be on your back for a while.

Just a note -- if you have the body off and up in the air, it would be a good time to clean and paint the underside with POR. I also use Corroless, but POR is more chip-proof.

Without a doubt, Put the body on the frame before attemting any bodywork. But before you do, Spray the entire frame and under body with 3-M Spraymask. You can can continue to work without fear of getting overspray on the frame. You can even spray a little more from time to time if you need to.When you are done, you simply hose off the Spraymask with water. A sprinkler worrks great. You will then need to get under the car to wipe it down. This can tack some time but sure beats trying to remove nasty overspray.And you will get overspray somewhere no matter how careful you are.
As for you pther question, you can pad painted areas with packing or scrap pieces of vinyl to protect then while installing the interior.
Gordon