Should I do all my body work before I pull the body off the frame?

Or should I do all the stripping and welding first, then body off, then final body work later after body is back on (covering the frame with plastic)?

This is for a hardtop, but I am not sure if body flex will occur...

1966,

It would depend on how much and what sheetmetal you are going to replace.
I would say in general do as much body work with the body on the frame as you can. Then remove for chassis work.

I left the body on the frame to replace quarters, rockers and trunk floor.
Then removed body from frame to work on floor pans and finish trunk floor.
Removing alot of sheetmetal all at one time can allow the body to lean back especially when quarters and rockers are removed at the same time.

I completed the rest of the body work off the frame including finish paint.

Then I disassembled and restored the chassis. Reassembled a rolling chassis then set the body back on, then the front fenders and hood.

FastSS396man

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69' SS396 Chevelle
L78 396/375hp
M-21 Close Ratio
Cortez Silver
10 year Resto
It's brand new again!



[This message has been edited by fastss396man (edited 11-16-2001).]

I agree with Fastss396 on this one. You should replace all the major panels while the body is still on frame. Twist can occur if you do not, and all that hard fitting will be for not. Best to do weld on stuff while on the frame. Bolt on stuff has some room to be adjusted without much hassle.