Well, I've got the body off the frame, supported on 4x4's. It had it's scary moments though. Near the end of the final lift the body seemed to shift a little which made me jump. Turned out to be a piece of gravel which went unnoticed under the jack caster. You guy's gotta see this freakin' frame. Under all that dirt is what I believe to be the factory black paint, same goes for the underbody. The dirt comes off easily with a putty knife. I believe a pressure washer would be sufficient to remove the dirt, what would you guy's/gal's suggest?

Hey, congratualtions! It's quite an exciting thing to remove the body eh?

I would never tell anyone what to do with their car, but I will tell you what I did. With large amounts of help, we took the body off the frame and supported it on 4x4s and (this is a bad idea) cinderblocks.

The frame itself was dirty, like yours. We then tore the frame completeley down, that is: removing all suspension, brake and fuel lines etc.

Then, sandblast.

After a week or so, the frame was beautiful. One thing to note, if you are going to paint your frame, a self etching primer and an epoxy primer are recommended. Also, you wont get it blasted quickly, I had to do some 'touch up' blasting before applying metal prep and the primers. This was due to flash-rusting conditions.

All in all, I am very pleased with it. The only thing I would change would be the top coat. I used a standard chassis black and I don't think it performs very well.

Mark / CC

After it's blasted, I would check the frame for cracks and/or loose rivets. I would then get these fixed before painting. The surface rust is not a problem if you use something like por15 followed by a top coat.


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Regards,
RLK
My Cars (http://home.texoma.net/~rknipe/)

I have the car supported on the 4x4's running along the pinch welds of the rocker panels with 2 other 4x4's running perpendicular to those. Entire assembly is supported on cinder blocks at the four corners. At the front directly behind the cowl and at the rear directly in front of the rear wheel wells. My question isis it safe to open my doors? The car is a two door hardtop.(69 SS Chevelle)
Thanks

I have a 66 supported much the same as you describe except only two 4x4s located across the body mount locations at the firewall and trunk. It's supported well and I've had both doors open and even inside to do work.

Keep in mind though I had everything off the body that can come off before lifting. And I mean everything...if it wasn't welded it came out. Best advice would be to "Be careful" Only you can decide how well it's supported. Just sharing my experience and so far no issues with my setup.
B~

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Brian
66 SS396 frame off WIP
"If things ain't going right, go back to sleep. Dreams will get ya there."