I'm doing a frame off on 72 SS and want to know if it is a good idea to have the body done off the frame or put it back on when frame and chassis is done then do body. Im concerned about overspray on the new frame and chassis parts at the body shop.Thanks, Jim 1972 Chevelle SS.

Either do the bodywork first then the chassis or send the body without the chassis. If your dealing with a bodyshop that has no clue on restorations your frame will be a mess when you get it back as much as you try to cover it up it will get dirty. Also paint the front clip seperate, I have had many cars come in my shop that were nice paint jobs but could have been better if they would have painted it with the fenders off.

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Micky Hale Restorations
69 L-89 Chevelle
68 Biscayne 427/425
34 Plymouth Coupe racecar
ACES #134

I would definately suggest painting the car seperate from the chassis. I am in the process of putting my car back together after the body was painted. No matter how careful the body shop is you will get overspray or material from the wet sanding on the chassis. If you are doing a frame off and have already completed the chassis build a dolly to have the body painted on. My dolly is made of 4x6(s) and 4x4(s) and has six 8in caster wheels on it. I will also suggest wait to paint the floor pan once the body is painted. Good luck on your restoration.

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Darryl
Red 70 SS 454

It depends what you mean.

If it is a hardtop with no major rust problems, you can do the body seperately.

If it is a convertible or requires major rust work (floor/trans tunnel/rockers) then be careful with it off the frame. You can do major rust repairs but you need to brace the body properly. I wasn't careful with my convertible (didn't do any bracing) while it was off the frame and am having a hard time getting things to line up. I think the body twisted a certain amount while it was off the frame.

Peter

Peter

jim
someone here once mentioned that he covers the frame with sheet of thick plastic, then mounts the body. Removes the plastic when he was done.
rick

I must be the one rick is referring too. I've covered/wrapped my frame in plastic before I set the body down. I'll find out in October (scheduled paint date) if it keeps overspray off the frame.

http://www.72chevelle.com/images/frampics/pic037.jpg

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JeffK ACES #01510
Team Chevelle Gold #72
496 EFI/Richmond 6-Speed
JeffK@chevelles.com
Jeff's Chevelle Page (http://www.72chevelle.com)

Thanks guys for the great info. Jim Owens 1972 Chevelle SS.

I had the body work done frame off on a dolly and did the chassis work at the same time. Then put plastic over frame as JeffK. I have body on and hope to get painted soon. I'll let you know.

Jody
71ss454
ACES

I did all my body work and paint off the frame, then assembled everything after it was all painted.
If you do it this way, make sure your frame is straight and everything fits, and you have a lot of patience.


Jeff Litka
72 Chevelle SS
72 MonteCarlo