[41Ford1]

I'm swapping my frame on my 41 Ford and I'm looking for opinions on how to lift the body off the frame, support it, and then slide a new frame underneath.
So far brute strength is my only option. I don't have a lift or gantry and I only have a 1 in a half car garage. Anyone have any ideas as to how to lift the body and support it for about 10 minutes before the new frame is wheeled underneath it? I have jacks, stands, and alot of lumber availble to me.

[F&J]

Depending on which body style it has for balance point: You could put a thick wide plank(s) right through the window openings and use 2 comealongs to your joists.(if the joists are strong!) It won't work if you can't get the plank to fit at the balance point. If it's balance is off slightly, I've put extra weight inside to get it perfect.

[41Ford1]

Thanks! My joists are only 2x4s but I was thinking of using 4x4s over head and bracing the hell out them. I was also thinking of using 4x4 for vertical posts to support this. The plank sounds good to me. Are 4x4s strong enough for a tudor body or should I look around for larger dimensions.

[redsdad]

I used an engine hoist, jackstands, and a piece of 2 x 3 rectangular tubing.

[S10xGN]

Originally Posted by F&J

Depending on which body style it has for balance point: You could put a thick wide plank(s) right through the window openings and use 2 comealongs to your joists.(if the joists are strong!) It won't work if you can't get the plank to fit at the balance point. If it's balance is off slightly, I've put extra weight inside to get it perfect.

A 2 x 8 through the window works pretty good, balance point is close. I drove a few 10 penny finishing nails to keep it centered. I should have extended the legs out farther on my gantry, it was pretty "tippy" as shown (I had to stand on the back end when moving it).

Russ

[powerrodsmike]

I usually use straps through the doors, that way there is no chance of denting things.

Also, a couple of straps into the trunk area keeps things balanced.

If you can access your overhead beams, you can hook 4 ratchet straps or come alongs to them, one on each corner of the body. I try to hook to structure on the inside, like the drip rail reinforcing plate and hinge access holes sometimes found on the A pillar.


I lift them with my forklift, but the attachment is the same.

You can see the straps going into the trunk, and looped under the door.
Sorry the pics are so bad, it was nighttime.


Later, mikey

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by powerrodsmike

I lift them with my forklift, but the attachment is the same.

I do not have fancy tools or equipment ...
SO ... I just invite a few good old southern boys over ...





Remove the doors, decklid and most everything you can to make it lighter and then a few friends can lift it fairly easy.

[Bryan59EC]

Duece,

In that second pic----kinda wondering whey that younger fella is not helping??

(old farts working----kids with hands in pockets----just like my house )