Frame up resto

[Newf99]

I have taken the head off my engine and the valves are pretty bad so I decided to pull the engine and do a rebuild. I figured that seeing I'm pulling the engine and I have to remove the from clip and fenders to repair some other issues I would take the full body off. I can get the frame blasted and primed and painted for around $100 so the temptation is too much to resist. I was wondering how big a job I'm looking at and if there are any issues I need to be aware of before I tackle this job. I know it's a lot of work but I figure this car is worth doing right.

[mrwrstory]

Here's what I did

Jacked the car up.  Put the little stud walls under the outriggers between the frame and body, unbolted the frame (while supported) and easily let the frame down via floor jacks and slid it out.  The only trick was finding all the body mounting bolts.  As I recall there is one odd one next to the rear passenger wheel well behind the spare tire.

A big job in some ways but not rocket science.  Good luck!

[Newf99]

That's pretty much how I was planning on lifting the body. I'm sure I'll start dropping the frame and miss a bolt but that's usually how it goes. I'll post pictures as I proceed.

[46Ply]

That's pretty much how I was planning on lifting the body. I'm sure I'll start dropping the frame and miss a bolt but that's usually how it goes. I'll post pictures as I proceed.

I'm contemplating the same project.  Would like to see some updates on your build.

Also looking for sources for body parts repair sections, ie: reproduction rocker panels, deck panels, etc.

 

Who makes reproduction parts?

[Plymouthy Adams]

removal of the body from the frame is pretty straight forward and easy...remove the doghouse...for easy removal of the engine and tranny...on my business coupe there were 17 bolts, 15 with rubber cushions..there were four across the rear tie, four across the fornt tie (1st back from cowl, first set with rubber) and of course the torque cushion at tip-up of on passenger rear frame rail..

[46Ply]

Thanks Plymouthy,

What about my last question?  Where can I get replacement panels?

[Plymouthy Adams]

I recommend no one....the ones that are going to be correct and least effort to put on..you not going to like the price..the ones that are within what most folks call reasonable can lead to a lot of minute fitting that is time consuming and tend to make some frustrated...if external panel..find a good suitable patch from a parts car if you can..if not large the average person can panel beat a suitable patch himself..my next question is..are you doing the work yourself or is this slated to be farmed out....reson is regardless of the panel/part..their labor is probably going to further eat your wallet like boll weevils took the south..

[46Ply]

I picked up the car last week that I bought in Iowa.  And, while I'm not too surprised, the car has it's share of rust.  Someone started and replaced the rocker panels, but it's not a great job although it can probably be saved.  It also has the other usual spots of rust on the lower trunk lid and the panel crossing underneath.  And the front body mounts also need some work.  And this may and most probably is just the beginning.

To answer your other question, I can't and won't be doing the work.  

 

On the other hand, this car does run well and I was fairly impressed with the way it drives, rides and handles.  I do have a competent body man who can do the job, but we're trying to figure a way to do that work without robbing a bank!

 

As a last resort this may end up being a "ratrod", and I'll keep searching for the one I want.

 

I have found one supplier, Plymouth Doctor, in Michigan.  And I will order his catalog.   Just wondering if anyone used this supplier and knows of any others.

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you are an expert bank robber....you'll be ok.....lol

[casper50]

I found a junk yard in Colorado that had a 47 coupe.  I bought the whole bottom sides for $150.  from the middle of the rear wheel wells to the firewall and 15" from the outside of the rocker to the inside floor.  They cut them out and shipped them to me for extra money of course.  They included the floor braces that are almost completely gone on mine.  I then found a yard in California that had a trunk for my coupe and had them cut the bottom 18" off and mail it to me.  Also cost me $150.  I figure it will save me buku time and frustration trying to make repop panels fit.

[deathbound]

I picked up the car last week that I bought in Iowa.  And, while I'm not too surprised, the car has it's share of rust.  Someone started and replaced the rocker panels, but it's not a great job although it can probably be saved.  It also has the other usual spots of rust on the lower trunk lid and the panel crossing underneath.  And the front body mounts also need some work.  And this may and most probably is just the beginning.

To answer your other question, I can't and won't be doing the work.  

 

On the other hand, this car does run well and I was fairly impressed with the way it drives, rides and handles.  I do have a competent body man who can do the job, but we're trying to figure a way to do that work without robbing a bank!

 

As a last resort this may end up being a "ratrod", and I'll keep searching for the one I want.

 

I have found one supplier, Plymouth Doctor, in Michigan.  And I will order his catalog.   Just wondering if anyone used this supplier and knows of any others.

 

Here are a few threads that may help. I've been looking at the Plymouth Doctor's patch panels for my Coupe, but not ready at this time.

 

http://p15-d24.com/topic/35514-plymouth-doctor-questions/?hl=%2Bplymouth+%2Bdoctor

 

http://p15-d24.com/topic/37605-plymouthdoctor/?hl=%2Bplymouth+%2Bdoctor#entry392142

 

http://p15-d24.com/topic/37681-the-plymouth-doctor/?hl=%2Bplymouth+%2Bdoctor

Edited March 16, 2015 by deathbound

[46Ply]

I found a junk yard in Colorado that had a 47 coupe.  I bought the whole bottom sides for $150.  from the middle of the rear wheel wells to the firewall and 15" from the outside of the rocker to the inside floor.  They cut them out and shipped them to me for extra money of course.  They included the floor braces that are almost completely gone on mine.  I then found a yard in California that had a trunk for my coupe and had them cut the bottom 18" off and mail it to me.  Also cost me $150.  I figure it will save me buku time and frustration trying to make repop panels fit.

Now we're talking.  Hadn't considered this idea.  But I'll definitely start searching.