Frame Rot

[bobd]

I left the engine, trans, & radiator in place when I removed the body.

[C.Costine]

Planning my frame swap, is it recommended to remove the engine and transmission before the body? On my spitfire the tub came off easily with them installed but this is a different beast.

One of the greatest advantages to removing the body during restoration is not having to squeeze the engine and frame out and back in through the body. The manifolds are waaaay easier to remove and install with the engine out, and the exhaust is very tight coming out and going in past the body.

[Psevins]

Good, I was hoping that would be the case.

[Psevins]

Worked on separating various systems from under the hood today. I was finally able to get a good look at the rotten frame section. upon further examination it looks like the frame has already been repaired once. Anyone have a tip on how to remove one of the fender bolts that attaches to the front pillar (where the door mounts) It seems to have been snugged down too tight previously and now I can quite get my box wrench on it square.

[bmccarthy67]

If you're taking off the body for a frame swap it may be a great time to remove the door and you will be able to get to those bolts with nothing in the way.

v/r
Buddy

[Psevins]

Door is off, that's how I managed to get the other bolt out (the 3rd one looks to have been broken off). I'll post more pics of the hidden rot tomorrow.

[dads311]

Just wondering how extensive the rot turned out to be.

[Psevins]

When I started working on the floor pans I found the frame rotted out on the top part that crosses under the front floor pan. plus the cut out for the exhaust is rotted through as well.

[JT68]

Leave the drivetrain in place. Disconnect everything in between and lift the body off. Other than rusty bolts etc, it's pretty easy.