Body removal, and chasis restoration.

**HX76King** · 21-01-2012, 09:41 PM

Hi guys, I have finally got my van home, it only took twelve months ha ha.

Now I have 6 weeks until the panel beater takes it off my hands to fix the body.

Now what I want to throw out to you people.

1. What is the easiest way to get the body off the chasis? (limited people and equipment)
2. What should I do while the body is off?

I am definitely no expert that is why I would like your opinions and experiences so that I can do properly. HQV6ute has seen and may help me if he can but I wanted to throw it out to everyone so I can put a to do list.

Thanks for your help

P.s. Sorry don't know how to do the tag thing, Myles sorry brother. :adoration:

**V6HQUTE** · 21-01-2012, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by HX76King

1. What is the easiest way to get the body off the chasis? (limited people and equipment)

i know ive said it but your uncles neighbour had a fork lift a few houses up, i would definatly look into that, 100%

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ill be back in dubbo for tafe early feb i can come help if you want

**HX76King** · 21-01-2012, 10:03 PM

Where? You have a a good eye.
I will have to check that out. Will it fit under the roller door??

**HX76King** · 21-01-2012, 10:57 PM

Ok now I have 3 guys depending on if he is available ;). Need a couple more.

Where do you lift from? Planks through the front windows or under the van?

**V6HQUTE** · 22-01-2012, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by HX76King

Where? You have a a good eye.
I will have to check that out. Will it fit under the roller door??

that street we went out on, theres a bit of a workshop looking yard with a sheds, bit messy, on the same side as your uncle, yeah was only a little forklift, so should fit, ive got my ute on another chassie just to roll it, makes it alot easier, but space might be your issue

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whats the go with above beatle?? bug??, your going to want more than 4 blokes, id say atleast 6+

**HX76King** · 22-01-2012, 10:34 AM

It took 6 blokes to lift my old tonner cab ;)

I know the place now I think he has the "Yard Yakka" lawn mowing place ;) see how we go.

**V6HQUTE** · 22-01-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by HX76King

It took 6 blokes to lift my old tonner cab ;)

I know the place now I think he has the "Yard Yakka" lawn mowing place ;) see how we go.

yeah i dont know what old mate was going on about beetles, if it took 6 for the tonner your definatly going to want that forklift

**GTS** · 22-01-2012, 10:41 AM

I removed the body from my chassis myself and put it back together myself. It's a bit hard to explain on here but it was pretty easy. The preparation took a while but the actual body removal took only about 30-40 minutes to get it off and the same to put it back on. The trick is to make sure you have removed everything like all front panels/motor/box/exhaust/fuel tank/brakes pipes off the master cylinder/steering column/hand brake cable at the handle etc and most importantly (and obviously) the body mounting bolts.

If you want to know how I did it you can call me 0411075521...it's easier to describe it over the phone than write it.

**wbute** · 22-01-2012, 01:57 PM

Only took two people to lift a ute body off here years ago and put it back on. Lift the body up with jacks if you don't have a fork lift. Takes time but if you are careful its pretty straight forward.
Forklift makes it easy.
How are you going to move it once its off?

**playwme** · 22-01-2012, 08:22 PM

Yeah, should be pretty easy with a couple blokes. I'd take the rear wheels off so you can shove a plank under the chassis where the rear wheels are. Jack the whole lot up, support with planks resting on old wheels/tyres and then lower chassis from underneath. Use a dolly under the diff. You should be able to jack up the centre front of the body (with a suitable plank) and then slide another plank over the chassis/under the body and then just roll the chassis out from underneath.