Installing body on Everett Morrison

priobe · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:35 AM

Hello all,

I have a Gen III EM and the body is out at the paint shop. I wanted to find out from those of you that have done your own build how you lifted the body to set it on the chassis.

In the past I have used brute strength to lift the body. It was 5 people, 2 in the back ( who always complained that it is veryu heavy) and 3 in the front.

Once the body is painted, I dont want to run the risk of scratching the body during the placement of the body.

How have you guys done in the past.

I was thinking possibly 4 people in the back and 3 in the front, and using brute strength. But again, I am worried about the paint and the pressure on the body with the hands.

Any suggestions?

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:49 AM

I don't know what generation my EM body is (circa 1995), but I have had it off and on the frame. I lifted it using a strap and pulley system after I secured the firewall to the wall behind the seats using long threaded rods. After I had the body painted, I had six friends come over for the body lift. The seventh person (me) directed the action and rolled the chassis under the body that was being held up by my friends. Given the weight of the body and the time it took to line everything up right, I was glad I had six lifters. BTW, I bought six pairs of cheap cotton work gloves to protect the body from jewelry scratches and to protect the men's hands from raw fiberglass edges.

Atlantacobra · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 02:35 PM

check out the FFCobra site (ffcobra.com). Just yesterday I saw a post where a guy fashioned a pretty neat lifting system out of cheap straps in his garage.

Actually just found the link. Here you go...

http://www.ffcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231267

Good luck

-Greg

priobe · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 02:51 PM

I wouldn't trust the EM body with those straps. The FF body weight about 100lbs if not less and the EM body is around 500lbs give or take.

I could see those strap hooks digging into my nice paint.....

Thanks but no thank you

scottj · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 04:02 PM

The straps will hold, they're what I use. I install eyebolts in the floor at the rear and in the hood latch holes. I pick it up with the engine hoist. I adjust the strap lengths to balance it level. I've done it countless times, always by myself.

Scott

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 06:43 PM

I don't think the E-M body would weight 500 lbs. I wish someone would weight one and tell us.

Dwight

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 06:47 PM

this Hurricane body is light maybe 120 - 140 lbs. You can tell by the picture that nobody is in a strain. We had four guys so we could ease the body onto the frame and not scratch the paint.
two guys can install an unpainted body.
Dwight

frdfver · #8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:28 PM

I used a combination of chain hoists and cargo straps to lift my body N.A.F. which is probably a fairly heavy body with all the inner panels glassed in. My body isn't painted yet, but at the points where I hooked the cargo straps I cut some 5/8 heater hose and split it and slid on the body to spread and cushion the load a bit. Then added some additional straps for security and support after it was up. I don't know how to put a picture here but they are in my picture gallery.
Paul T.......

jopper · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:33 PM

dwight....good for u, but how does that help priobe

Rick Parker · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 12:21 AM

Tne body for an NAF is pretty heavy, given that the firewall, trunk and floorboards anre all integral. One of my concerns was the body flexing through the door area. I fabricated some bars out of 1" square tubing with some mounting plates welded to them that I anchored at the area where the lock & hinge mechanisms mounted. The bars were in compression when the body was lifted. It helped a lot, 5 or 6 guys can easily & safely place the body on the frame, with you doing the spotting. A little Pizza & Beer as an incentive helped too.

Bonos · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:46 AM

Priobe,
I have lifted my EM body 4 times and used 6 men on three ocassions front,back,and each wheel well. The last time i got in a hurry and used my engin puller and rigged a 10 foot long 2"x 10" turned up on edge with notshes cut on each end so 2 in wide cargo straps would not shift when weight was applied .
BONOS

Dwight · #12 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:17 AM

I have a Lone Star which weights about the same as an E-M. I used straps, chain fall and one friend to install mine.

But priobe did not like the strap suggestion that Tommy and Atlantacobra gave.

So the only thing to do is buy 2 cases of beer and invite a bunch on guys over. Put the body on before you give out the beer

Make sure everyone understands what you doing and how to do it. Go slow and keep everyone on the same page.

Dwight

priobe · #13 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:19 AM

Dwight,

Those numbers came from Brett when he own EM. I am not pulling the numbers out of the sky.

The problem with an engine lift is getting it under the chassis. The chassis is too low. I know I can always lift the chassis but I am still doubtful about a single person lift.

I may just stick to good old fashion brute power

Dwight · #14 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:23 AM

I would have lost a dollar bet on the weight of the body. I was think around 350 or less.

Dwight

priobe · #15 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:28 AM

Dwight,

Not sure how much the same the Lone Star is to the EM. But the front to the windshield is about 80 - 100 lbs ( guess by trying to lift) but center and rear is pretty solid.

I think total car weights about 2500 with BB, so I would bet the body is about 400 with 500 being tops

Dwight · #16 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:29 AM

If you use man power make sure everyone understand how you are going to set the body down. What to look for, metal that may scratch the paint, etc.

You can duct tape "things" that may scratch the paint before hand. Have one guy to walk around and watch as the body goes down.

Best of luck.

Dwight

Dwight · #17 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:37 AM

The Lone Star has the front fender wells, interior tub and trunk molded to the body. E-M and LS bodies are about the same design & weight.

I feel your pain. I was very nervous when we set the body.

I did have the convenience of a overhead hoist.

Dwight

cay5628 · #18 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 01:21 PM

I have a Gen IV body/kit. EM says the body weighs about 450 per the assembly manual. Mine came with the hood, trunk lid, and doors hung already with associated hardware. I showed 480 lbs. It is a very stout body, the fiberglass quality and seams are head and shoulders above some other manufacturers I've seen. For the initial install of the body I intend to use my engine hoist with adjustable straps to installed eyebolts with a few friends to help guide it and set it in place. Once the car is sorted out, it'll go to the painter. I'll take his advice on body removal and handling once it's painted; it's his deal once it's there at the shop, that's why he gets the big bucks...