Removing body from frame need info

[grassosgarage]

we are restoring a 71 bronco and have the body disassembled. Doors, fenders, roof, etc. removed. We built a body jig using dimensions from another thread. We have a 2-post lift and plan to lift the body straight up and roll the frame out and lower the body right down onto the jig which supports the body at the frame mount locations. My question is can we do this without bracing the body or do we need bracing? Also if we eventually want to put the body on a rotisserie, how should we brace it?

 

[NGABronco]

Brace the door openings for sure, I'd brace across the body at the door and tailgate!!! Just my opinoin!!!;D;D;D

 

[Skytrooper15]

I braced the doors but I had six straps picking up the body with a front end loader but as above said the more bracing you have the less chance of having a bowed and bent body that you can't put the doors back on.You just sort of watch while raising the body and if it starts to look like it is about to bow up sit it back down and brace and strap it even more.Good luck.

 

[bamabaja]

Take it from me, don’t rush into the removal of ur tub.
1. Photos. More photos. Store in at least 2 different places.
2. Research CB for body measurements. Make ur own diagrams and measurements from ur existing tub.
3. Braces. Everywhere. Several good threads here with pics of brace types and locations. I remember a good recent thread detailing build of adjustable braces, including parts list. Maybe someone will chime in with that info.
4. Lifting tub can be accomplished by several methods. Jack up, roll frame out, roll cart in. Sounds simpe enough, uh ? Bronco life is very deceptive.

Putting together never as easy as taking apart. Repeat ever time enter your shop. Have fun.

 

[bradform]

Question. Will fabricated braces made on one early Bronco work on other early Broncos also? If so, I can’t say I’ve seen anyone sells their braces after they complete the rebuild. I would think the measurements would be the same, although I’m sure there’s variation across all EB’s.


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[rydog1130]

Question. Will fabricated braces made on one early Bronco work on other early Broncos also? If so, I can’t say I’ve seen anyone sells their braces after they complete the rebuild. I would think the measurements would be the same, although I’m sure there’s variation across all EB’s.


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They might work, but there are up to +/- 0.25" tolerances on these things. They wernt built to precision so one's persons braces could fit while anothers wont. They're not hard to build just go get some 1/2-3/4" square tubing and some 1/8x1-2" flat stock and start cutting, drilling and welding up your braces

 

[RonJones]

I used a cage, door and tailgate braces as well as two 2x4 booms to support the front clip:

 

[MidwestTexan]

I'm in the process of a frame off right now myself. I braced the door openings with angle iron and completed my metal repairs. It's super easy and only took about an hour to make.

I replaced both floor pans, kick panels and A pillars. I set the body back on the frame and it lines up perfectly... The doors may be a different story when I get to them! haha... This is off topic but I Raptor lined the inside and bottom of my tub and engine bay and that stuff rocks!

I just renewed my subscription and I'll post pics when the system updates.

 

[AZ73]

I made by lift jig double as a brace. I used angle iron and ran it up the door post and 90 degrees to the rear quarters with a perpendicular angle iron across them. Held in place with bolts and a piece of triangular metal at the joint. I bolted it to the door hinge nuts (with washer spacers), and the holes for the top on the quarter panel.

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2246024&postcount=31

 

[jmhend]

Brace the door openings for sure, I'd brace across the body at the door and tailgate!!! Just my opinoin!!!;D;D;D

x2.... the more you can support or hold things in place the better off you will be later.... trust all of us the hours on doors alone is worth another brace.

 

[lgdpt]

I WAYYYY overdid my braces and spent about a day doing it. I also had a bulkhead in place. And I will say my bronco went back together easily. The body went back on the frame with the new mounts (by myself) in about an hour. I just test fit my doors for the first time... Easiest doors Ive ever lined up and my gaps are perfect.

My opinion....Take your time and over-do it with bracing or spend extra time later dealing with the changes you created by not bracing it.

 

[Rustytruck]

Remember the brake lines, the parking brake cables, the rear brake light harness. The tranny connections and neutral start harness. They hang up and make you very frustrated.

 

[JB Fab]

If you have a nice body, and you want to keep it nice. A couple of hours worth of work to build a decent brace, is way better than repairing wavy rockers and separated body seams (IMO)....

 

[jmhend]

If you have a nice body, and you want to keep it nice. A couple of hours worth of work to build a decent brace, is way better than repairing wavy rockers and separated body seams (IMO)....

Jon, always great to see your fab skills and ideas at work.

 

[ngsd]

What are you guys doing for bracing when you are removing the door posts and don't have hinge plates to secure to?

 

[hankjr]

What are you guys doing for bracing when you are removing the door posts and don't have hinge plates to secure to?

i ran square tubing from bulkhead bolt holes up to the back side of hinge plate on pass side and underside of steering column plate on drivers side in addition to the door frames as seen here;



Hank