73-87chevytrucks.com
General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stewart G Griffin on July 18, 2020, 10:08:27 am
-
i don't actually need to lift the cab or bed. i need to lift a unibody car (a chevette) about no more than 3' off the ground repeatedly and efficiently----so i can slide the chassis and/or axles/wheels in and out to get the positioning right.
This will have to be done many, many times repeatedly and efficiently. Efficiently meaning it won't take too much time each time.
i know chevettes don't have frames-----i'm adding one.
Also, the entire drivetrain will be out along with many other parts, so i'm thinking the body will weigh about 1,400 lbs. if that.
Stipulations:
The ceiling in the garage is not very high----maybe 10 ft. If necessary i can do this outside, but would prefer not to, but will.
-
If I was faced with that situation I would use a 4x4 through the door openings and use 2 block and tackles off supported ceiling rafters assuming your garage is well built. I do the same thing lifting cabs and beds off by myself using a home made A-Frame out in the front yard. Hardest part is finding the center of gravity. I do it all the time parting trucks out
-
I may not be the safest person but I have had great success simply using the rafters. I remember using a winch and the jack handle of a cheap Walmart jack, I took the light fixture out of my carport and placed the jack handle across the rafters to lift the bead off my truck several times. Ratchet straps on front and rear for balancing and wood frame inside for lifting and support a cheap electric winch makes this process so quick and repeatable. Plus your arms aren't worn out and more wrenching can be done!
-
Did you ever settle on a method? Fabricate anything?
-
Not yet; Crap came up.
i think really, i just need to get it (whether "it" being chevette or monza) maybe 30 inches in the air safely. This should be enough room to get underneath and weld comfortably?
Also, the whole business about needing to lift/lower repeatedly i don't know if that still stands because i want to do it the right way; Previously i was thinking about making a ladder type frame and simply "bolting" the body to it.
Well, that's not really the best way to go about it, is it? Why not weld the rear clip to the rockers, add subframe connectors, and triangulate with roll cage? Thus, i don't think i would really need to lift/lower that often?