How do I support body when removing sub frame?

[BirdsThaWord]

I'm to the point that I'm ready to remove the front subframe off of my 68 Firebird. How do I support the body when doing so? Seems like it would cave in the floors if I put jack stands under the sheet metal? My intentions are to remove the sub and then mount a dolly to the mounting points so I can roll the car around and so I can restore the under side. I did a search and came up with nothing.

[Rod]

here's a few ways

[Rod]

and this was my car in my 2 car garage, just roll out to work on it and roll back when done

[BirdsThaWord]

Thanks! But...you are showing how to support it AFTER the sub has been removed. How do I support it DURING removal and avoid caving the floors in?

[Randy67]

I used the rockers to support the car, stronger than the floor. Or you could use the crossmember the subframe attaches to, just support it out by the rockers.

[BirdsThaWord]

I used the rockers to support the car, stronger than the floor. Or you could use the crossmember the subframe attaches to, just support it out by the rockers.

Excellent! Thanks man!

[TT302Z28]

I have always used a 4x4 running under each rocker panel 24" long to distribute the load.

[BirdsThaWord]

I have always used a 4x4 running under each rocker panel 24" long to distribute the load.

That sounds like a good idea. I was going to have a dolly fabbed out of steel, but based on what you've said and what Rod shows in his pics, I think I may just make an all wood one. Thanks guys!

[cad]

I supported mine with 2 wood boxes under the rocker seam. The front isnt that heavy with everything removed.

Clark

[BirdsThaWord]

Cool! Looks like you had the interior still in there as I do. Thanks!

[robertjra]

check out my build it shows me removing the front frame and front end as one pice all in one hood, fenders, engine, and trans

[BirdsThaWord]

check out my build it shows me removing the front frame and front end as one pice all in one hood, fenders, engine, and trans

robert,
I know better than to pay attention to anything you say! You are a maniac! I've seen how you attack the most complicated stuff. WAY ahead of what I can do. I saw your console build thread and your car build thread. Wish you lived closer so I could learn from you!

[BonzoHansen]

[jfreakofkorn]

Just used two jack stands under the rocker. And the front should roll out smoothly..

[BirdsThaWord]

So what did you do? Break in to my garage and restore your ride when I wasn't around? I've got that same rusty roof support pole in the same location in my garage!!!

[novaderrik]

jackstands under the pinch weld on the rocker panels- that's the strongest point on the whole body and it's where the cradle held the body at the factory until it was dropped over the subframe. some jackstands even have a handy little notch in them that fits around it. be aware that the body will be tail-heavy if the rear end is still in it, so put the rear stands under the axle to keep the center of mass between the stands. if the rear axle and leaf springs are out of the car, then support it at the rear of the pinchweld on the roekr panels in front of the axle.
the dolly you fab up to move it around can use these same points.

[robertjra]

robert,
I know better than to pay attention to anything you say! You are a maniac! I've seen how you attack the most complicated stuff. WAY ahead of what I can do. I saw your console build thread and your car build thread. Wish you lived closer so I could learn from you!

i never did a console? but i do attack things head on lol removing the front sub frame is simple! all i can say is get in there and do it and if you cant put it back just use this forum for help call up all of your freinds and you can do it!!!

[BirdsThaWord]

jackstands under the pinch weld on the rocker panels- that's the strongest point on the whole body and it's where the cradle held the body at the factory until it was dropped over the subframe. some jackstands even have a handy little notch in them that fits around it. be aware that the body will be tail-heavy if the rear end is still in it, so put the rear stands under the axle to keep the center of mass between the stands. if the rear axle and leaf springs are out of the car, then support it at the rear of the pinchweld on the roekr panels in front of the axle.
the dolly you fab up to move it around can use these same points.

Thanks! Excelent info!!!

[BirdsThaWord]

i never did a console? but i do attack things head on lol removing the front sub frame is simple! all i can say is get in there and do it and if you cant put it back just use this forum for help call up all of your freinds and you can do it!!!

I must have been mistaken. I thought that was you in the thread using rods bent, shaped and welded into a frame work for a console. Yes, I love this forum! No way I'd do some of the stuff I'll be doing without the help from the great forum members here!