8valve

I guess I am committed LOL !!!!!!

OK, my 73 body is free and blocked up off the frame with 4x4 blocks. My plan was to use a fork lift with 10K pound capacity and 8 foot forks. That idea is scrapped as I would have to jack and block the body off the frame way to high to get forks all the way under the body (tranny and etc in the way). It would be to unstable and inviting disaster.

What is your experience with the 4 point lifting slings the vendors sell. I still could do the lift with the fork lift, just in a different way.

Has anyone had a lifting sling failure causing the body to drop ? Has anyone bent out the metal or broke the fiberglass in the area where the lift sling hooks grab ?

Please tell me your experiences Good or bad. Like I shared earlier, I am a one man show. There is no help forthcoming. I dont want a bad day.

I work on all my antique/classic trucks. Lifting this body is the most stressful thing I have done ha ha ha.

Thanks
8Valve

Alan 71

Hi 8v,
I don't think I've ever read of a lift sling strap failure.
I think I'd lift just high enough to put a load on straps, carefully check the stitching and hooks, and then continue the lift.
Working alone presents a few problems, but offers MANY pleasures too!
Regards,
Alan

I actually had greater fears that the welds on my engine stand would fail!

rogman16

Same here, Alan!!! Didn't take too long to cut a piece of 2x4 to put under the block to relieve the fishing pool bend!!!



8Valve--there are a lot of YouTubes out there showing how guys lifted (or dropped) their bodies... Most of them use the 6-8 guy method, but I've seen a few with a forklift...

Rogman

Evershark

Winches with nylon straps are commercially available at a much lower cost than the special "slings". I rigged some reinforcement in my garage attic and pick the body up with three straps and support of the nose.

8valve

Alan, working alone, I get to pick whats for lunch ha ha ha

8Valve

mudbone64

I bummed my buddies lift straps and made the spreader rig out of 4x4s. The entire body was lifted with a 9/16" piece of all-thread.


Honestly, other than needing a little help balancing the body lifting it was quite easy.

Evershark

Additional note to the pic above. The yellow straps wrap around, under the body not hooked on the lower channels. If you have the body up on boards, off the frame, the straps will feed under easily. This method puts less strain on the sides, doors, etc. It does take two people to operate the two winches, not shown, near the ceiling.

brent319

I borrowed 2 straps from a neighbor who runs a warehouse, who knows a lot of truckers. They have the flat hooks on the end for grabbing the rails on semi flat beds. You can buy them, but I am cheap and won't use them again so I opted to call in a favor.
I have seen people use four straps, but it seemed easier to use 2. One spanned between the front corners and one in the back. Put a little tension on the engine hoist and snugged the straps down and it was balanced.
It was easier for me to slide the chassis under it then roll it from the front since my driveway is on a hill. I had four wheel dollies and just rolled it under from the side. That seemed easier then moving the engine hoist with the body swinging.
good luck.

jnb5101

you can also use the seat belts (or attach straps to the seat belt bolts if the seat are out) to help the lift. they can withstand a lot of force.

redwingvette

I used the lift straps without any issues. Once the body was off I could see that my rockers were severely rusted out and could have been a problem.





Just check your rockers out before attaching to them.

AzMotorhead

Some purchased slings can be a bit long

RS69

Do you guys gut the interior before the body lift?

Thanks,
Rick

jnb5101

remove the steering column and seats, or if you're doing a new interior strip that out first also.

AzMotorhead

Silver 65 was left intact. I just did a frame/driveline resto on that one.
My 71 is gutted

flyinfree

I have had strap failure. When I received the straps I did not inspect them. Lifted the body several inches off frame on Sunday afternoon when I hot home Monday evening one leaf had come loose from mtal hook. The manufacturer hot glued strap but one lead was not sewn. I purchased this from Ecklers and I have to say I was very disappointed with Ecklers response. Basically they said sorry about your luck read the disclaimer on all of our sales. I contacted sling manufacturer and they were very responsive. The rear valance was damaged and I had to repair it myself at my own expense. The sling manufacturer made me a new sling even custom built it with shorter leads and shipped it NDA UPS.

My advise inspect that everything is stiched properly.

flyinfree

I have had strap failure. When I received the straps I did not inspect them. Lifted the body several inches off frame on Sunday afternoon when I hot home Monday evening one leaf had come loose from mtal hook. The manufacturer hot glued strap but one lead was not sewn. I purchased this from Ecklers and I have to say I was very disappointed with Ecklers response. Basically they said sorry about your luck read the disclaimer on all of our sales. I contacted sling manufacturer and they were very responsive. The rear valance was damaged and I had to repair it myself at my own expense. The sling manufacturer made me a new sling even custom built it with shorter leads and shipped it NDA UPS.

My advise inspect that everything is stitched properly.