Not hard at all but much easier if steering column/box is removed first. The Burb and Panel have some "outrigger" brackets on the frame for additional mounts but are easy to access. We have a body lift bar, an electric hoist, and a 19 foot ceiling so that is the route we usually go but have lifted a number of bodies off with our two post lift. Many years ago I lifted a couple off with camper jacks (scary).
Not hard at all but much easier if steering column/box is removed first. The Burb and Panel have some "outrigger" brackets on the frame for additional mounts but are easy to access. We have a body lift bar, an electric hoist, and a 19 foot ceiling so that is the route we usually go but have lifted a number of bodies off with our two post lift. Many years ago I lifted a couple off with camper jacks (scary).
*** Kthomas *** When & if you remove your panel body off the frame be sure and keep the body mounting blocks as you will probably have the custom make or alter the ones you purchase. The blocks removed from my Suburban measured 1 5/8" as compared to 2" for the ones I ordered from Jim Carter. I received information at the time others had the same problem. ***
*** Kthomas *** When & if you remove your panel body off the frame be sure and keep the body mounting blocks as you will probably have the custom make or alter the ones you purchase. The blocks removed from my Suburban measured 1 5/8" as compared to 2" for the ones I ordered from Jim Carter. I received information at the time others had the same problem. ***
Remove the entire front clip as a unit, then 10 bolts are all that holds the cab on the frame. The engine and steering column were out of mine already, so I just jacked it up with RV slide-out stanchions, then rolled the chassis out the front:
Just a thought - if you haven't pulled the body off yet you might want to do some cross bracing so the body doesn't twist. It might not be a problem if you are just jacking it up with jacks but if you are going to lift it with an overhead crane I would recommend it. Look closly at Marks pictures in his link above. I had all my doors off so I was concerned it would twist so I put an "X" brace across the back. I used the hinge bolt holes and made brackets and welded "Rebar" across the opening. I also did the doors with some bracing. My panel had significant rust out in the floors so I wasn't sure how strong the body was.
I'm going to remove the body off the frame of my 1954 chevy 1 ton panel. Is the body prone to racking if not braced? or if the rear doors are closed that will prevent that? I have learned to ask questions first. I used to say learn by trial and error but i have found that way to be more expensive. Todd
My experience is that panel trucks are relatively rigid. My 1/2-ton panel didn't twist at all (doors still opened and closed just the same with the body off) but your 1-ton is a longer, heavier cab. As long as you keep your lifting points fairly level any twisting should be negligible and will return to normal when the body is bolted back down to the frame. And if they were prone to twisting, would the factory have lifted them like this?
I did close to same on my 49 sub but used an engine hoist to lift. I removed front clip and uses the brackets that hold hood struts on firewall in front and rear bumper brackets in back as lift points.You can remove some air from tires if required to reduce lift. Just go slow and be safe as these are heavy.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
The body has since been transferred to my rotisserie but with the sheet metal/plywood construction of the base of the body, I got two 12' lengths of 3x3 3/16" wall tube to run the length of the body for full support. This allows me to keep it mobile for abrasive blasting the underbody as well as do all my sheet metal repairs at the rear corners without the frame rails in the way.
Cool, keep us posted on your progress with pictures as well.
Tim
1951 3100 Chevrolet 1951 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall Image "A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
