preparation work that was done before the acrylic lacquer final coats were applied. Ron reviewed the chassis restoration work that he had completed prior to the body drop. The entire Interior had been removed by Ron in the restoration process to reduce the weight of the body for the drop. The body jacks were furnished by Bob Lund, North Central chapter member. Bob does restorations of Corvettes in Bloomington. Bob and Don O'Grady operated the jacks for body lift from the dolly and the drop on to the chassis.
The drop involved a few tasks to prepare the body for the drop. The rear running lights and back-up lights and rear harness were installed. Due to the limited access it is easier to put them in place before the drop. It is also easier to install the rear Corvette Sting Ray emblem prior to the mating of the body to the chassis. We dropped the Coupe with the doors and hood installed. The chassis was complete also with the drive train in place. The most time was spent in aligning the body mounts to the chassis. The lift from the body dolly and lowering the body to the chassis were routine as we have done the procedure previously. Safety of the members working around the body in lifting and lowering the body on the jacks is a key issue and that also went well.
After the body was bolted to the chassis the Corvette was rolled on to Ron’s enclosed trailer and secured for the ride home. Ron expresses his thanks to all who attended and participated in the successful body drop. |
