If you can take some pictures as you go along they can help jog the memory when you begin reassembly. Put all removed hardware in plastic bags clearly marked as to where the parts came from. I even put the broken bits in there as it makes it easier to count for replacements.
Removing the body from the frame is not a big deal. Making sure everything is disconnected is the biggie. I like to do it with the engine out of the car. It can be done with the engine left in place but remove the carburators to allow for extra clearance.
There is a bolt at the steering box u-joint that has to be undone. There is a jam nut on this one. You can then pull the steering column out. Next undo the fuel, clutch and brake lines. There are three brake lines-two in front and one in back. Do not forget to disconnect the emergency brake and associated lines.
There are some wires to undo too, the starter, rear harness and some ground straps. Some of these wires are held to the frame with bent over metal tabs.
There are fourteen(14) body bolts, 7 down each side. They get rusted in pretty good, though. On each side: Two bolts that you can get to with the hood up. Three bolts that are under the carpet in the cab. One that you get to in the trunk. And one horizontal bolt and nut that is just in front of the rear wheel. This last one is the only one that has a nut on it - the others all attached to the frame with a threaded clip that fits on the frame.
Remove the hood, doors, fenders and truck lid to lighten the total weight you will have to lift. Lighter is better. It has been recommended that some type of brace be put in the door opening to keep the body from tweaking when you lift it off of the frame. I just bolted a small piece of angle across the top of the door opening to keep the body from wracking. NOTE:The best recommendation is to leave the doors in place until the body is removed.
I used my cherry picker with a chain bolted to the floor at my roll bar mount just behind the seat, or you can use the seat belt bolt holes if yours are not rusted. Some are rusted solid. This is fairly close to center and lifts off nicely. Two burly people could lift the body off but for safety reasons four is probably wiser. Have a body off beer party and invite your friends over.
You can then either put the body on sawhorses, a custom built box on wheels or a rotiserie.
Now you are ready to tear into the frame, rear end, and front suspension rebuild.
A frame off takes a person who does not procrastinate. I am sure many a well intentioned project never got finished. Hang in there as the results will bring a smile to your face.
