1965 Convertible

[Tommy M.]

I am in mid Missouri, I just bought a 1965 Corvette convertible. It is a total project. Everything has been removed off this car.. the only thing left together is the body and frame. I have most all the pieces. It has a 64 hood (which I need to trade for a 65 hood) and I need a front bumper and exhaust valance... I am thinking about taking the body off the frame. Has anyone near me done that ? I do not have the equipment to do this except for a "cherry picker engine lift". Any advice will be helpful. Many thanks as a new member. Tommy

[Keith B.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

find five other friends who are able bodied and have a lifting party.

[Mike T.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

Tommy - Welcome to the NCRS Technical Discussion Board. Do post up some pics of your new 65, always like seeing projects.
As for the body lift, I prefer the 'lotsa friends' approach but back in '85 when I bought my 65 Coupe, there were only three of us so
the cherry picker got the nod. It was easier due to the front clip already removed.Black 65 005A.jpg

[Mark F.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

I am in mid Missouri, I just bought a 1965 Corvette convertible. It is a total project. Everything has been removed off this car.. the only thing left together is the body and frame. I have most all the pieces. It has a 64 hood (which I need to trade for a 65 hood) and I need a front bumper and exhaust valance... I am thinking about taking the body off the frame. Has anyone near me done that ? I do not have the equipment to do this except for a "cherry picker engine lift". Any advice will be helpful. Many thanks as a new member. Tommy

Tommy,

Welcome to the TDB ! (I was typing when Mike posted his welcome, too !)

I've helped with this process once.
This link below has lots of good advice, including a step-by-step process in the attached Word file (dunno who the author was, though)...
Remember to carefully count and record locations of all the shims at each body mount position !

Also, I believe convertibles need to be braced across the door openings (assuming the doors are off). Coupes aren't as prone to body sagging in the middle because the roof structure acts as a brace...

I'm sure others more experienced than I can give you more good advice...

Good luck !

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?73446-C2-Body-Removal-Help&highlight=body+removal

[Steven B.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

Tommy, the NCRS Store usually has the body lift book and resources available which is a good reference. Out of stock now but hopefully back in stock soon.

[Joe R.]

http://stlouisncrs.org/calendar/

[Tim G.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

Tommy, you have a wealth of knowledge in the Kansas City area. Please join the local Chapter and you will get to meet some great folks; I was with many of them at the NCRS Nationals this past week. Two of the KC Chapter members are currently restoring midyear Corvettes and they have already signed up for the Texas Regional. You may want to attend the Texas Regional for some of the restoration seminars.

[Tommy M.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

Ok, I will see if I can figure that out. This is what I am starting with. I have most all the parts. Thanks. DSCN9482.jpg

[Mike T.]

Re: 1965 Convertible

Tommy - Looks like you're off to a great start. Fill us in on the details, original colors in and out, engine horsepower, options, etc.
And, more pics.