Body Removal

[Makgecko2017]

Anything to watch out for when taking the body off? Do I need the wood brace in the cockpit area.

Thanks Mike

[GoDadGo]

It depends on how many extra hands you have helping; however, on the 1st pull I would definitely recommend bracing the cockpit to make sure that you don't over stress the glass especially if you have only 2-3 people assisting you.

I have removed and replaced my body several times without a brace, but I've always had between 4-6 people there to help me.

Edwardb has done it solo, but he's rigged up a cool contraption to help him.

Be careful and watch what you are doing and you'll find it to be pretty easy.

[Makgecko2017]

Thanks! I'm going to take it slow

[PeteH]

I've had mine on and off a few times without a brace with 2 guys, one on each side. A little cumbersome to get up high enough but doable, and we're old guys.

[Jeff Kleiner]

If this is your first pull on a freshly delivered kit before you remove the body mark anywhere that the aluminum is <3/8" from the underside of the body, particularly in the trunk area. You will ultimately trim back to these points to allow for bulb seal.

Jeff

[wareaglescott]

Just in case you are unaware the youtube videos on the FFR site show them removing the body. I am a visual learner and it helped me to see it happen to know how to instruct my helpers when I took mine off.

[phileas_fogg]

If this is your first pull on a freshly delivered kit before you remove the body mark anywhere that the aluminum is <3/8" from the underside of the body, particularly in the trunk area. You will ultimately trim back to these points to allow for bulb seal.

Jeff

Take heed; if you don't you'll waste a day putting the body back on so you can mark the aluminum just to turn around a take the body off again.


John

[BCrouse]

If this is your first pull on a freshly delivered kit before you remove the body mark anywhere that the aluminum is <3/8" from the underside of the body, particularly in the trunk area. You will ultimately trim back to these points to allow for bulb seal.

Jeff

Good to know! I ordered my kit today. It's nice having knowledgeable people and the forums to learn from.

[CraigS]

When I help w/ a body I like to use the wooden spreader to keep it from folding up. I also like to use a ratchet strap from the trunk opening to the hood opening to keep it from folding the other way. It also keeps the spreader from falling out. To me, unless you are doing it w/ people who have already done it a couple of times, Murphy's law always makes something go wrong. All you need is a guy to trip a little and suddenly the body loses support someplace.

[KegMechanic]

If this is your first pull on a freshly delivered kit before you remove the body mark anywhere that the aluminum is <3/8" from the underside of the body, particularly in the trunk area. You will ultimately trim back to these points to allow for bulb seal.

Jeff

Wish I knew that a few weeks ago:(

[cnutting]

Take heed; if you don't you'll waste a day putting the body back on so you can mark the aluminum just to turn around a take the body off again.


That pretty much sums up my day today. ;)

Also found some other areas with the 289 where two objects are trying to occupy the same space. Ugh.