Body Bolts

By this time, I've removed off just about everything that I need to before pulling the body off the frame, so it is time to tackle those body bolts.  The thing is, while I can see a lot of them, I am not really sure where all the connections are actually located.  I did some checking online to discover where most of them are supposed to be and I think there are 16 bolts per side of the vehicle.  Nine of these are located under the rocker panels along the two sides; two are on the bottom of the pan, up near the front suspension; one is under the gas tank up front; three are under the rear seat; and one is in the rear wheel well, where the body and frame are connected to the suspension.

Thankfully, in spite of all the rust infecting the lower edge of the body, the bolts were all easily removed.  It took the big breaker bar a couple of times, but by yesterday evening I had removed all 32 of the body bolts.  I left them in order as I removed them and took care to number and label them in individual bags so when I go to put it back together they will line up.  I don't know how important this step actually is just yet.  It may have been unnecessary, but my inclination is to mark everything as clearly as possible just in case it does matter how and in which order the pieces go back together.

In some cases, like removing the trunk lid or the doors, I know it is very important to mark the location of the hinge and the order of the bolts so that it will fit back together with the same tolerances, so I am following this principle pretty much on each portion.  Some things are so far gone or are so obviously generic that I can safely either discard them or store them in a catch-all bag.  The brake line that I removed from under the passenger side, for example, was so rusted that even though it came out without breaking it, it can be rehabilitated and will simply be replaced.  The bolts that held it in place were the standard 13mm, and are relatively useful, so they are saved but will also likely be replaced by from fresh new ones when it comes time to put in the brand-new brake line.

So, with what seems to be all the bolts out, just before I out the cover back on, I gave the body a few little tugs to see if it is going to just lift off the way I hope.  It didn't even budge.

Next: Welded?