S4 body removal stuck at rear

[JonB]

Well here’s my first S4 question.

I’ve done everything mentioned in the various body removal posts, lists, books etc. All 16 body attachment fasteners are out and all the other bits undone, including the seat runner bolts that pierce the chassis top rail. The front end of the body is loose but the rear refuses to budge. Just can’t shift it. Something is still attaching it, but what? I’ve looked but can’t for the life of me see anything I’ve missed.

Any advice?

[Peter +2]

Just a thought, what about seat belt top bolts on the rear turrets?.

Not sure if these are included in the 16 fixings.

[JonB]

Quite right! And that’s what it turned out to be. I was sort of following BB and he says “remove seat belts”.

D’oh.

So, I’m now ready to lift the body. I’ll attempt this using the seat front bobbins and rear turret brace bobbins, and an engine hoist.

What could possibly go wrong?

[JonB]

It’s been done before.

https://lotuselan.net/lel/2789/0/lowering%20body2.jpg

[JonB]

And so..

Showing the attachment points for the hoist. Outer seatbelt mounts and seat mounts.

After some faffing about, the body is sitting on the hoist’s bottom arms.

I won't be using the engine hoist when I put the body back on the chassis. Too much risk of damage to new paintwork.

As you can see, there's no space in the workshop. I will have to juggle it about (a lot) and build a dolly for the body. I can then move it to the garage where it will wait for paint prep.

[Peter +2]

Glad you got it sorted.

[Elanintheforest]

Great way to remove the body Jon, and now you can see what's going on!
Mark

[JonB]

Wait till you see it Mark.

[Elanintheforest]

My rolling chassis looked pretty rough when it emerged from the shell after 50 years! But a spot of blasting and painting will have the running gear looking good. Have you made a decision on the chassis yet....repair or replace?

[alan.barker]

Jon,
Imho there is no choice about the Chassis.
You have a Lotus galvanised chassis so fit it.
Also when the Body has been prepared for paint fit it to the new rolling chassis.
That way when it's painted and in a heated paint Booth nothing will move/warp.
But it's your car Jon.
Stick the original chassis on flebay and let someone else waste their time on it.
Alan

[ill_will]

If you're tight on space