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MG MGA - Preparing for Liftoff

The fateful day is upon us. It's time to lift off the body of my MGA. I have welded in new sills on both sides, unbolted all that the book says I need to be unbolt, and secured supports across the top of the cockpit. Now what is the best way to lift off the body. How much does it weigh? I figured I would try to get four guys-one on each corner. Today one other guy and I tried to lift it but it didn't budge. I was thinking I might try sliding some 2x4 under the body and carefully trying to jack it up and inch or so just to make sure everything is disconnected. Could it just be 52 years of rust that's holding it down?
Joe Holtslag

Gday Joe, when I lifted the body off my MGA I used a engine hoist ,jack it up a little check for anything being caught/still connected,jack some more. As always check Barneys site. Bob


B Walker

A guy in each corner will suffice. However, the body can be a tight fit around the "goalpost" area and might need some persuading.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

The main body shell with all other parts removed weighs right on 200 pounds (including several coats of paint). Two healthy guys can pick it up and set it on saw horses. BTDT. Four guys is a beer party with a two minute play date.

If the body is stuck on the frame, you missed a couple of bolts. The most commonly overlooked bolts are underneath aft of the B-posts. Otherwise see a complete list of the body to frame bolt locations here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/restore/rt103a.htm
Barney Gaylord

Joe,

Some weights (in lbs):-

Body tub (completely bare) = 196
Four wings = 60
Doors,bonnet,boot,battery cover = 55
Heater,windscreen,front valance = 40

There should be 31 screws fixing the body to the frame; check you haven't forgotten any. Also remember to remove the frame bumper irons. I replaced my body last week without any assistance but my garage has an 8x5 roof RSJ with a moving trolley and a block & tackle did all the hard work.....................Mike
m.j. moore

This thread was discussed between 10/06/2012 and 11/06/2012

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.