Top Radiator Cross “Support” Removal

[19bee70]

I just did this 6 months ago in the same type of garage.
Pulled the hood
Jacked car just high enough to get tires off and used stands
Unbolted all the suspension and steering connections
Disconnected wiring, fuel, driveshaft and removed radiator
Fab'd a cradle like DANGTX said but I used 2 4 wh furniture dolly from HF to support engine and trans.
Used top shocked mount holes for eye bolts and a chain. Lifted body, removed jack stands and lowered body and everything onto cradle
Removed trans x member and k frame bolts
Lifted body until cradle with eng/trans roll out other side opposite lift

There might be other disconnects but you get the idea. Without the good on I was able to lift the body high enough to roll it out. The clear advantage here is no damage to good paint in the engine compartment and no banging around fighting with angles with the trans connected
This may work for you too.

 

[Moparfiend]

If you pull the hood consider drilling a couple of holes through the hinge and the hood so you can put it back in the right place by using "pins" or drill bits to line up the holes before bolting it back together.

Great idea! Thank you! Do you mean like two in this area?

 

[b-body-bob]

Great idea! Thank you! Do you mean like two in this area?

View attachment 1977089

Yes, that is where I would drill.

I found out about this idea the last time I had the hood off my Duster and like to never got the thing to where it would close again. I've had several hoods off before that one, but it broke me that time. Maybe it's the nature of an A-body. I wish I would've known about this idea before I removed it though.

 

[Moparfiend]

Yes, that is where I would drill.

I found out about this idea the last time I had the hood off my Duster and like to never got the thing to where it would close again. I've had several hoods off before that one, but it broke me that time. Maybe it's the nature of an A-body. I wish I would've known about this idea before I removed it though.

Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate this forums members. It’s like a virtual garage for isolated gear heads lol

 

[Don Frelier]

Great idea! Thank you! Do you mean like two in this area?

View attachment 1977089

I take a knife or fine marker and trace the bolt heads prior to removal perhaps not quite as exact but it works well for re-assembly.
3 people makes the install really easy put a fender cloth or something up against the cowl in case it slides rearward when your putting it on.

 

[Kern Dog]

I've read that a good idea is to measure an 8 penny nail, get a drill bit the same size, then later you use the nail as a dowel to align the hood. Even better is to drill two holes per side.