Here in the semi-tropics, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, rainbows are shining. Spring has already sprung a few weeks ago and is slowly headed for the cold, cold north. Now’s almost the time to get ready to steam clean my body shell. But not quite yet – the spring rains are still here.
So this is a dry run on a dry day using a variation of Domingo’s method of lifting the car from the seat belt anchor bolt with an engine lift. Yes, yes, safety really is extremely important, and as Domingo said, it’s up to each individual to keep himself safe.
There’s no need to use anything special to latch onto the seat belt anchor. I just used 3/8” chain on a 7/16-20 bolt with some washers – the 3/8” chain fits over the bolt perfectly. I latched onto the 3/8 chain with the grab hook on the end of my engine lift.
The totally naked A body weighs 461 lbs, 186 lbs at each forward leaf spring hanger and 89 lbs in front. With the beams and dollies attached it must weight around 500 lbs, which means about a 250 lb load on the seat belt anchor when it is tipped.
I was able to tip the car about 30 degrees as shown, and I think 45 degrees should be no problem. For safety I’ll probably add two A frame props. The plan is to steam clean the driver side first, then endo the beams and do the passenger side. By steam cleaning the near half of the car each setup and using the steam cleaning wand there should be no need to position my body under the car at any time.
A gasoline engine driven 2400 psi steam cleaner that weighs 269 lbs and heats with diesel fuel that can raise the water temperature by 130 degrees rents for $140/day. Tap water is 60 degrees, so the output will be 190 degrees. Larger units are available for more money, but I’m trusting this unit will take off all the grime and undercoating on the body shell, K frame, hood, and fenders in one or two days.
Thanks again for the idea, Domingo!
to Domingo.
