[TR] TR6 tub removal

[Dave1massey at cs.com]

In a message dated 12/30/2007 9:20:09 PM Central Standard Time, 
trmarty at hotmail.com writes: 
> Ok folks, just how big a job is it to pull the tub off a TR6. I am doing 
> some
> work in the barn on the TR6 and as I pick out things on my wish list to do
> while I have things apart would be to do some frame re-enforcements. In my
> mind I always pictured pulling the tub off as a big project that once 
> started
> would keep leading to one more next thing that would need done. Interior is
> out of the car right now. Can you leave the engine and drive train  in the 
> car
> and and just pull the tub off, then do what needs done and then just drop it
> back down and bolt it back on? It probably cant be that simple but I thought 
> I
> would ask. What say ye experts out there?
> 
Pulling the tub is not difficult but there are many things that need to be 
disconnected.  Things like brake lines and electrical cables.  Yes you can leave 
the drive train in place.  In fact I advocate that if you are doing a frame 
off you should install the entire drive train before mounting the tub.  (I also 
highly recommend installing the throttle cross shaft before mating but that's 
another story).

You will need to disconnect everything that interconnects the items that are 
staying on the frame with the items that will be leaving with the tub.  That 
includes brake lines, clutch line, electrical wiring to the engine and 
transmisison and a host of other things I am probably forgetting at the moment.  Then 
there are some 47 bolts that mount the tub to the frame.  47 is an exageration 
but there are some 15 ot 17 bolts and some of those will be rusted so you may 
end up cutting off a few.  If you have a glow wrench* it will be much easier.

The bare tub is light enough for three people (maybe even two stout men) to 
lift off.  If you leave a bunch of stuff attached like fenders, hood and 
trunklid it will weigh more.  Be sure to leave the doors attached and closed (or 
brace the door openings) to avoid the tendency of the tub to fold up in the 
middle.

Once the tub is off do everything you have a mind to do to the frame before 
putting the two back together.  That includes suspension, brake lines, and 
frame repair.  It will be much easier than addressing these things after the tub 
is mounted.

Cheers

Dave