I need to roll off subframe with engine, wheels and steering box in place.
I alm wondering where the center of gravity of the body will be like if I want to lift the body, where should I put the forks of my lifter?
Front of car (grille, bumpers) is off, radiator is off
Right now car is on a 4 post lift. Bolts are loose, everything is disconnected exctep the steering column.
It looks like I would have to lift about 1 foot so the upper arms clear off the inner fenders.
I may also roll the car off the lift and lift the body with a fenwick.
How would you proceed and what is the best way or best place to disconnect the steering column. (I noticed there is a clamp and that may allow to slide it apart?!

 

Yesy, clamp at steering box is the place. mark both parts before disassembly for the same alignment when assembling.

 

I can't tell you how to raise the car because I would not do it that way. The subframe is the structure of the car. Trying to move the body in anyway without proper structure is a mistake. In most cases we would remove the whole front end then remove the front sheet metal from the subframe. If you really want to just remove the the subframe I would raise the car up then support it with at least 6 jack stands and wood and I would lower the subframe. That front sheet metal is not designed to support itself without a sub frame. Even if you do not damage the front by lifting it you will through everything out of alignment.

Since you can not support on the subframe then you need some wood between the any jack stand and the cars sheet metal, you need to spread the weight out with like a 10" 2x4. Find a spot where the 2x4 makes the most contact..

 

Thank you. But removing the front fenders will make them out of alignment anyway for sure.
Indeed I wanted to leave them in place to save the alignments so there is a point I may be missing.

 

Not if you mark them properly. I have seen many finished cars with the front ends off. If I remember right there are only 2 bolts holding each fender on so your whole front end wild be held on with 4 bolts.

Its your car but I really do not think there is a safe way to pick it up. I have never seen it done on a first or second gen and I have around of 40 years around these cars. Good luck

 

This process seemed to work well.

 

Good job

 

Thank you all. Front subframe is now off and almost completely disassembled.
Removing fenders required 8 bolts on each side though, 2 on top, 2 on bottom, 1 inside the door and 3 in the fender well...
1 bolt broke on the bottom on driver's side, any tip to remove it?

Also I have a 3 port vacuum "Y", 1 is plugged, 1 go to the gear box and 1 ( I can't remember). What is the plugged one?
The bolts used on the starter used nuts tubes and washers. I doubt it was original. Question is, are they original bolts (and a modified starter) or are they planned to hold another part beside the starter?
What are the options to repair the slightly enlarged bracket?