48 Pontiac body weight

[Jeff]

Hi, I'm going to be pulling body off frame, no doors, trunk lid. would like am approximate weight that I need to be lifting. Thanks Jeff

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[Larry]

I don't have info on the '48, but checking a Salesman's Fact Book for my 1940 Pontiac, I think we can get a close guess.

The largest Pontiac for 1940 was the Torpedo (Cadillac body) 4-door sedan. It tipped the scales at 3,635 lbs. I believe a '48 Pontiac would weigh about the same. But if you want to be on the safe side, say 3,700 or so. That's gotta be darn close.

Now, start working backwards from there and guess at what each item you have removed, or will not be lifting, weights.

For example, an engine/transmission must weight at least 300-400 lbs. A frame with all the suspension and rear end has to be about 600-700 lbs.

Now add up the wheels and tires, the doors, glass, fenders, etc. and I bet you can subtract about another 600-700 lbs.

This all brings me to about 2000 or so lbs. With interior and much other misc. (radiator, gas tank, bumpers, etc.), you're probably closed to about 1,600 lbs. or less.

So, to keep on the side of caution, rig for about a ton. I removed the body on my '40 Pontiac with chain and four turnbuckles running to my garage rafters. It was an old garage with heavy rafters, not today's trusses. Just put some braces to the floor if you do something like that and go slowly. Once off, lower and support as soon as possible.

Hope this helps. And be careful!