Body Dolly Fabrication
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
Body Dolly Fabrication
I'm getting ready to pull the body off of my 76'. I was planning on setting it down on some 4x4's on my flat bed trailer but I think this will limit my ability to get under it to work. Does anybody have a design for a good dolly that could be fabricated out of metal or wood? I've seen several in photo's here on the Forum and they all appear to be home made. I will probably dismantle and scrap it when I'm done so I don't want it too nice. I have a metal shop and MIG so I'm good to go there. I'm looking to buy a 4 pt. lift strap too but I'll post that in the WTB section later.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
I'm getting ready to pull the body off of my 76'. I was planning on setting it down on some 4x4's on my flat bed trailer but I think this will limit my ability to get under it to work. Does anybody have a design for a good dolly that could be fabricated out of metal or wood? I've seen several in photo's here on the Forum and they all appear to be home made. I will probably dismantle and scrap it when I'm done so I don't want it too nice. I have a metal shop and MIG so I'm good to go there. I'm looking to buy a 4 pt. lift strap too but I'll post that in the WTB section later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Body Dolly
Hey Pala,
You can get as involved as you want on a dolly of this type. My feeling was, as long as it properly supported the various mounting points on body, provided easy access to underside of body, and was cheap, that was how to go. I live in an area that abounds with manufacturing facilities, and I was looking for an oversize hardwood shipping pallet. In my case, it was an easy find. To the bottom of that I mounted 4 HD swivel casters. I then ran two stringers as long as the body, across the longest side of the pallet. Then it was just a matter of measuring where to place the cross braces in order to line up with the mounting points. It has been a great convenience to be able to easily roll the body around and in and out of my shop. If you want a couple pictures, send me an e-mail with your e-mail address for an attachment. Save your time and money for the car, you will need it! LOL
You can get as involved as you want on a dolly of this type. My feeling was, as long as it properly supported the various mounting points on body, provided easy access to underside of body, and was cheap, that was how to go. I live in an area that abounds with manufacturing facilities, and I was looking for an oversize hardwood shipping pallet. In my case, it was an easy find. To the bottom of that I mounted 4 HD swivel casters. I then ran two stringers as long as the body, across the longest side of the pallet. Then it was just a matter of measuring where to place the cross braces in order to line up with the mounting points. It has been a great convenience to be able to easily roll the body around and in and out of my shop. If you want a couple pictures, send me an e-mail with your e-mail address for an attachment. Save your time and money for the car, you will need it! LOL
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
I was too cheap to buy the lift straps, so I picked up 2 nylon tow straps from Harbor Freight and tied them off to the right length. I then hooked one end to an opening in the inside front door pillar, and the other I bolted to the seat belt anchor on the rocker channel. I did that on opposide sides for each strap (driver's door pillar, passengers seat belt anchor, and vice versa), making an 'X' over the top of the body which I attached the winch to. It was much cheaper and seemd to work just as well.
I was a little concerned about this configuration "pinching" the windshield, but I left the T-tops in and even with my severely rotted out windshield frame, everything turned out fine.
I was a little concerned about this configuration "pinching" the windshield, but I left the T-tops in and even with my severely rotted out windshield frame, everything turned out fine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
front end support
I was too cheap to buy the lift straps, so I picked up 2 nylon tow straps from Harbor Freight and tied them off to the right length. I then hooked one end to an opening in the inside front door pillar, and the other I bolted to the seat belt anchor on the rocker channel. I did that on opposide sides for each strap (driver's door pillar, passengers seat belt anchor, and vice versa), making an 'X' over the top of the body which I attached the winch to. It was much cheaper and seemd to work just as well.
I was a little concerned about this configuration "pinching" the windshield, but I left the T-tops in and even with my severely rotted out windshield frame, everything turned out fine.
I was a little concerned about this configuration "pinching" the windshield, but I left the T-tops in and even with my severely rotted out windshield frame, everything turned out fine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
i used a auto twirler to lift mine off the frame....worked GREAT, and serves a dual purpose.
www.twirlersouth.com
www.twirlersouth.com
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I could talk all day ... but here are 1000 words for you.
...should give you some ideas.
I was going to have support in the front - decided a strap was better.
Also, I have a couple posts to hold the #4 mounts. Each 4x4 post can unbolt
from the frame with lag bolts. There is a 1/2" threaded rod in the top of each post,
so the body mounts can be firmly attached.
...should give you some ideas.
I was going to have support in the front - decided a strap was better.
Also, I have a couple posts to hold the #4 mounts. Each 4x4 post can unbolt
from the frame with lag bolts. There is a 1/2" threaded rod in the top of each post,
so the body mounts can be firmly attached.
Last edited by NHvette; Apr 11, 2007 at 08:45 PM.
Race Director
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From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Thanks Duke,
Been looking for these links and you put all in one post!
Now they are on my hard drive.
This info sharing is what I love about this Forum!
Bman
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
I could talk all day ... but here are 1000 words for you.
...should give you some ideas.
I was going to have support in the front - decided a strap was better.
Also, I have a couple posts to hold the #4 mounts. Each 4x4 post can unbolt
from the frame with lag bolts. There is a 1/2" threaded rod in the top of each post,
so the body mounts can be firmly attached.
...should give you some ideas.
I was going to have support in the front - decided a strap was better.
Also, I have a couple posts to hold the #4 mounts. Each 4x4 post can unbolt
from the frame with lag bolts. There is a 1/2" threaded rod in the top of each post,
so the body mounts can be firmly attached.
Think my son and I might borrow that for the upcoming boxcar derby? Looks like you already have the perfect launch figured out!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
What paint did you use to paint the under carriage
What paint did you use for the undercarriage and interior? I thought is was a possible undercoating/sound proofing. Thanks for all your help. TJMica
Last edited by tjmica; Apr 12, 2007 at 12:05 AM. Reason: Did not help to explain the question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
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From: Fallbrook CA
TJMica...I assume that that question is directed at COINWASHER since he has such a sweet looking restoration. You may want to PM him your question if he doesn't see it here.
I like the NHvette style. I need to figure out the center to center dimensions but that shouldn't be too tough.
JustForFun....what's the ballpark cost for one of those and where does it attach (front clip on).
Coinwasher...That one is sweet but I would have to keep it around when I got done causing additional problems with wife!
I like the NHvette style. I need to figure out the center to center dimensions but that shouldn't be too tough.
JustForFun....what's the ballpark cost for one of those and where does it attach (front clip on).
Coinwasher...That one is sweet but I would have to keep it around when I got done causing additional problems with wife!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
TJMica...I assume that that question is directed at COINWASHER since he has such a sweet looking restoration. You may want to PM him your question if he doesn't see it here.
I like the NHvette style. I need to figure out the center to center dimensions but that shouldn't be too tough.
JustForFun....what's the ballpark cost for one of those and where does it attach (front clip on).
Coinwasher...That one is sweet but I would have to keep it around when I got done causing additional problems with wife!
I like the NHvette style. I need to figure out the center to center dimensions but that shouldn't be too tough.
JustForFun....what's the ballpark cost for one of those and where does it attach (front clip on).
Coinwasher...That one is sweet but I would have to keep it around when I got done causing additional problems with wife!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Just a friendly addition to the above, be sure that you also support the nose of the car in some fashion during the lift. Once nose is unattached to frame supports, it becomes very fragile.Its own weight is capable of causing damage. I attached a couple ratchet straps to the front end structure and back to the hook before lifting up with an overhead crane. Ratcheted straps snug, not tight, and they provided good support during the lift. SLOOOOOW is the key!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
Hey Rick....How long was your buddy able to hold up that body with his leg before fatigue set in??...Looks like fun. I see what you mean about the strap set up. Nice looking car. I'd like to see some pic's of your project.
What do you guys think about COINWASHERS LIzard Skin? Where did you get that stuff?? I personally like it and am thinking about using it on mine.
Glenn P
What do you guys think about COINWASHERS LIzard Skin? Where did you get that stuff?? I personally like it and am thinking about using it on mine.
Glenn P
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_01.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_02.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_03.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_04.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_05.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_06.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_07.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...y/dolly_08.jpg
Pneumatic 10" swivel casters from Harbor Freight ... got for $10 each, regular $20 each.
Someday, you will no longer need it.
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...s/body_on2.gif
Frame dimensions drawing used to locate posts:
http://webpages.charter.net/davekimt...C3FrameDim.jpg
Last edited by NHvette; Apr 12, 2007 at 03:13 PM.