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I used a heavy modified version of Noland Adams wooden body dolly in previous body-off restorations but after the last car, I threw it on the burn pile as I had planned on no more "body offs". A new project came my way - a 65 L78, 2 top convertible with 29K original (but hard) miles that had been sitting for over 25 years and now I needed another body dolly. Not wanting to build a wooden one, I spent some time on the internet looking at metal ones. I drew up some plans combining all the features I liked into one dolly. A trip to the metal yard and a couple days with my plasma cutter and MIG welder and I now have one that's 50% stronger than the what's commercially available at a fraction of the price. It's fully adjustable in all directions and will work for any C-1, C-2 or C-3 and pretty much any other car with minor modifications. After I'm done with this 65, maybe I'll keep my eyes open for another rare C-3 to restore.
That looks nice Jim. I know someone that might rent it from you when your done.
Thanks but, I already have someone that wants to buy it when I'm done (if I decide to sell it).
Originally Posted by csherman
do you have a mount for the c1 radiator support?
is there alot of play in the slip joints?
I don't have a C-1 mount made but it would only take a few minutes to make one. The slip joints only have 1/16" clearance and the bolts cinch it up nicely. It's incredibly sturdy due to the thickness of steel I used. It probably weighs about the same as the body I'm putting on it.
Originally Posted by ptjsk
Hey Jim,
That looks fantastic!
As I prepare to remove the body on my '63, I need to do something similar to this.
Pat
Pat, IIRC from a previous post, you're a retired Firefighter as well. Building one will be an easy task for a veteran "smoke eater".
it the top threaded or did you weld a nut on the backside of the cap.....
I welded a bolt to the bottom of the caps before I welded them onto the uprights. That way, the bolts will go up through the body mounts (except the rad. and #4) and can be secured with a large washer and a nut.
That looks nice Jim. I know someone that might rent it from you when your done.
I guess I'm a little slow Stewart. I didn't realize you were on this forum. Steve B. wants it but if that falls through, you can certainly use it if you'd like, no charge. See ya at the swap meet and chapter dinner.
I welded a bolt to the bottom of the caps before I welded them onto the uprights. That way, the bolts will go up through the body mounts (except the rad. and #4) and can be secured with a large washer and a nut.
Impressed 1snake! That is one of the best ones I've seen. I like how you made everything adjustable for fitting to C1, C2, C3, etc. When I built mine, I made it so it comes apart into 3 long pieces for easy storage and transport to somebody else, but I built it to fit a C2 which limits its "loanability". Cheers, Bill
Last edited by NightshiftHD; 02-02-2018 at 07:16 PM.
I have 3 body dollys - I would be interested in plans - I am having a local welder build 2 more... No rush......
I don't have any real blueprints. More like scribbles on some paper. If you need any dimensions, let me know. I just pulled the body off the frame on my 65 and the dolly fit it perfectly.
I used a heavy modified version of Noland Adams wooden body dolly in previous body-off restorations but after the last car, I threw it on the burn pile as I had planned on no more "body offs". A new project came my way - a 65 L78, 2 top convertible with 29K original (but hard) miles that had been sitting for over 25 years and now I needed another body dolly. Not wanting to build a wooden one, I spent some time on the internet looking at metal ones. I drew up some plans combining all the features I liked into one dolly. A trip to the metal yard and a couple days with my plasma cutter and MIG welder and I now have one that's 50% stronger than the what's commercially available at a fraction of the price. It's fully adjustable in all directions and will work for any C-1, C-2 or C-3 and pretty much any other car with minor modifications. After I'm done with this 65, maybe I'll keep my eyes open for another rare C-3 to restore.
I have been searching all possibilities for a body dolly for my 61 and then I found this , this is fantastic - completely adjustable , solid and easy to disassemble in pieces less than 4 ft. for storing . I am going to build one but I wanted to thank you for your idea. You should get royalties from this. It is so much better than all of the others I have found.It looks like you used 3/16 wall 2" square tubing .If I am wrong , please let me know.Thanks again.
02-01-2018, 12:48 PM
Body dolly
