vettjam

Just finished my body dollie for my 65 vert.



Made some modifications to plans I found on this Forum. I eliminated the bottom cross piece on each end so I could use a creeper to get under the body better, and eliminated the top piece on each end so I have better access to clean the bottom of the body.



Also made a jig for the lift sling. The jig serves two purposes: it shortens up the straps so I don't need as much headroom during the lift and it holds the straps out away from the body.



Used some bar stock and bolts to clamp the sling lift eye to the 2 x 4s.



Notched the ends of the 2 x 4s to keep the straps in place.



Now all I have to do is get the last 2 body bolts out. Yes, you guessed it, they are the #4 body bolts! I have a sponge on top of the captured nuts soaked with ATF & acetone. Everyday I squeeze the sponge and hit the bolt with an inpact forwards and backwards. Been repeating that for about a week with no luck yet. I don't want to break these bolts because they look like a real pain to fix if I do.

Appreciate any comments.

mrichard

Your lift design looks way too weak to me. The bare body will cause those two x fours to snap in heart beat. I am a 40 year mechanical engineer. I made a lift using two x two x .125 (1/8") steel square tubing and that bows a bit when lifting a bare body. I am certain the two x fours are going to snap. Just trying to save you from yourself. Thanks

Bluestripe67

Dennis

jwhitby

MRichard. Do you by chance have a pic of yours?

Vette Daddy

[QUOTE=mrichard;1579912441]Your lift design looks way too weak to me. The bare body will cause those two x fours to snap in heart beat. I am a 40 year mechanical engineer. I made a lift using two x two x .125 (1/8") steel square tubing and that bows a bit when lifting a bare body. I am certain the two x fours are going to snap. Just trying to save you from yourself. Thanks[/QUOTE


That's not going to do it. The dolly needs something for the rear to be supported with as well. Not just the middle. Also, you don't want your dolly too tall IF you plan to paint the car on the dolly, as some do.

If the legs on your cheery picker do not extend any further, you may end up tipping the unit before the body lifts from the frame.

The strap hooks need to be as far forward and backward as the rocker metal will allow.

Tevroc98

I built this. You need two guys to use it. One to raise the lift and the other to steady the body. I put a loop on the front so I could use a rachet tie down to hold front end up.

rustylugnuts

I have personally completed three C-1 body off restorations on a similar 2x4 frame base as yours with no problems. Just make sure your joints, and bracings are tight & secure. Also see hammer marks in the wood, so it was nailed... ah, decking screws are much more secure, but to each his own!

rustylugnuts

vettjam

Tevroc98,

What material is your lifting jig made out of?

Tevroc98

ITs made from 1 1/2 x 3 tubing 1/16 wall with 1 1/2 round tubing welded to the ends with flat slugs on the end caps to keep the straps from sliding off. I actually had this stuff laying around. I like to keep a good stock of tubing and steel around for projects. Hope this helps.

vettjam

Vette Daddy,

After I get the body on the dollie I plan to support the front and the rear with made to fit kickers down to the bottom of the body dollie. I have seen at least one example on the Forum of the rear being supported that way. Don't know why it would not work for the front also.

Thanks for your input. I am learning as I go.

vettjam

mrichard,

What does the body weigh without hood and seats? Also, the cluster, heater, pedals etc are also out of the car. I was assuming about 400#???

DansYellow66

I agree with the others about the lifting jig. Mine from many years ago was crude but sturdy - landscape timbers.

shemp

I would never lift my body w/ that. If you turned the 2x4's upright maybe, they do not have much strength laying flat. But that's JMO
Good Luck Shemp

TC233

Kerrmudgeon

Well done, but seeing those hammer marks, maybe you should stick to mechanics!

RestoMike

Believe the convertible body will be around 600 to 700 lbs. Your 2 x 4's will break, not enough wood there. I'll echo a fellow member, also based on numerous body restorations I've done, your dollie is too tall. .

5thvet

Mike,
Love that dog!!!

c2ray

I am always amazed at our backyard ingenuity.....some good, some....well maybe should be rethought....no offense but would not trust the 2X4s to support my body. Here is what I did, used 3 four foot sections of 1 1/2 in square tubing and a hoist from Harbor Freight. One man operation, but once the lift was under full weight of body it did flex some......could not imagine the 2x4s able to withstand the weight.

UberLegend

OP, thanks for the thread. Some good patents here.

M3MOTORSPORTS

That is an awesome dog!!