JLMvette73

Anyone got a picture of your body dolly that you used when you pulled the body off the frame? I'm getting ready to pull the body off the frame of my '73, and would like to see how others built their body dolly. The diminsions are easy to get by just measuring my new frame (thanks, SDixon), but I'm curious about the proper way to support the nose of the body.

Jerry

rponfick

You mentioned a new frame, are you not using the old one? I just went through maybe what you are contemplating. I had bought a used frame, but decided not to use it in my restoration. I decided to have my original frame repaired instead. I was building an elaborate wood dolly and trying to get all the measurements and heights right. My wife, in her infinite wisdom, suggested that I just use the spare frame as my dolly. Duh!!! So, I just ran some two 2x6s under the frame rails and mounted casters to the bottom. Now the body is fully supported and saved a lot of heartache. :banghead:

75 BBC Stingray

Sorry, no picture, but I can say that I got my dimensions from the Noland Adams book available from the vette vendors (comes with video). I would recommend if using that dolly to modify the front of it to support the nose. I am in the process of doing this, and could give you dimensions in 1-2 weeks.

LemansBlue68

Check out my website: http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/lemansblue68 for a pic of mine.

As you'll see, the nose isn't supported on mine but make sure that you take out all the headlight and radiator/support hardware to take out the weight. I got the idea from one of the Corvette restoration books (I think by Lindsay Porter). They had a picture of a steel one that they used to support a '69 body. It also did not have front end supports. I used 2X6's to build it and it is plenty strong. Since I did a lot of engine compartment work I was glad that I didn't include the front end supports in my design. I'd just duck under the wheel opening to crawl inside the engine compartment.

One of the other forum members asked me for my plans but I couldn't find them. I could remeasure everything and draw up new plans if you're interested.

Good Luck!

JLMvette73

rponfick, I had originally planned to repair and reuse my original frame, but it's in really sad condition. Plus SDixon, one of the supporting vendors here, was able to get me another frame that's in excellent condition! Scotts a good guy, and will treat you right!

75BBC STRINGRAY, yeah, if you get the chance, I'd appreciate knowing how you modified your dolly to support the nose of the body. I attended the bodylift workshop several years ago at Bloomington, and still have instruction manual that was provided. I've noticed in several photo's here and at CAC, of members doing body lifts, and several had added an extension to support the nose. Curious about the correct placement of the added framework.

Thanks to you both for your replies!

:D

Jerry

Robert N

Image on the way via email. I am having an 'image' issue today.

JLMvette73

LemansBlue68,
Thanks! I like the way you built yours to leave access to the engine compartment and through the rear wheel well openings. I'll probably build mine a bit shorter, to make the body a little more accessible for stripping,epoxy priming and block sanding, which my two boys are going to do for me while I rebuild the rolling chassis.

Jerry

JLMvette73

Robert, I got it. Thanks!!!!! Just what I needed. And you know, the replies to my thread just reinforce something that I've noticed since I first bought my Vette 15 years ago. Corvette owners have to be absolutely the most helpfull, friendliest folks there are! :D :cheers:

Jerry

NHvette

I have a unique idea (imagine that) to support my nose.
Mine is a coupe. I wrapped one end of a ratcheting tie-down through the
headlight openings and under the headlight reinforcement (header) bar.
The other end wraps around the Ttop cross bar. Tighten up the ratchet until
the nose just starts to lift. You still have access under the wheel wells,
and the weight is taken off of the front clip attachment seams.

Here is my post. I have an animated GIF in there - showning the dolly rolling under the body.
You can see the blue ratcheting tie-down that supports the front end.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=587940

I would HIGHLY recommend removing as much of the bolt-on steel that is in
the front end. Do you have the front bumper cover off ? If you plan on
leaving the front bumper installed - then this idea may not be the best.

BTW - If you're not in a hurry - keep an eye on Harbor Freight. They put the
10" pneumatic swivel castors on sale from time to time for $9.99 each. You
can push this baby over a gravel driveway - no-problaymo.

:seeya

JLMvette73

NHvette, cool idea with the ratchet strap. I'll be removing the front bumper cover (what's left of it) along with most every else to do this project, so your idea would work for me. I like the way you made your body supports useing the drilled 4 x4's and all thread.

Jerry

redwingvette

My body isn't moveable but I can get underr it to work. The nose is supported by a come-a-long and a strap attached to the beam. I had to remove the rocker channels so it was important that I had plenty of room. Pictures on my web site.

NHvette

It'll work out well with the bumper all removed - and your core support and headlight assemblies, too.

I got all the hardware for that at Home Depot. They had some nice stainless
1/2" wingnuts that I used. Shoulda gone with 3/8" on the #1 mounts. I'm
happy with the dolly - but wish I made the threaded rods higher. Due to
clearances, I had to crank all the wingnuts nearly to the top. I barely had
enough threads to get a nut on the top side for some added safety. Have at
least 8" of thread above the 4x4 - and I went about 4" into the post, drilling
3/8" and threading the rod into the 4x4 until it bottoms out.

:smash: :seeya

Bob K

Get the Nolan Adams book and viedo. I made the dolly and it works great.

Let me know if you want pictures.

Bob K.