Rolling stand for race car

[L5wolvesf]

I have been thinking about building a rolling device to store / work on a small race car I am early in the process of rebuilding. Having it off it’s wheels and movable (like on castors) would be really helpful considering the amount of garage space I have to work with.

The idea so far is to build a pair of saw horse style contraptions that would hold the car up about 18” off the floor, roughly the height where I can do some of the work sitting on a folding chair. They would need to be about 4 ft wide (width of the car).

Material wise I am thinking pipe (black, or galv, fence or ?? / possibly used to keep it affordable), threaded (for ease of construction). The car weighs 1500lbs (wet), and with the engine in would be rear heavy.

Is pipe a feasible material to do this with? What diameter would be recommended? Should I calculate the wheel capacity, using 2000 lbs as the full load (for a built in safety factor) divided by 8 (1 wheel per sawhorse leg), or . . ? Are there reasonably priced wheels/castors that can handle the weight? If I build it, how wide of a footprint between the legs on each side?

Obviously, the cost is a factor on this project. If something already exists, or is close to what I am describing that would help too.

Your input IS appreciated.
L

 

[NHBandit]

I have seen rolling platforms guys have made that each hold a jackstand. That would make it height adjustable as well.

 

[metaleltr]

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/champ-body-dolly-p-15204.aspx

 

[rsanter]

Do a search for ' body dolly ' and then copy the one you like
I built one about 10 or so years ago for unibody cars that grabs the pinch weld

Bob

 

[JSGAuto]

I just finished making one.

Bolts together, like a trailer receiver. So that I can tear it apart when not in use.

2" .065 tube. $100 in steel
6" casters, $100.

Not leaning over a low car....priceless!

 

[L5wolvesf]

I just finished making one. Bolts together, like a trailer receiver. So that I can tear it apart when not in use.

2" .065 tube. $100 in steel
6" casters, $100.

Not leaning over a low car....priceless!

That is basically what I envisioned. Looks really good. Not leaning over a low car....priceless! Absolutely.

Your pic showing the car on a hoist made me realize a problem. I had not really thought through how to get the car up on the stand. The initial thought was jack one end then the other. I don’t have room for the hoist arrangement. Also, not sure if I have a good lifting point (balanced and centered) like yours.

I possibly could do something from the ceiling joists, but would have to open a space to access them, and probably would have to reinforce the joists (either permanently or temporarily). Could use some input on that.

Thank you,
L

 

[JSGAuto]

What type of car is this?

 

[L5wolvesf]

What type of car is this?

H-Production Fiat 850

 

[Danglerb]

This is specific to the model of Porsche I have, but the concept is generic. Liftbars that match the lift points on the chassis front and rear on each side, the you jack from the middle and place jack stands on each end.

www.liftbars.com

Is the rollbar welded in? Maybe use that to lift with a shop crane?

 

[sberry]

I like that, neat. Were you the guy on Hobart bought the 210 for this job?

 

[thinkracing]

H-Production Fiat 850

Great to see another production racer here on the board.

Good luck with the build. It will be nice to have another prod car on the grid.

 

[JSGAuto]

Cool Car!

I was thinking ramps, but that will be a pain. I'd still give the engine hoist a shot. They are cheap. Take some measurements and see if there is one that will reach the center of the car. To level it, just ratchet strap from the low end, to the lift point. (I use to lift boats that way). I'd lift from that roll bar.

It will take some time to lift safely, but I don't think you need anything elaborate, with such a light car. And your probably only doing it twice a year...winter and spring.

I like that, neat. Were you the guy on Hobart bought the 210 for this job?

Me? No. I used a Miller 211 for this.

Jim

 

[L5wolvesf]

Great to see another production racer here on the board.
Good luck with the build. It will be nice to have another prod car on the grid.

Hi Fred, I’m on the Prodcar site too. I bought a tach from you. Been trying to get the car done for a while. This GarageJournal site has really helped in getting the garage in shape (mostly finished insulating now) so I can finally get to working on the car. I’m shooting for 2013 back on track.

This is specific to the model of Porsche I have, but the concept is generic. Liftbars that match the lift points on the chassis front and rear on each side, the you jack from the middle and place jack stands on each end.

Is the rollbar welded in? Maybe use that to lift with a shop crane?

I may be able to utilize a lift bar type set up. There is a space problem, so no crane. And the slant of the bar/cage may be a problem to center / balance the car for a safe lift. So I asked the following:

I possibly could do something from the ceiling joists, but would have to open a space to access them, and probably would have to reinforce the joists (either permanently or temporarily). Could use some input on that.

I was thinking a chain hoist from the ceiling joist if I can be sure the joists will handle the load, or can be strengthened (permanently or temporarily).

Cool Car!

Thank you, it was sorta slow but fun when I last ran (’94). Should be faster now that SCCA has allowed dual 40 Webers -

BTW, what formula is yours?

Thank you,
L

 

[e-tek]

JSGAuto - GREAT toy! I don't see a lot of support parts - do you race much or r u just getting into it? Mrs E-tek would LOVE to get into that!

 

[JSGAuto]

That is a Formula Continental, wings off for work. 2.0L ford, 4spd Hewland.

I also have Formula Vee, 1200cc VW, but that will probably be sold in the spring.

I've been trying to keep the garage for hand-tools only. The basement has the mill/lathe/measuring tools, and shelving of spare parts. More room to work is always better! I've been playing this game for 6 years or so.

Poke around www.apexspeed.com of you're interested in this type of racing. Lots of info on all the formula classes.

Jim