How much weight can a typical joist hold?

[KAILUAZ]

So here is what I have going on. I'm working on a 93 Mustang coupe and have the body completely stripped down to the shell. Currently its sitting on a Northern Tool furniture dolly out back and a boat trailer jack up front. The shell itself is pretty light and three guys could pick it up no problem.
What I'm wanting to do is get to the bottom of the shell without buying/making a car rotisserie. I was thinking about rigging up two chain hoists from the garage ceiling using the joists as support. Then lifting and turning the shell on its side to get to the bottom for cleaning/paint. I would have to rig it up so I could turn it on its side without it flipping upside down or by making a temporary stand of some sort.
So the big question is can the two ceiling joists support the weight of the shell (its your typical late 80's home with attached two car garage)? I was thinking about just cutting out the drywall around the 2x4 and running the strap from the hoist around it. I don't see why this wouldn't work but I figured I'd ask here first.
Thoughts??
Thanks,
Eric

 

[Torque1st]

The 2x4 from the bottom chord of a truss??? -NO. However you might be able to sister up a couple of 2x6 or 2x8 and run them to bearing walls or use them to spread the weight to many trusses. Don't try it when the wind is up from a storm tho.

 

[krooser]

I'd double or triple "sister" that joist... run it from each wall.

I've lifted a 1500 lb. ironworker from the 2X10 lower cord of my shop truss but only BRIEFLY!

 

[Bigrhamr]

Put a 4x4 or 4x6 across several joists, then put a post under each end of the 4x. The posts bear the weight and the joists just help stabilize it.

 

[rsanter]

Put a 4x4 or 4x6 across several joists, then put a post under each end of the 4x. The posts bear the weight and the joists just help stabilize it.

I was going to recomend the same thing but I was going to say a piece of 6-8 ft long 3x2 steel tubing

I would make 2 very large 'L' shaped brackets that will attach to somewhere on the frame part of the underbody and then use the rafters to flip it up its side

bob

 

[Torque1st]

Once you get that beam up there with a chain wrapped around the beam you can seal up any holes in the ceiling. Watch what you lift, there is no telling what your construction will take. If the ceiling falls don't blame us...

Remember the strength of a beam is greatest with the depth of the beam. Set the beams on edge like a floor joist, not flat. Make sure they are braced properly.

 

[babzog]

I think you're after one of these:

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...-ROTISSERIE-CAR-ROTISSERIE-W0QQAdIdZ128008223

Found it while poking around.

 

[Torque1st]

Many people just use two regular engine stands to accomplish the same thing. Afterwards the stands can be used for engines or sold.

 

[krooser]

I'm glad I'm finally getting my shop jib crane in service... that tool will make my life much easier.

 

[1320stang]

Can I talk to your wife about getting your car and tools sometime after the funeral?

Seriously dude, don't attempt that. Do the engine stand deal at least, and extend the legs on the sides for more stability. The biggest deal will be to find the CG of the shell. It should be close to the centerline of the front bumper. If you were closer, I'd loan you my rotisserie.

 

[KAILUAZ]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm by no means trying to go the hill billy route and had this thing by the tree branches out front. Plus my wife would be really pissed if I caved the roof in working on the car.
I cant do the engine stands as I don't have enough length in the garage to close the garage door with them attached.
I think what I'll do is attach some type of framework to the bumper mounts and have the local Mustang club come over and just roll it onto its side.
You cant get much simpler than this.

 

[Kevin54]

Wow...pretty cool car tipper

As far as weight on a truss.....I straddled 5 trusses with (2) 1 1/2" oak planks, one on each side of one of the supports, running the length of 5 trusses and pulled a 440 engine with it using a coffing hoist in the middle of the boards.

 

[KAILUAZ]

Works like a charm and is SAFE.

Its a one person job which is nice: