Body Cart & Rotisserie Questions

[astroracer]

I have spent quite a bit of time looking through a few sites researching Body Carts and Rotisseries. I have a good idea as to what I am going to do but would like some further input from any of you who have had the chance to use either one or both.
My initial plan was to simply build a cart to set the van body on so it is at least mobile. Now I am wondering if I shouldn't just go ahead and build a cart/rotisserie that will allow access to the underbelly of the van while I am rebuilding the back half.
Any comments, do's, don'ts or whatevers are welcome.
Keep in mind I have a pile of 2x2x1/8th wall tubing to build this thing from so I plan to do it from scratch and not purchase engine stands or the like.
Mark

[novanutcase]

If your willing to do it from scratch and have the material and welding skills I say go for it! Do the rotisserie. You'll be glad you did. Just make sure you make it so that you can roll it in and out of your garage.

[kamaroman68]

just built one this past weekend- rotisserie that is. very simple and i only have 200 dollars invested in it so far. another 200 should get her all finished up. Just have to make/buy the pipe to make it rotate. Chris

[69slotcar]

Boy, that's what I should have done !!
I've spent a fortune...

[J2speedandcustom]

We looked into building one priced out all the metal and time needed. We ending up buying this one - http://www.autotwirler.com/auto_plus.html Very well made!

We made our own body cart since it only took a couple of hours. I can take some pics if you like?

[astroracer]

Hey Jeff. Pics would be great! I picked up a lot of info on the Autotwirler at the Detroit Autorama this year. In fact, I was just looking at it last night. I will agree it is very well built. I just can't justify the cost when I have most of the material sitting here taking up space.
Thanks for the help.
Mark

[parsonsj]

Mark,

Have you seen the plans I used for mine? I got 'em from Chevy High Performance about a decade ago. It worked great for me, and I added some stuff to one end to make an engine hoist "option".

jp

[astroracer]

Hey John,
Nope, haven't seen your plans. Do you have them handy? I would like the input if they are available. Thanks.
Mark

[slenning]

Hi Mark, I built one with jacks I got from Harbor Freight. I will try to post some pics later tonite. The jacks work great. I can pick the car right off my body cart in the lowered position and then jack it up to rotate.

[astroracer]

That's my plan also Steve. I have a couple of the tall bottle jacks. One is on my engine hoist and the other I picked up at a yard sale this summer for 10 bucks... Could you post any pics of your rig?
Thanks
Mark

[slenning]

heres a few pics Mark











hope this helps, any questions let me know!

[Frank Grimes]

I have been thinking about How I would build one of these for my 64 cutlass I though of just buy two 3 leg engine stands and fabbing some arms to hold the body which would bolt onto the engine mount. also making some longer legs on the stand so it doesnt tip.
Connect the two stands with the middle legs.
this way it would be bolt together and still could be used as engine stand.

this may not work because I dont know how much the body actually weighs. Anyone know?

[JoshStratton]

Anyone still watching this thread?

I have a body cart made of 2x2 1/8 inch tubing. I have been looking for ways to improve it and think it is a good candidate for a rotissery conversion.

Does anyone see a problem with using 3 inch DOM pieces for the rotator? I would have to notch my 2x2 for the round to fit, but some of the other versions I have seen use 3 inch square tube.

[mikey]

Take a look here they have some decent pics that might be helpful
http://autotwirler.com/
http://whirlyjig.com/
http://www.accessiblesystems.com/index.php
http://www.theroto2000.com/

[JoshStratton]

I have been through all of those but they dont give you their measurements ;)

It's ok though. I think I've got it set.

[ProTour69GTO]

www.autobody101.com has plans that you can download

[JoshStratton]

www.autobody101.com has plans that you can download

I didnt think of looking there. Thanks for the head's up!

I know what I am going to do now. I hope to work on it in a few weeks. Got some other stuff to finish before though.

[Mike Holleman]

Josh, I have an Acessible Systems Rotissery. Right now I have a 66 Chevelle on it. I'll be glad to get whatever measurements you need off of it.
Mike Holleman

[BonzoHansen]

There are a few different plans you can search around Team Camaro for, if you want more ideas.

www.camaros.net/forums/