Dollies, Rotisseries, jack stands Oh my!

[CincyBoy]

All, I'm tearing down my 68 charger to start a restomod venture. I've read much on here about the sheet metal work and I'm familiar with some layout work from managing a plant that makes heavy equipment. My question is, how to choose proper support for the body during this process. Are dollies like the one used in Don's 1969 Charger post below primarily for invasive projects where the body won't self support and get out of square? I have seen other projects on here with this dolly setup. If there is limited body work are jackstands ok? Or homemade stilts on casters strategically bolted on for work at proper height? When is a rotisserie safe? Or do i just make my best judgement for twist based off the welds/connections removed for repair? Thank you for reading this.

 

[Schindy]

I would say Don's set up is for major body work which is what he is doing. I definitely wouldn't put it on a rotisserie if the rocker panels are in bad shape. They carry a lot of the load. If it's just minor stuff a rotisserie or dollies are fine. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Donny]

These cars are not really that 'square' from the factory, and factor in 45 yrs of abuse, damage, and sub-par repairs and they certainly are not square. The Table there is a good idea, but, you may be headed into water that has currents you're not prepared for. I say this from my own experiences. These cars are stout enough to hang on Rotisseries for a few weeks. Ive had them with no sheet metal, just Rockers. Here's some pics to get an idea of the committment you'll need, especially if you're doing it all yourself. All these pics are mine, my tools, work, and customers cars.

 

[CincyBoy]

Thank you for replying, I know it takes time. So the table you use shown in the drawing (solid works? CAD?) the primary purpose is what? Correction of a tweaked out car, a place to measure and tack to for holding components in place under alteration or just elevation to an ergonomic work height? Or all of the above?

- - - Updated - - -

As I compare the photo and drawing it almost looks like you are using it to establish ride height before doing the remainder of the suspension engineering. The table supports the body and the red and green fixtures hold wheels maybe even the rear axle for fit up?

 

[Donny]

All the above. As soon as I built it, I put it to work, I plan on powder coating it in those colors. Intent is a solid table to put car on, level it, and do metal work on it.

 

[bkleenfltx]

first I bow before you....any car that needs that much ...is beyond my patience and capability. WOW with my job it would take me 10 years to restore a car to that level.