1952 Ford Customline 4dr Weight?
- Thread starter DougE
- Start date
I just dragged this guy out of the bush and want to separate the body and frame for complete media blasting and painting. The hoists in my shed can lift 600 lbs or so. I would like to put the basic body on a rotisserie. So can I lift it or do I need to jack it up in order to roll the frame and drivetrain out from under it?
flatford8
Well-known member
I’m working on a ‘51 Tudor and that’s how I did it. Jacked it up by the frame and supported the body, then lowered the frame out from under it. But I worked on the body where it was. I didn’t move it again. You say “hoists”.... do you have two that take 600# a piece?...I would think would lift it fine as long as you have it gutted and the doors off...... Mark
My shed has beams about 5' on center and a Structural Engr friend agreed that I could put 600# to any one beam (I'm a Mechanical Engr). I have several 2" pipes clamped to the beams for hoist attachment points. Thus far I have only loaded the structure up with a Jeep drive train, supported at two points, 650#. I do have a load scale that I can see what my lift weighs and I have a 4x4 set up to use as a temporary additional support. (You guys with carports in snow country know about this enhancement).
Here's my structure so you'll know what I'm working with.
I would add some diagonal bracing from the top side beams where your hoists are, down to the base of the legs. And an 'X' brace on the ends (removeable) to prevent the whole thing from collapsing if the body swings a little. (But then, I'm not an engineer.)
JSeery
Member Emeritus
I wouldn't think that is near strong enough for the later 4dr body. At least not something I would attempt (and I am an engineer). If you do want to attempt it, I would at least run the numbers. This is assuming the body is WELL over 600 lbs, which may or may not be a correct assumption!