Joe - I disagree, although I am not putting it to a test (see paragraph
2)
The body tub (minus all removable parts) weighs somewhere in the 400 #
range. This means that when it is free hanging there is 100# load on
each corner. Since each corner is spread between two rafters, there is
a 50# load on each joint that might be under stress. I really don't
think that is sufficient load to make a building cave in, unless there
are other factors such as a weakened structure (due to age) or other
physical damage. In my case it is a new shed/garage and is built to
code to withstand hurricane strength winds.
Also, this was a short term solution to my situation. I re-inforced the
rafters with a 2nd 2x4. Also, I didn't leave it hanging at any time.
Each time I raised it 4" I inserted a piece of 4x4 or when it was 8" I
replaced it with a cement block. When it got to the full working
height, the blocks were replaced by heavy duty "work-horses" with a 4x4
under the body. I have now linked the two 4x4's with 2x4's, with a
stabilizing crossmember halfway between the 4x4's. I will be putting 4"
casters (450# load capacity) under the 4 corners tonight so that I can
lower it back to the floor and roll it onto the trailer to take to the
bead blaster. Eventually, I will be expanding this dolly to handle
the full size of the car and 2 or 4 additional casters. I haven't
figured out how I am going to "raise" the chassis so that the wheels
will be off the floor, but probably will be somekind of 4x4 "tower".
The lumber is all scrap I had saved over the years; the casters were
picked up at surplus for $2 each. Had to pay for the lag bolts and
screws. I couldn't see paying $350+ for wheel dollies (Moss prices)
and then not be able to work on the wheels without jacking it up.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Curry [SMTP:spitlist@gte.net]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 1998 12:41 PM
To: Musson, Carl
Cc: 'Triumphs'
Subject: Re: Hardtop Storage
Carl,
Do I understand correctly that you hoisted the body tub up to
the garage
rafters? If I am correct, Iwould caution anyone doing this.
Most
garage rafters wre designed to support the roof and little else.
Pulling up things like bikes, tools and the occasional TR
hardtop won't
put too much strain on the superstructure, but a car tub might.
I'd
hate to read in the paper that a man's garage colapsed and
buried him
and his Triumph.
Regards,
Joe Curry
Musson, Carl wrote:
>
> All this talk about hardtop storage and it is something I
hadn't thought
> about on the new project. Yesterday I pulled the body off
the chassis
> to take it to bead blasting. I used 4 - 4x4x30's with an
eyebolt in
> them across a pair of rafters in the garage. They were placed
at about
> the same location that the top will be sitting. I used the
ratchet type
> tie down straps that I used to bring the project home. The
only
> problem was the short lifting capabilities because of the
small ratchet.
> Could only do about 6" at a time and then had to re-brace and
adjust. I
> wish I had gotten the pulleys as described below. May do so
before it
> comes back. Then I'll be all set to handle the top which is
going to
> bead blasting also.
>
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
|