While doing the body off restoration on my TR 250 I needed some way of rolling the body over and not dent my new rocker panels. Not having a lot of room in a two car garage and working alone most of the time, it needed to be easy to handle by one person. My brother gave me the idea and I put it into practice.
Use 4 pieces of 3/4-inch plywood (the cheap stuff), and cut to shape 1-foot by 4-foot (see diagrams for details). The long angle should all be the same – very important as the body will rest on these when on its side.
Attaching to the body of the TR4 through TR6 is easy. With all the wings removed use the rear wing bolt holes. For the front use the door hinge mounting plates and a 2X4, (you will need two and spacers between the wood and the mounting surface so as not to crush the body panel between the hinges). Using a jig saw, open a space for the rocker panel so that the wood does not touch the body. When attaching make sure that the front and rear boards are at the angle or the body will rock when on its side. I suggest using a safety support to steady the body when working on the side positions. Keep the body low in the boards as it is more stable and gives you a better working height when upside down.
I adapted the idea to a Spitfire and a MG Midget, using bumper mounting holes and a 2X6 across the back. Additional reinforcing was required due to the weight of the MG.
By Phil Law
Overall layout.
End detail.
'DIY Rotisserie' have 7 comments
December 3, 2013 @ 8:00 am Rick Watson
Hi, good idea. I used 2 engine stands. I used a steel plate that I drilled to match up with bumper attaching points front and rear and also drilled the plate to match the engine stand. It cost more than the plywood set up, probably $300.00 or so by the time I had everything bought and fit to the car. The good news is that I could roll it around my shop to free up space and when done I’ll have 2 stands to use or sell. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, regards, Rick Watson, Maine. 1968 MGB, my first car. Still have it.
November 9, 2019 @ 4:57 pm David
Could you send me ans to do this
December 3, 2013 @ 12:43 pm Brian Masek
Simply ingenuous!!!! So simple, so easy, yet, its the first time I have ever seen in my 30+ years of British Cars.
I thought my “redneck jackstands” (rolling wheels on bottom) were a good invention. But, Phil, you are the new Einstein of DIY restorations!
I commend you! Simply Brilliant…………. Any way to adopt it to an early MGB???
December 6, 2013 @ 5:54 am Phil Law
I think using them on the MGB might be a bit of a stretch. The additional weight and the only vertical ridge mounting location would be at the door hinges, using a piece of angle iron to get out past the edge of the front fender. A 2 X 6 could be used at the rear attaching to the bumper mounting locations along with extra supports. It might be worth a try if you have nothing else to use.
June 20, 2014 @ 6:47 am Al Gunnarson
I made up a set of these for my TR6 restoration per the plans.
I added 2×4’s lengthwise along the top and bottom to take some flex out of the plywood. I also added a set of wheels on the bottom 2×4 so it would role around when sitting flat. It works great and I can flip it up on it’s side without help.
Thanks!
April 22, 2015 @ 4:26 pm Quarryroy
Phil,
I found your DIY Rotisserie while looking for a inexpensive alternative to a costly and basically awkward professional type. I decided to try your design for a TR6 Tub and could not have imagined the success i had. I made some minor changes to your ingenious design while thinking it through. I wish i could send you a few images.
February 9, 2018 @ 8:07 am Don Rhamy
Great help. Am saving article and hope to modify, or have you a source/reference for a Rotisserie designed to a 1968 MGB roadster?