Rotisserie Resto Help

[Fizzy]

Hey. I'm new to this forum, but could use some advise. Recently picked up a 70 R/T, almost exactly like the one I had as a kid. I have plenty of experience with bodywork, but have never done a rotisserie resto. This one needs 1/4s, wheelhouses, trunk floor and drop offs, and the panel behind the rear window. Could be patched but since they make complete panels thats how I am doing it. My issue is this, I am concerned that the body will flex out of alignment if I try to replace the panels on the rotisserie, Should I replace the panels on the floor supported on stands, then put it on the rottisserie to finish up the bottom? Or should I weld in some cross bracing and put it on the rottisserie?

[69*F5*SE]

Welcome    I think you should have the car on stands to put the panels on before rotisserie. Once the panels are on the car could be put on the rotisserie for easier resto.  Some people have had quarters put on while on rotisserie but with some opposition.  Others will chime in. 

[Finn]

I agree, stands or better a solid dolly so you can move it around. Post some pictures up!

[Charger-Bodie]

I also Agree. Do the majority of the metal work before puting it on the rotisserie.

A little patch here or there is one thing,but 1/4's are another.

[Steve P.]

Stands....   I think we had someone fold a car up a while back trying to do 1/4's on a rotisserie.


Welcome to the site..

[BlueSS454]

I did all the metal work on my 69 while on a rotisserie.  However, I did it with the body resting on jackstands.  At no point did I have the car suspended while fitting and welding on the new metal.  Just make sure that before you go after the quarters, rebuild the door hinges and properly align the doors with the old quarters.  Another tip...before welding the outer wheel houses on, slide the quarter on and fit the wheel house to the quarter so you don't have any excessive gaps in the wheel lip area. Also, start with the fllor/trunk pans before moving to the quarters and other outer areas.  You want to make sure the cab section is structurally sound first.

[69hemi]

I did all the metal work on my 69 while on a rotisserie.  However, I did it with the body resting on jackstands.  At no point did I have the car suspended while fitting and welding on the new metal.  Just make sure that before you go after the quarters, rebuild the door hinges and properly align the doors with the old quarters.  Another tip...before welding the outer wheel houses on, slide the quarter on and fit the wheel house to the quarter so you don't have any excessive gaps in the wheel lip area. Also, start with the fllor/trunk pans before moving to the quarters and other outer areas.  You want to make sure the cab section is structurally sound first.

Very good advice!

[troy.70R/T]

I Have a question that should apply here. I want to weld frame connector into my next charger project. I can't remember who makes them at this moment but they are the kind that follow the floor pan. So my question is Where should I support (or not support) the car when I do this. Also will it matter if the the car is stripped bare or should I do it before I strip the car. I have been told to weld them in with all the normal weight on the car. (car supported by the tires but up in the air so I have room to work) I have also been told to strip the car and  support by the frame rails and weld them in. I have also been told to strip the car put it on a rotisserie, turn the car upside down and then weld them in. So what is the best way to do it that will give the car the most suppport and keep the body correctly lined up???

[Steve P.]

Troy, Follow this link.


http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,50048.0.html

Also:

http://www.uscartool.com/Eframeconn/index.html

Also:

http://www.xvmotorsports.com/products/detail/index.cfm?nPID=15&cid=105&cdesc=Chassis%20Stiffening

[colrmustang]

I Have a question that should apply here. I want to weld frame connector into my next charger project. I can't remember who makes them at this moment but they are the kind that follow the floor pan. So my question is Where should I support (or not support) the car when I do this. Also will it matter if the the car is stripped bare or should I do it before I strip the car. I have been told to weld them in with all the normal weight on the car. (car supported by the tires but up in the air so I have room to work) I have also been told to strip the car and  support by the frame rails and weld them in. I have also been told to strip the car put it on a rotisserie, turn the car upside down and then weld them in. So what is the best way to do it that will give the car the most suppport and keep the body correctly lined up???

First, the frame connectors you are talking about are made by XV Motorsports.
IMO, you should strip the underside bare for a good weld and support the car close to the center to minimize flex. Putting it on a rotisserie will make it bow up or down depending on the orientation of the body. If you can have it on the tires and work on it with a lift, that will work too. Again, this is just my opinion and how I do it.

[troy.70R/T]

Thanks for the links Steve. I supose calling US car tool and XV motorsports and asking them the best way to install the fram rails would be the best thing to do.