72 Charger - Long Awaited Update...

[72Charger-SE]

What did that cost ?

Approx. $550 was the cost for having heads done.  I considered aluminum ones but for less than 1/2 the price I decided this was the better way for me to go at this time. 

[ACUDANUT]

That sounds about right. 

[spiderjason]

Good luck on the build!!!  Just picked up a 72 Charger myself!!!

[72Charger-SE]

Good for you...  any pics of your car on here???  What are your plans for it??

[72Charger-SE]

Ok..  I am a novice when it comes to welding as it is and welding above my head is almost impossible for me.  I have been looking for a 'good deal' on a rotisserie and found one!   This is a HEAVY duty (all square tubing is SOLID steel!  I need to modify where the front attaches to the frame but this thing is AMAZING!!!
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

[72Charger-SE]

More Pics...

[72Charger-SE]

Rear Side...

[71green go]

looks strong...However does it go high enough to actually rotate the car?......and the two units should attach to each other under the car so it takes away the sag from the car itself.......so they pull on each other not the car...

[72Charger-SE]

I plan to weld a top piece on the front one to raise it to 48" which is the same height as the rear one.  At 48" high the car should rotate to almost vertical.  I need to add the 'connector' bar and drill a couple holes for some bolts.  I have a couple ideas on how to do that so I think it will be OK. 

[71green go]

I plan to weld a top piece on the front one to raise it to 48" which is the same height as the rear one.  At 48" high the car should rotate to almost vertical.  I need to add the 'connector' bar and drill a couple holes for some bolts.  I have a couple ideas on how to do that so I think it will be OK. 

[Daytona R/T SE]

No way to adjust the center of gravity,

Therefore, no way to balance the car on it other that guess work with the mounting points.  

It's a deathtrap.  

[AirborneSilva]

That will make life much easier for you 

[NJRBros]

No way to adjust the center of gravity,

Therefore, no way to balance the car on it other that guess work with the mounting points.  

It's a deathtrap.  

Sorry man but I agree with Daytona R/T SE 100%.  Just taking the K-member off without re-balancing made it nearly impossible to turn. Even the bolts to lock the rotation couldn't hold it totally solid at a slight angle.  When balanced properly we can turn ours 360 degrees with one finger!

[72Charger-SE]

Ok.  I think I am understanding what you are saying about proper balance & weight distribution.  I am thinking I need to add 'vertical adjustment capability on both the front and rear so I am able to change the balance of the car while on the rotisserie.   Am I understanding you correct?

I am still thinking about what I want to do to the front side to keep things properly balanced.  I am 100% on board that SAFETY is PARAMOUNT! 

Thanks for the help and comments.

[NJRBros]

Yup that's right. Here's a picture of how ours is set up to possibly give you some ideas for yours. Ignore the mess and the custom vented deck lid.     Basically the threaded rod is used to adjust the height and the two bolts lock it in place. The front is identical to the back.  Once the car is totally level, you need to make sure you adjust the front/back of the car equally otherwise it could bind making it hard to turn.  Adjust a little bit, test rotation, adjust more, test, and so on until it's nicely balanced.  I think you could somehow use an engine hoist to lower/lift the car instead of the threaded rod.

[Old Tired Rebel]

Yup that's right. Here's a picture of how ours is set up to possibly give you some ideas for yours. Ignore the mess and the custom vented deck lid.     Basically the threaded rod is used to adjust the height and the two bolts lock it in place. The front is identical to the back.  Once the car is totally level, you need to make sure you adjust the front/back of the car equally otherwise it could bind making it hard to turn.  Adjust a little bit, test rotation, adjust more, test, and so on until it's nicely balanced.  I think you could somehow use an engine hoist to lower/lift the car instead of the threaded rod.

I think you have the twin to my car in the rust dept. You have a build thread?

[72Charger-SE]

NJRBros...  thanks for the photo.  I have a better understanding of what I need to do.  The main reason I bought the rotisserie I did is the mechanics behind the 'turning' mechanism and the heavy duty framing.  I was planning to do some updating to it however this photo gives me a blue print to follow!  Thanks!

[NJRBros]

I think you have the twin to my car in the rust dept. You have a build thread?

Nope, no build thread yet.  We actually won't have a chance to work on the car again until around January.. We're in the process of moving a lot of things around so our garage has become a temporary storage.  So I figured I'll wait until around November or so to start a thread when things calm down a bit!

NJRBros...  thanks for the photo.  I have a better understanding of what I need to do.  The main reason I bought the rotisserie I did is the mechanics behind the 'turning' mechanism and the heavy duty framing.  I was planning to do some updating to it however this photo gives me a blue print to follow!  Thanks!

No problem! Glad to help!

[72Charger-SE]

Here is a photo of the 3/16" thick 3"x3" and 2.5"x2.5" square tubing for the re-design of the rotisserie.  If all goes well the car should be mounted on the 'new' rotisserie in two weeks!

Thanks to everyone for their advice and 'safety' alerts.  Being a novice I am very grateful for all comments and really appreciate those that are looking out for my and my family's safety!  Thanks & GOD Bless!

[72Charger-SE]

Here are a few pics from the day...  much progress made...  PRAISE THE LORD!

[72Charger-SE]

A few more pics...

[AirborneSilva]

Looks like you're making good progress on it 

[72Charger-SE]

Updates from Saturday & Early Monday morning...

[72Charger-SE]

More Photos...

After drilling 38 holes in 3/16" steel for the rotisserie by hand with an air drill, i picked up a used drill press and put it to good work early this morning!  WOW...  what a great $100 investment (Thanks Craigslist).

[72Charger-SE]

More photos...