68 Body lift Dolly Question

[Jeff P.]

I just lifted the body off my 68. It all went well. I have a question on the placement of the body on a Nolan Adams Dolly. I really don't know what parts I should be resting on. Thanks in advance ,Jeff.

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

I don't have any information for you Jeff. Just wanted to wish you good luck in doing the frame restoration on your 1968. I can't tell from your picture, is your 68 a convertible or coupe? Is your frame in good shape or needing welding repairs? I have not done a body off on my 1968 convertible. I repaired a damaged front end right front when it was backed into while parked in a parking lot and then stripped the body and painted it back in the early 80's.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

Thanks, Jim. It's a convertible. L79 with air . frame is rusted of course but looks ok. I'm having it dipped in acid then I'll know for sure.

[Steve L.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

I don't care for the Nolan body dolly. Check the side to side dimensions of your rocker panels and match with the body dolly. You'll probably find it doesn't fit very well.
Also, there is no support for the nose.
If you need to work on the rocker channels, there is no way of lifting the body up higher to get at the rocker channels.
If you need too take off the front clip, the body becomes unstable since it will be rear heavy so the front needs to be lashed down.
It is also too low to get under the body to replace any brackets under there.

Do a search on body dollys, there are better ideas out there.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

I agree Steve. For a 68 anyway. I put blocks under the 2,4, body mounts along with the radiator support. Body will be stored for a while. Thanks,again. Jeff

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

Jeff. I can take pics later tonight and post if others don't post before me, I have a modified Nolan dolly for my 68 and it works great. The only thing I wish I did was the rear support, I used a jack stand and wood to support the rear. I used the radiator core as a support area in the front, and points under the floor boards.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

That would be great Patrick. Much appreciated.

[Steve L.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

Once I found that the Nolan body dolly was lacking in many areas, I modified it:

1) raised all the uprights as much as a could and still use an engine hoist to mount the body. This is so I could get under the body for repairs and cleaning.
2) added 2x10 laterally and laid flat to support the rocker channels at the #2 and #3 body mounts since the width of the body dolly was poorly thought out.
3) added supports for 4 scissor jacks at the front foot wells and rear battery/jack compartments so I could jack the body up further when I need to repair the rocker channels.
4) I didn't do this but I should have---extend the front part to be able to support the nose clip properly, I used 2 separate roller stands placed under the fender skirts-big mistake- cracked both skirts.
5) I followed the plans precisely, but when you look at the plans, there is too much work involved in doing all the mortise cuts and making all those plywood braces. The braces crack and are useless and get in the way when the body is on. Just do standard carpenter connections-much simpler and stronger and don't bother with added braces.
6) Added larger supports underneath to mount large steel casters. The wheel supports on the plans are a joke. The larger the wheels, the easier to roll it around. Do not use rubber pneumatic wheels- to hard to roll around.

Too many people get sucked in by this plan. I wish it would be removed from the internet.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

That would be great Patrick. Much appreciated.

Sorry im getting these a day late to you. Steve added some great comments- totally agree with his words. Nolan's dolly can be improved.
I would make it taller.
You will see in my pics that I had to add materiel to support the front clip- basically needed a 2X4 under corners of radiator support. otherwise the nose is dipped down. red arrows point to area to be built up.
Dolly Front.jpg

The four corners of the body were fine, but the overall dolly height is too short to get into the underbody. I had to lift up to access this area then set the body back down. The tail is the most unsupported with this dolly. I have seen others with a kickout to pick up the rear. Supports across the door will help but the rear should not be hanging out unsupported. I have a stand to keep it supported when not in use.
Dolly Firewall.jpgDolly Rear.jpgDolly tail.jpg
Lastly, the rear posts sit right on the under body metal anchor plate for the set belt. If these need replacing as mine do, the body will need to be lifted the clear these. The dolly is OK, but lacks support in key areas, acess to underside and the braces work against you in certain areas.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 Body lift Dolly Question

Pic of underside seat-belt anchor plate resting on top of rear vertical supportDolly Undermount.jpg