Body Storage while building.

[Ruddy on Duty]

Hello all.... I'm a new member and first time builder. I'm sure I'll have many questions as this progresses. I've ordered the MK4 kit and am now doing some footwork to get ahead of things before it arrives. Storage of the body is a concern. Where we live, in Colorado, the HOA will not allow storage on the outside of the building. It will have to be stored inside. I have a large garage with work area but prefer to have my two cars parked in the garage when not in use. I've seen some mention of strapping or hoisting the body to the ceiling. Has anyone done that and if so, what is the process you used? Also, does anyone know the depth, top to bottom, of the body? I can't find that on the Factory Five website or in any of the posts. I appreciate your input. Ruddy

[edwardb]

I can't give you a complete answer because I don't have a body here right now. But I can tell you lots of guys hang the body while working on the chassis. I have one hanging at our storage unit right now. Another option you might consider, and I've done this twice, is an elevated body buck. You can do some work underneath. Or roll it out of the way while you're working. I only have a two car garage so space is at a premium. Here are pictures of each:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Delivery/IMG_3291_zpsoyg53xfi.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Delivery/IMG_3291_zpsoyg53xfi.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/IMG_1854.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/IMG_1854.jpg.html)

[GoDadGo]

I had room to store my body; however, I like the elevated body buck! What a great idea!

[Racee75]

Hi Ruddy,
I have my roadster body suspended from the ceiling in my garage. The top to bottom measures about 30 "

[Ruddy on Duty]

Hi Edward:

Thank you for the photos. It's a great idea. The one hanging from the ceiling is best for me. That way I can move around under it without it getting in the way. How do you raise and lower the body? Can you do it by yourself or does it require more then one person to raise and lower it?

Thanks again.

Ruddy

[Ruddy on Duty]

Racee75:

Thank you for the info. How do you raise and lower it from the ceiling? What system do you use? Is it a one person operation or does it require another person?

Thank You
Ruddy

[Racee75]

Hey Ruddy... Mine is a slow process using ratchet straps and safety chains. Secure but slow, could be done with one person but it would be a slow process. I have seen others where it can be raised and lowered by one person.

[edwardb]

Hi Edward:

Thank you for the photos. It's a great idea. The one hanging from the ceiling is best for me. That way I can move around under it without it getting in the way. How do you raise and lower the body? Can you do it by yourself or does it require more then one person to raise and lower it?

Thanks again.

Ruddy

I use rope ratchets. Like these: http://www.amazon.com/ProGrip-404400-Rope-Lock-Down/dp/B00138OMJI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459302114&sr=8-4&keywords=rope+ratchet+3%2F8. I can do it by myself, but help is good. I have hooks in the ceiling in my garage and use the same rope ratchets to install/remove the body from the chassis.

[Ruddy on Duty]

I use rope ratchets. Like these: http://www.amazon.com/ProGrip-404400-Rope-Lock-Down/dp/B00138OMJI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459302114&sr=8-4&keywords=rope+ratchet+3%2F8. I can do it by myself, but help is good. I have hooks in the ceiling in my garage and use the same rope ratchets to install/remove the body from the chassis.

Hi Edward.

I purchased the rope ratchets from Amazon. I have another question regarding the body buck. Is it something I can build before the kit arrives or is it best to wait to get exact dimensons of the body?

Thank you

Ruddy

[edwardb]

Hi Edward.

I purchased the rope ratchets from Amazon. I have another question regarding the body buck. Is it something I can build before the kit arrives or is it best to wait to get exact dimensons of the body?

Thank you

Ruddy

You can build it ahead of time if you like. Check these links:
http://www.ffcars.com/FAQ/bodybuck02.html
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/283338-first-dumb-question.html#post2586663

[wallace18]

The FFR MK4 manual has a body buck page for making one. Ask them for the pdf file of the manual and you can take it from there. The other sites are good as well.