body buck alignment relative to wheelbase?

[cc2Arider]

Hi All,

Open question to those who've used the roadster body buck. If designed per the manual, supports being 8' apart (96"), where do these supports locate relative the the wheelbase (90")?

Do the supports fit more towards the rear or front relative to the wheelbase?

Background: I'm planning to use a pulley system to hoist the body most of the time to save room in my garage. Right now, I'm adding supports to my garage joists before drywalling. Limited location choices due to attic access and lighting receptacles. My plan is to support the body on the hoisted buck most of the time, but then support at the wheel arches during body/chassis fitment (without the buck in the way).

I'm thinking that since the body mounts at the front first, I'll need to favor the front end when lowering, compared to "storing" in the lifted position on the body buck...

Thanks
Craig C

[vschmidt]

Bwahaha - Hi Craig, I just finished similar project. Unfortunately I can't give great answer but I've spent a lot of time looking at pics of body on buck.

My eyeball analysis is the front end of buck is about inline with front axle / centerline of front wheels. The extra 6" looks to be pushed to the back side. I could be off a few inches, and will follow this hoping for a more authoritative answer.

Just posted pics of my rig a few minutes ago - using a tie down rail system to give some adjustability fore / aft.

-Vaughan

[JohnK]

There's some wiggle room on how exactly you set the body on the buck, but mine sat approximately like this:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=178953&d=1675035369

[JeffP]

I did something similar, two sets of hoists and just lower the front one first. I just located them generally where they would be over the wheel openings and where I happen to have a joist. the ropes will swing where they need to.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165886&d=1650909430

[cc2Arider]

That's cool Vaughan -- thanks for the reply :)

Your analysis makes sense to me. I've already modified my plan a little so that I favor the lowered height placement in my floorplan, rather than the elevated placement. We'll see...I'm probably over-thinking it -- it's difficult for me to just wait for delivery:rolleyes:

Craig C

[cc2Arider]

There's some wiggle room on how exactly you set the body on the buck, but mine sat approximately like this:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=178953&d=1675035369

Thanks John K :)

I see that you inset your hoist points, too!

Craig C

[cc2Arider]

I did something similar, two sets of hoists and just lower the front one first. I just located them generally where they would be over the wheel openings and where I happen to have a joist. the ropes will swing where they need to.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165886&d=1650909430

Thanks JeffP :),

I see you inset your hoisting points, too!

I may just end up doing the same...

Craig C

[JohnK]

Thanks John K :)

I see that you inset your hoist points, too!

Craig C

For sure they could have been used as hoist points, but in my case they were tie downs for straps during transport. I needed to store the body at an offsite storage unit for most of my build, as I didn't have enough room in the garage.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=178960&d=1675037666