MK5 Chassis Dolly?

[JayOH]

Now that the chassis has been completely updated, has anyone put together a new dolly design to be able to work on the assembly pre-roller? Is there an existing design on the Gen 3 coupe that can be adapted? Looking to be as prepared as possible prior to kit pickup (looking to order later this summer/fall)

Apologies if this has been addressed already, my search results are only turning up the MK4 layout.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I constructed a dolly back in 2006 when I built my Mk3 and have since used it to build other Mk3s, Mk4s, Gen3 Coupes and now my Mk5. It's a rectangular one with two 4x4s stacked and running side to side which are bolted to two 2x6s that run front to rear. Like the Coupe the 5 is flat bottomed so the half moons I cut into it for the earlier roadster's round tubes are moot and the square chassis tubes rest on the 4x4s that run across. You can kind of see it in this pic.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212521&d=1744377918

Jeff

[JayOH]

Thanks Jeff!

Looks like the 2x6s are laying down and the 2x4s are stacked on the short edges, is that correct? Any chance you can give the rough length and width of the box to get me in the ballpark?

Edited: I misread and thought 2x4, picture later in the thread is much clearer to see the 4x4, my mistake

[JayOH]

212527212528

So doing some rough comparisons between old and new frame, it looks like I can more or less use the same dimensions as the typically dolly most use for the MK4. I may need to shorten its length a bit (seems like MK4 frame rails went a bit farther aft in the rear). And then I don’t need the cradles for the old main rails given the MK5 flat bottom. Do I have that right?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jay,
It's 40" wide and 60" long. Kind of forgot until measuring it just now that somewhere along the line I added a 2x4 to the stack for some extra height (this thing has been through several modifications over the years including some pieces that I add to it to so that I can use it as a Coupe body buck for painting!). So...there are the 2x6s flat along each side with a stack up of two 4x4s plus a 2x4 flat running side to side. When I initially built it I had only one 4x4 but at some point later on a subsequent build I added the other 4x4 plus the 2x4 for extra height. Currently with it on 6" swivel casters the bottom of the chassis is 18" above the floor.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212529&d=1744389711

Hope that helps!

Jeff

[Tango]

Prior to ordering, I shared the same concern/question. I called FFR (Dec/Jan timeframe) and asked them if they had a preview of a new MK5 body buck and/or dolly design so that I could build them before delivery. They told me that neither is really necessary. I am sure it helps particularly if you need the mobility, but I have been just fine with my 4 jack stand setup and I am through the fuel/brake line and panel install. I’ve had to reposition it once and that was a 2 person job but not bad. I decided to go as far as I could with the equipment that I have and if I needed to build one along the way, then I would, but so far, there has been no need. Just my experience.

[Pizzman76]

I used the base dimensions broadly posted for a chassis dolly (LINK (https://www.ffcars.com/threads/chassis-dolly.635384/)); however, I decided to increase the height a bit and left out the upper features used to lock in the round tubes previously used on later-generation roadsters. It's worked quite well 3 months into the project.

212590212591

[Aleinsteingenius]

Perfect timing. I was just wondering this myself. My Mark V kit is supposed to be ready April 27th.

[rickshank]

Jay,
It's 40" wide and 60" long.


Jeff,

Would you use something like this for initial kit transport? My thought - build basically what you have, minus the casters for towing (open trailer). Moving blanket on both sides, then strap the chassis to the trailer using padded axle straps.

One design change might be to put another set of 2x6s below the top board, so I have something to lift with my pallet forks/tractor to get it off the trailer once back in Pittsburgh, PA. How far below the frame does the body sit?

Picking up in 2 weeks - 2000 F250 (old beast) w/ 8 ft bed (but bed toolbox), 18 ft open trailer, getting MKV complete kit + drivetrain from Forte.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff,

Would you use something like this for initial kit transport? My thought - build basically what you have, minus the casters for towing (open trailer). Moving blanket on both sides, then strap the chassis to the trailer using padded axle straps.

One design change might be to put another set of 2x6s below the top board, so I have something to lift with my pallet forks/tractor to get it off the trailer once back in Pittsburgh, PA. How far below the frame does the body sit?

Picking up in 2 weeks - 2000 F250 (old beast) w/ 8 ft bed (but bed toolbox), 18 ft open trailer, getting MKV complete kit + drivetrain from Forte.

Rick,
I was planning to use this to fetch my Mk5 with my Serpent Express trailer (even made a slight mod to the ramps so that I could winch it into the trailer) but then Dave offered to have Honey Badger bring it out to me using one of FFR's trucks and trailers! I planned to ratchet strap the chassis to the dolly and then strap the dolly to the trailer tie downs. No reason that I can see that your plan wouldn't work for you.

Jeff

[JeffP]

Jeff,

Would you use something like this for initial kit transport? My thought - build basically what you have, minus the casters for towing (open trailer). Moving blanket on both sides, then strap the chassis to the trailer using padded axle straps.

One design change might be to put another set of 2x6s below the top board, so I have something to lift with my pallet forks/tractor to get it off the trailer once back in Pittsburgh, PA. How far below the frame does the body sit?

Picking up in 2 weeks - 2000 F250 (old beast) w/ 8 ft bed (but bed toolbox), 18 ft open trailer, getting MKV complete kit + drivetrain from Forte.

Thats pretty much what I did - but I left my castors on. Your idea of going without probably makes more sense. I had it strapped down well and it didn't move at all but still would have been better without them.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163385&d=1646405295

[rickshank]

JeffP - THANKS!

That's similar to what I'll be loading up. Not sure what the pallet of stuff from Forte will look like but it's probably close. I was debating having the drivetrain in the truck bed but your setup probably makes more sense.

I've got the cargo net already as well as some stake pocket tie down hooks. Plenty of tie down straps from 1-2" width.

[JeffP]

JeffP - THANKS!

That's similar to what I'll be loading up. Not sure what the pallet of stuff from Forte will look like but it's probably close. I was debating having the drivetrain in the truck bed but your setup probably makes more sense.

I've got the cargo net already as well as some stake pocket tie down hooks. Plenty of tie down straps from 1-2" width.

The ford box is my Gen3 Coyote from Forte with all the stuff he sells with it packed inside the box. The only other box from him is my TKX which is in the bed of the truck. The backseat was also full of more FFR boxes. I picked the kit up first thing in the morning from FF and then drove to Forte's to get the drive train and then back home to NC.

[wheelindex]

Great looking Chassis dolly, did you put notches in it or just leave it square for the MK5

[rickshank]

I'm building mine tonight (MKV). No notches planned, just 40"x60".

[Ejzajac]

Any suggestions on modifying the basic mk5 dolly to be used without wheels on a 4 post bendpak lift for the first part of the build before wheels? I have a pallet fork lift to place the entire dolly and chassis onto the lift from the side.
Ed

[rickshank]

I built mine last night, throwing some white paint on it (mostly because it's built with 4x4s that were part of a fence around my property - they've seen some stuff).

As it sits with no casters, I'd want about 5" under it for pallet fork clearance. That'll be a 4x4 + 2x4 attached together, but not attached to the dolly.

I'll add my casters after getting the kit home before I get it off the trailer. My AL racing jack needs 3.5" clearance.

[rich grsc]

If you can't figure out a simple dolly, what's going to happen when it's time to build a car?:confused:

[JohnK]

Well, you know what they say... "If you have nothing constructive to add, just be an a-hole."

[rich grsc]

Don't be so hard on yourself John

[CW_MI]

Picked this one up from forum member Twatson799 (Thanks again !), he used it on his mk4.
I'm going with a mk5 so i'll probably just knock the little 2x4 pieces off, and leave it, or span the "bridge" with a 2x6 or something. Shouldn't be a big deal.

[Blitzboy54]

I would like to add I am jealous AF of those MKV body's. The way the doors fit brings a tear to my eye.

Pretty sure whoever made my mine was at least a little bit drunk.

[rickshank]

217630

Basic. Threw some paint on it because the 4x4s were (as of last weekend) part of a fence around my property and had some moss growing on them. (2) 2x6 @ 60", (4) 4x4 @ 40", (2) 2x4 @ 40".

Will be on casters later. However, for pickup (less than 2 weeks!), I'll just set it on these blocks to get it 5" off the trailer, allowing it to tie down pretty solid and use pallet forks when I get home.