Pros and cons of having a roll over spit

[edd]

I am thinking of using a roll over spit for my car , since starting my resto i have wanted one but never planned to remove the engine . The engine is now coming out and a bare shell strip underway .
So the question is what are the pros and cons of using a spit .
Regards edd

[deanoed]

Hello I'd say welding as welding on the underside would be so much easier if it was turned over its a lot lot harder to get neat welds laying on your back and welding upwards and you don't get blobs of welds falling down your overalls

[Rubce]

Hi Edd

That is an easy question to answer. There are no cons associated with the use of a roll over jig for a full resto. Its all pros! Take a look at this old thread. I posted the manufacturing drawings towards the end of it.

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?2581-turnover-jig-its-arrived&highlight=turnover

Regards

Bruce

[XFSTag]

As Bruce says Edd No downside
I haven't used one for the stag but have my classic mini rolling around on one and boy is it easier to weld, clean and repair!
Before I bought mine I was down in A&E with grinding sparks in my eye even though I had glasses and a face screen on. Standing up you can direct things where you want them to go and avoid injury. Same with welding hot metal down your sleeve is not fun
Hows this for easy primering up the underside

The chap I bought mine off does the brackets to fit the Stag and it's a really solid bit of kit. Out of interest you can wack them on ebay and get a fair percentage of your money back if you decide not to use it again. Not many tools that can be said of! I can pass on his contact details if you want, I picked mine up and it all fits in a decent sized saloons boot
Cheers Glyn

[edd]

Thanks everyone. I think I will opt for a spit if funds stretch to that. I have already done lots of welding but still have the rear end to strip under back to bare metal.
The only thing that worried me was the strength of the shell whilst on the spit. I will prob still do my panel work and sills whilst it's on four wheels to save any twist or bend in the shell. I might even rebuild suspension on the spit as I have seen some restos with fuel lines and subframes in place Or would this be too heavy ?
Any more thoughts on how far they would rebuild on a spit
Edd

[Rubce]

Hi Edd

I refitted the entire rear suspension whilst the shell was in the roll over jig in the upside down position. Access was so much easier and you can lay everyhting in place instead of jacking upwards. If you search on here you will find some photos I posted at the time.

Regards

Bruce

[paulbell6]

Hi Edd, I had my shell on a home made spit for at least 10 years, the only thing missing from the car was the engine and gearbox. I systematically removed all of the bits and bobs over that time and one of the first things to come off was the tee bar, having done so the body did not sag at all and the doors still fitted perfectly into the openings. However non of the bodywork was removed. Just make sure that the wheels fitted to the spit are not rubberized as mine were, they distort under the load over a long period which makes the frame harder to move around, that's assuming you want to be able to move it about. Swivel wheels at all corners is also good as you can move it about in tight spaces more easily.

Regards

Paul

[edd]

Thanks for all the input it has helped me decide to go for a roll over spit.I will be looking at pictures of folk that has commented and that will be a big help. I have one in the pipe line so will post pictures once I get it up and running but don't hold your breath I'm off to Ibiza soon
Regards edd

[Malcolm C]

Edd
Dont rush out and buy a spit,i might be able to help.
Will be in contact in a couple of days
Malcolm

[zeus]

Hi Edd,

Just got mine on the roll over jig today. Makes scraping off the underseal much easier.29062012299.jpg29062012298.jpg

David

[edd]

Edd
Dont rush out and buy a spit,i might be able to help.
Will be in contact in a couple of days
Malcolm

Many thanks Malcolm. I am
Picking up the spit tommorow and it will make me so keen to find the time from somewhere to get her stripped and on it.
Thanks to all members for pictures and comments. I'm fumbling my way through as it's my first resto but so far happy
Regards edd

[jleyton]

I'm fumbling my way through as it's my first resto but so far happy
Regards edd

To everyone except Edd

He is NOT 'fumbling his way through' - he is making an excellent job of it as I've seen what he's done.

I just wish I could do as good a job as he's done so far.

Keep up the good work Edd

Cheers

Julian

Ps Edd, one 'con' of a spit is getting the shell on to it in the first place - make sure you've got several pairs of hands to help you. Stag shells ain't light

[Malcolm C]

Edd
Plenty of spare hands in Bristol to help you lift it.The only cost would be hot tea or coffee,plus the biscuits (chocolate)

To everyone except Edd

He is NOT 'fumbling his way through' - he is making an excellent job of it as I've seen what he's done.

I just wish I could do as good a job as he's done so far.

Keep up the good work Edd

Cheers

Julian

Ps Edd, one 'con' of a spit is getting the shell on to it in the first place - make sure you've got several pairs of hands to help you. Stag shells ain't light

[edd]

A big thank you to Malcolm C and the south west stag club. My spit is fantastic and picked it up today. Me and the mrs spent a lovely afternoon with Tony and Pam who made us feel so welcome and helped me load the spit on my truck. It really is what a club is all about.
I will make sure we attend the next local meeting next Wednesday and think I need to be first to the bar
Hopefully find some time soon to get her engine out and on it.
Regards Edd

[elvimto]

David,
thats a massive resto take plenty pictures is that your own garage ? great workspace. Good luck

cheers Stuart