How heavy is the Chimaera body?
Discussion
My outriggers need doing, so I'm planning to take the body off this winter.
I've been bookmarking useful threads on the topic and there really has been some cracking info and build stories posted on here. Thanks chaps
In anticipation of lifting it, I wondered if anyone can tell me just how heavy the shell is?
I've been bookmarking useful threads on the topic and there really has been some cracking info and build stories posted on here. Thanks chaps
In anticipation of lifting it, I wondered if anyone can tell me just how heavy the shell is?
If the car weighs in at 1150 kgs, I’d guess it’s about 300/400 as the engine about 250+ gearbox another 80-100 and the chassis and four corners the rest. All guess work !
A bit less with seats and Bonet removed.
I’m sure I’ve seen pics of two blokes on each corner so eight heavy geezers using lengths of 4/4 wood to lift it up manually so it can’t be all that heavy!
A bit less with seats and Bonet removed.
I’m sure I’ve seen pics of two blokes on each corner so eight heavy geezers using lengths of 4/4 wood to lift it up manually so it can’t be all that heavy!
I have recently lifted my body shell - and I think Alun is about right on the weights.
I initially it lifted with 5 sizeable lads (thanks to the rugby units!). However, much easier with 2 engine hoists at either end of the car- slightly more precise too for disconnecting any odd wires. I rented 2 over a weekend and cost about £50 quid and managed on my own.
I initially it lifted with 5 sizeable lads (thanks to the rugby units!). However, much easier with 2 engine hoists at either end of the car- slightly more precise too for disconnecting any odd wires. I rented 2 over a weekend and cost about £50 quid and managed on my own.
For the rear I used some 3x2 wood cut to size to fit in the boot - with a single strap in the middle tied to engine hoist
For the Front I used a load leveller on the engine hoist, with a strap each end of the leveller then tied around each of the front wing/ wheel arch. was pretty simple and balanced.
Remove - the boot and bonnet, but I would suggest keeping the doors closed and roof on so the body shell does not bend in the middle.
was effective, just lift a few inches at a time from each end.... there may be other ways, but certainly worked well for me.
For the Front I used a load leveller on the engine hoist, with a strap each end of the leveller then tied around each of the front wing/ wheel arch. was pretty simple and balanced.
Remove - the boot and bonnet, but I would suggest keeping the doors closed and roof on so the body shell does not bend in the middle.
was effective, just lift a few inches at a time from each end.... there may be other ways, but certainly worked well for me.
It is far easier to lift the body / chassis together and then lower the chassis away from the body.
Engine hoist works well, as discussed above.
Also, you can use wooden beams under the body and jacks / axle stands (jacks / axle stands for body will have to be raised on wooden blocks).
I would be cautious of using half a dozen (or more) large rugby players, as you need control and everyone to lift at the same moment.
If you get the body high and properly supported, then lowering the chassis in a controlled manor is easy and in my opinion less likely to go wrong.
Engine hoist works well, as discussed above.
Also, you can use wooden beams under the body and jacks / axle stands (jacks / axle stands for body will have to be raised on wooden blocks).
I would be cautious of using half a dozen (or more) large rugby players, as you need control and everyone to lift at the same moment.
If you get the body high and properly supported, then lowering the chassis in a controlled manor is easy and in my opinion less likely to go wrong.
I'm still panning on lifting mine off at some point to inspect the chassis & see her in all her naked glory. However I have the 4 post lift now so makes the job quite a bit easier.
I reckon a pair of engine hoists is the way forward though. I bought one form SGS when I put the steels in my garage roof. It was so much easier being able to manoeuvre it mm by mm. You may need to get the wheels on pad stones or something first to give you the clearance to get the legs under the car. I used 1 tonne straps of various lengths for the steel lift work. Got them form SafetyLifting.com I think. Or lifting with straps on a lump of 4x4 across each arch maybe.
The engine hoist was about 80 quid from memory. I didn't have one and always knew AI would use it again so made sense to buy rather than hire.
There have been several techniques I have seen. Depends on your environment as well I guess?
I reckon a pair of engine hoists is the way forward though. I bought one form SGS when I put the steels in my garage roof. It was so much easier being able to manoeuvre it mm by mm. You may need to get the wheels on pad stones or something first to give you the clearance to get the legs under the car. I used 1 tonne straps of various lengths for the steel lift work. Got them form SafetyLifting.com I think. Or lifting with straps on a lump of 4x4 across each arch maybe.
The engine hoist was about 80 quid from memory. I didn't have one and always knew AI would use it again so made sense to buy rather than hire.
There have been several techniques I have seen. Depends on your environment as well I guess?
Edited by rockits on Saturday 15th September 23:47
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