Chassis on rollers during build?

[Calvink]

I have a 420R kit on order (early December build date) and am passing the time as I wait getting my garage ready for the project. I've seen a few build videos with the chassis on a set of rollers during the build. This seems like a more convenient approach than putting it up on a set of jack stands. I'm seeing a few different roller options - speedway has some sprint car chassis rollers that look like they might work for example. Has anyone invested in a set of these? If so, I'd appreciate any suggestions on the best set to get and as to whether they were as helpful as they seem like the would be during the build. 

 

Thx,

Calvin 

[Pokey]

I was a jack stand guy, so no help with regard to rollers but am excited to learn of another Caterham in the Seattle area!

[TMRL7]

Calvin,  I actually used both jack stands and wheel dollies that I secured together with wood.   Ultimately when I had the project on wheels I moved to just the dollies.  The configuration below was actually very stable as long as the dollies are properly secured together. 

 

  

You can see versions of how I used the jack stands and the wheel dollies throughout my project build in the video provided. 

 

 

[11Budlite]

I picked up a set of these: https://www.racecareng.com/item/1580358-chassis-dollies?category=115994

 

Check out some more info here: 

 

 

[KnifeySpoony]

I never got rollers and didn't miss them at all during my build, fwiw. 

[Calvink]

@Pokey 

 

I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of 7 owners in the area. Hopefully we can all get together for some drives at some point. 

 

@TMRL7

 

I'm intrigued by the wheel dolly and jack stand idea. Did you bolt the wood frames to the dolly? 

 

@11Budlite 

 

Super helpful thread. Thanks. 

 

Thx,

Calvin 

[TMRL7]

Calvin,   The plywood was cut to fit snugly in the dollies.   The plywood  did not move at all when in place but could be easily lifted in and out if needed.   Also, this configuration worked well but I went to the wheels in the dollies before engine drop in.   

[Rosteri]

I use 3, which makes navigating the engine hoist easy in the front and the car is very stable. I can recommend AC jack stands with the rubber base if you can still find them, two of mine are already under the ESCO brand.

 

Edited November 19, 2021 by Rosteri

[JohnCh]

I second the recommendation for those Esco jack stands.  They don't damage the undersurface, are very stable, and as shown in the photos can raise the car quite a bit. 

 

-John

[SENC]

I'll give a 3rd nod of approval to those stands!

[mdork]

To roller or not to roller is really a garage-dependent question. Seems like most folks who want rollers have small spaces to accommodate. With more space I think it’s just added complexity. I went for the 3 jack stand method and didn’t have any times where I wished I could move the chassis. Taller stands would have been nice though.