Let's see some Chassis Jigs!

I'm wanting to build a new jig and was wondering what everybody else is using. Mine is currently made of 10" I beam, works well enough but is a bitch to move when I'm not using it. I was thinking of something on casters that could be leveled up with jack screws, bad idea?

 

I think it's a good idea.
I need one but don't have the room.
r

 

Great idea! Actually that's what I did a few years ago and then later on I switched it over to hydralic. For hydralics I used 4" cylinders and a portable hand pump, I plumbed it all on one circuit to the pump with shut off valves at each cylinder and also one at the pump. I don't have any pics on this computer and I don't plan on taking any soon cause I moved the jig into the cold storage shed a year ago and it's got a car sitting on it among other things. Mine is also made of structural 10" beam and I also added 1/4" plate covering the surface like a table, instead of welding the plate down however I bolted it incase for any reason I'd have to remove it. I also added bolt on stub axles and a bolt on tounge so I can throw on some trailer tires and move it. It's just a little heavy and the forklift had a tough time lifting it. It's always nice to have your own chassis jig.

 

I've been outa town, I was hoping this post would turn out some good pic's and ideas! Come on guys, lets see what you got.

 

Damned dislexia! I thought it said classic jugs.

 

I always end up using jack stands leveled on the floor and some angle iron bracing. the 5 frames I've built that way so far came out nice and square....

 

maybe the lack of response is because this is a fairly common request,
there have been lots of good threads on frame tables and chassis jigs here

have you tried the search function?

 

I built two jigs the same way you did. out of 10" I beam. cut and weld to them depending on what is being built on them. I shim to make them perfectly level. when they are not in use i just use the fork lift to stand it up against the wall and strap it to the Z channel of the metal building. that gets them out of the way.

 

Here's mine, it's the conference table from my work I grabbed during some remodeling. It's 1.5" thick with a 2" steel rib all around. Not a flimsy fold up table. I used c-clamps to hold down 1"X1" steel stringers and I tack weld the chassis to them. There's levelers on all legs so it's nice and level all the way around. I wouldn't put a chassis with engine/tranny on this, but it's just fine for setting up the rear suspension which is my next step. Plus when it's all done, I put the clamps/steel away and I have a nice work bench. It's not much but it does the job, and it beats building the frame on the uneven floor. Plus I only have about $40 in steel into the whole project. Good luck.

 

The April '07 issue of Hot Rod Magazine has a nifty little jack/jackstand combo built onto the side of it they are marketing in one of their ads. I think with just a little bit of patience and welding, I could do the same thing.

What it is (if you haven't seen it) is basically a jackstand with a bottle jack welded onto the side of it. Pump the handle and the movable section of the stand goes up. I think this would be almost ideal for leveling a base to build a frame if you have no jig.

 

This is more of a fab table than a jig. Hope it helps.

 

BobbyD, How about a pic of yours? I'd like to build one, doesn't really need to come apart.