I need to support the 79 280ZX for refurbing now that the engine is out. Can I support the body on 2 engine stands, each attached to where the bumper used to mount?

Also, anyone have this pre-made in the Houston area that I can rent/buy/borrow?

Thanks!!!

Take a look at this thread, one of our members in San Antonio can build one for you, or give you the plans for a rotisserie.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=24846#post24846

Might want to use one that's built slightly stronger than one for an early Z as the chassis of a ZX is a bit heavier.

Thanks for the plug, 2Many, but I haven't really looked at a 280ZX as far as rotisseries are concerned.

Although if some one wants me to build them one, I will try it.

I am not an enginer but I was wondering , You stated that the car could be rotated just so far due to the driprail touching the ground. Couldent the rotissery be built just a little taller, also the cross bar at the bottom that lays on the floor , it looks a little short . It may be just the angle of the photo . When turning the car is it tippy ? I t just looks like the footprint is sort of narrow. Again it is probibly the angle of the photo. This is a great idea that you came up with and it looks like you are making great progress on the car.

beandip,

I could have made the stands taller to allow full rotation of the car, but that would have put it too tall for my garage (w/ the garage door open) and a bit high when working on certain areas of the car.

As for the footprint of the stands being narrow, the stands you see pictures of on my website were the first built. I have since widened the footprint. There was always the possibility that whole set-up might tip over, but there's a possibility that my house could fall down also. I widened the footprint for 2 reasons. 1: my floor was not completely level, so the stands rocked a bit while rotating the car. The bigger footprint allows a more stable stance. & 2: because I felt a better piece of mind. It was just a little added safety since I planned on selling the stands. I once pushed and rocked the set-up w/ the car on its side. It never once seemed like it would go over, but I still felt better about widening the footprint. The plans I send out reflect this also.

I was not being critical , I was just wondering about the hight issue . Really there is no need to have the car spin all the way around that I can see , I just wondered why. As far as the bottom footprint is concerned , in my garage the floor is cracked and a little uneven and the thought of the car rocking while up in the air sideways just gave me the willies. I think you did good in your design. All the best. Gary