Lecture on Building a Chassis Table for a Car Project

Introduction

• Biggest real estate project to date.
• Building a chassis table for a Charger car.
• Importance of a level surface for car assembly.

Materials and Design

• Materials Used:
  • 4x4 eighth-inch wall square stock mild steel.
  • Side rails: 17 feet long each, possibly trimmed to 15 or 16 feet.
  • Legs: 1.5 feet tall.
  • Center braces: 55 inches long.
• Design Overview:
  • A rectangle with three braces.
  • Legs on the bottom.
  • Adjustable jacks on each leg.
  • Ensures the car is square and level.

Construction Steps

• Square Cutting:
  • Metals ordered were square cut for accuracy.
  • Saves time and ensures uniformity.
• Table Assembly:
  • Assemble the rectangle with three center braces.
  • First brace under the front suspension, last under the rear, middle under the transmission.
  • Weld legs and adjusters, then level the table before final welding.

Adjustable Casters and Legs

• Thread Rods for Adjustment:
  • 1-inch diameter thread rods with nuts for leg adjustability.
  • Allow for level adjustments despite uneven concrete floors.
• Casters:
  • 4-inch casters, each capable of supporting 800-900 pounds.
  • Six casters total, ensuring the structure is mobile and stable.
• Leg Construction:
  • Weld nuts onto legs.
  • Add supports and braces for stability.

Final Steps and Adjustments

• Final Welding:
  • Weld the chassis table fully.
  • Triangle braces added for extra strength.
• Painting and Protection:
  • Prime and paint bare metal to prevent rust.
  • Use satin black for aesthetic consistency.
• Adjustable Features:
  • Hockey-puck-style supports for thread rods.
  • Height allows for easy access underneath the table.

Conclusion

• Outcome:
  • Chassis table completed, functional, and cost-effective.
  • Project took about two weeks, with significant time investment.
• Cost Efficiency:
  • Built at a third of the cost of a commercial chassis table.
  • No high-tech features but suitable for the current project needs.
• Next Steps:
  • Next video will include placing the car on the table and starting further assembly.

Reflection

• Building the table was influenced by various video resources.
• Offers a budget-friendly alternative to expensive commercial options.
• Encourages DIY projects with proper planning and execution.