DIY car body repair stand

In detail: a stand for repairing a car body with your own hands from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

For all its apparent complexity, a car for a professional locksmith-repairman is a fairly simple unit with many interdependent or autonomous units. With the necessary equipment and high skill, the repair of this mechanism is no more difficult than repairing an iron and other household appliances. The main thing is to know what the problem is and find the most optimal way to solve it. One of the main devices used in car body repair is the slipway.

It is a rigid structure that allows for various types of work. Industrial designs of this device have a very high cost and may not be within the power of a small auto repair shop or a lone craftsman. At the same time, it is not difficult to make the construction of the slipway with your own hands, armed with a welding machine and having studied our instructions.

The main purpose of such a platform is to give the car frame the correct geometric shape, which can be violated, for example, in a traffic accident. With the help of special devices, the car frame is rigidly fixed on the slipway frame and a pulling or pressing effect is exerted on it in different directions.

To provide the necessary force, hooks, chains with welded links, and various hydraulic devices are used.

This aspect involves giving the slipway maximum tensile and compressive strength.

Currently, there are many options for such a device. They can be mobile (mobile) and stationary. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Stationary, with proper installation and high-quality fastening, allows you to apply much more force to the car frame to correct its geometric parameters.

Video (click to play).

At the same time, it requires a separate, quite large room for its installation, as well as for placing auxiliary devices and maneuvers of the car when placing it on the slipway. The mobile view does not require large areas, since for temporary storage it can be installed on the side edge of any garage wall or repair box.

At the same time, the list of works that can be performed with its help is just as large.

Self-production of the slipway should begin with the installation of the frame platform of the device. To do this, you need a steel rectangular profile with a cross section of 50 × 50, 70 × 40 and others, depending on the expected load on the device. The connection of the parts is performed with a weld seam, which must be performed as efficiently as possible. The linear dimensions of the platform should correspond to the dimensions of the frames of most cars with which you intend to work.

To ensure high strength of the frame, it is necessary to combine both longitudinal and transverse elements. The assembly of the structure must be carried out on a flat, flat base, such as a concrete floor. The production of chamfers at the ends of the parts in the places of their joining will help to improve the quality of the connection of parts. In addition, it is necessary to correctly select the operating modes of the welding machine. To ensure high stability of the frame with the vehicle mounted on it, we recommend welding at the corners and in the center of the longitudinal sides of the strut of small height.

It is necessary to select or manufacture a number of auxiliary devices for the slipway frame, without which work on straightening the body and giving the frame the correct geometry will be impossible. The first is fasteners.

They are used directly to fix the car frame on the slipway. The quality of body (frame) work depends on their strength and performance. The design of fasteners can be different, but it should allow:

withstand the deforming force applied to the frame without destruction;
to provide the ability to move around the frame and fastening at various points;
ensure maximum strength of the connection between the car frame and the slipway.

It is taking into account all of the above parameters, and one or another option of fasteners is selected. At the same time, to work with various brands of cars, it is better to use devices with a variable height of the location of the mounting jaws and moving along the frame of the slipway both in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Another obligatory device is a power stand, which must also move and be fixed in the various stands of the slipway.

It is through them that the main effort is applied to certain parts of the automobile frame in order to straighten it. In this regard, such a knot should also have maximum strength. The main material for the manufacture of racks is a square steel profile with a cross section of at least 80 × 80 or a steel pipe. The junction of the vertical and horizontal parts is additionally reinforced by installing a kerchief from the same profile, or slightly less.

For the convenience of work, the rack should be equipped with a device for attaching to the slipway frame and a platform for installing thrust rods. To work with simple defects in the body, two such devices are enough.

Thus, using readily available materials and the simplest types of joining parts - welding and bolting, you will not only be able to make a useful and convenient device, but also save significant money on this.

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Hello, I am interested in the steel grade used for the production of the slipway. Thanks in advance.

To carry out body repairs, simple tools are often not enough, and specialized and expensive equipment is required. Deformation of the main parts does not always mean that they need to be replaced. Body geometry restoration can be done in a workshop, but these services are expensive. With the appropriate equipment, you can easily carry out repairs yourself. To perform such work, you will need a homemade slipway, the assembly of which will not take much time.

A slipway is a mechanical equipment whose task is to restore the original state of the vehicle frame and body geometry. Straightening of deformation bends, dents and other irregularities is performed using local loads. In the majority of major changes in the geometry of the body, the slipway is the only possible solution to restore the shape of the car frame. The presence of such equipment is mandatory for every workshop and guarantees a high-quality body repair.

To decide to make a slipway with your own hands, you need to understand not only the purpose of such a mechanism. Manufacturers offer different functionality of this equipment. Some models are only suitable for work in large service centers. There are also more mobile options that can be installed in a garage or similar space. When purchasing such devices for personal use, their price will be high and self-production is most expedient.

Body deformation can occur for various reasons.Accidental collision with an obstacle, a coup while driving on rough terrain or getting into an accident does not go unnoticed for the car. Changing the geometry on the side members or a curved car frame can lead to the following consequences:

The presence of noise and extraneous sounds when the engine is running;
Inability to open doors, luggage compartment or hood;
Car skidding when driving in a straight line;
Slots in body panels and structural elements;
Uneven rubber wear.

Such features of damage to the frame call into question the possibility of operating the vehicle. The basic body dimensions are indicated in the technical documentation for each vehicle. Moreover, their change will require the restoration of the original parameters to continue safe driving. Staple mechanisms allow you to almost completely eliminate deformation and the independent creation of such an assistant will be a good alternative to contacting a service center.

The use of multidirectional efforts is the most important feature of the power bench. Such work is difficult to carry out manually. You can make a slipway with your own hands of various designs. Such devices are made of durable metal, and their features depend on the type of repair being performed. When choosing a suitable model of the slipway, one should take into account the parameters of the transport for which it is manufactured. The dimensions of the stand, the characteristics of devices and mechanisms can be selected based on the most successful models from Trommelberg, Nordberg BAS or Autorobot.

Depending on the nature of the work carried out and the versatility of use, there are several varieties of such power stands. With the help of small structures, it will be convenient to carry out local repairs. and the large industrial slipway equipped with powerful hydraulic equipment can handle heavy freight transport. To select a suitable design, you should know the types and purpose of all such devices.

There is no strict standardization of power stands. Most manufacturers supplement the slipway with various equipment. So, anchor clamps, special grips and a multi-turret design of the stand ensure the creation of force in the desired direction. For use in the garage, you can choose only the most necessary equipment, and the rest can be purchased or made later. All slipways can be divided into 3 types with their own characteristics and functionality.

Frame slip - is a structure for pulling relatively small deformations. Such a stand is suitable for carrying out local work and allows you to restore the geometry of the deformed area with high accuracy. The metal frame has a complex structure that serves to provide sufficient rigidity. Strong fixation allows you to stretch the vehicle in any direction and change the direction of the applied forces.

The frame stand is quite popular due to its small size and practicality. The fixation of the machine on such a frame is carried out with special grips. To pull out the deformed nodes, a chain connection is used, which ensures the restoration of the correct position of the damaged part. The set of such an installation should include a lift to ensure the fixation of the vehicle at the required height. The arrangement of such a stand will require various parts to ensure the capture and installation of the machine.

Floor slip - used by professional body repair companies. Its design assumes a fairly high tractive effort, suitable even for the restoration of freight transport. In the absence of the scope of work, this system does not take up much space, which provides additional ease of use.It is quite difficult to make such a slipway for body repair with your own hands due to the huge number of parts. In most cases, the functionality of such a power stand is not needed in an ordinary garage.

Any floor slipway needs a specially prepared base. The installation of rails, uprights, anchors and fastenings requires accurate calculations and the availability of appropriate equipment. The most convenient floor slipway is when installing fastening systems flush with the floor, which will ensure the safety of movement and work. The capabilities of such a power stand will be sufficient to access any deformation area, and the installation and fastening of the machine does not take much time.

Platform slipway - has some similarities with the flyover structure. With the help of such a device, it is easy to pull the car body in any direction. The platform of such a device has tremendous opportunities for installing additional equipment. It is most convenient to carry out pulling on such a stand, and its functionality is sufficient for professional use or for repairing in a garage.

For self-production, such a design does not provide any difficulties. Any platform slipway surpasses the frame slipway in its capabilities and is suitable for most types of vehicles. One or more tower racks can be used to repair the machine on this stand, which will be enough for the most difficult work. The pulling force of the hydraulic equipment is not limited. Moreover, such a platform can be used for body repair of SUVs and heavier equipment.

The slipways are produced by large world-renowned companies and small regional enterprises. The price of such power stands varies greatly, but the independent production of such equipment will cost many times less. Depending on the design chosen, drawings should be drawn up, providing for all the features of the future workshop. Then all that remains is to prepare the necessary consumables and tools.

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To assemble a homemade slipway, you will need a metal profile, which will make up the skeleton of the structure. The assembly process is carried out by welding and the appropriate equipment must be available. The fastening system is developed individually and it is important to purchase a power rack mechanism, chains and gripping devices that are difficult to manufacture. Before starting work, the metal should be prepared by cleaning it from rust, degreasing and priming. Then you can start assembling the structure.

To obtain a reliable frame, the profile must withstand not only the weight of the car, but also the force created by the tower rack. To perform such tasks, the thickness of the slipway metal should not be less than 4 mm. The platform structure of the straightening stand is most convenient for installation in the garage, and its design should be given special attention.The exact dimensions of the slipway depend on the type of vehicle in need of service. In length for such a structure, a 4.5 m profile will be enough, and a width of 2 m will ensure convenient installation of the machine. For the manufacture of the frame, a channel with a cross section of 50-120 mm is suitable, which forms a solid platform for installing the machine. Considering that the load from the power tower on the profile will try to unfold it, it is required to install powerful stiffeners. The assembly of the frame is carried out using welding tacks, and after adjustment, the final welding is performed. In general, all actions are in the following order:

Assembling the structure according to the developed scheme;

Welding the body of the slipway taking into account all stiffening ribs;

Assembly and installation of fasteners for fixing the car;

Installation of power rack and additional equipment;

Installation of chains, grabs and brackets.

When performing such work, special attention must be paid to the rigidity of the structure. It is possible to organize repairs on the slipway only on condition that the machine is securely fastened. You should be careful about safety issues. The loads acting on the vehicle frame during stretching can not only damage the car, but also cause a significant impact on health.You can make a slipway of any design, frame or platform are most suitable for such purposes. The main thing is to take a responsible approach to work and show your own ingenuity. It is quite simple to understand how to make a slipway, and the correct choice of material will help reduce the cost of creating it. To embody your own ideas, you should take all the best from the existing models. The operation of the slipway is designed for many years and such equipment will more than once prove its practical benefits.On our forum, and on the forums of our friends, auto repairmen, questions about the manufacture of a slip for body repair in our garage constantly pop up. Many people try to do it with their own hands, but sometimes new knowledge is required, solutions to possible mistakes, and you have to look for help from your colleagues.Usually, two versions of homemade slipways are considered: mobile and stationary (concrete floor).In this article, I tried to compile useful information, from our forum, including: tips, drawings, photos for making a slipway and give an impetus to those who are not yet fully confident in their abilities and are afraid to start making it on their own.Here is such a slipway made by our member of the forum Yevsey.The design of the light and mobile Finnish slipway Autorobot micro A was taken as a basis.The main materials used in the manufacture of steel are channel # 10 and # 12.Below in the photo are the main nodes of the slipway.An important detail of the slipway is the grips of the rapids, a kind of vise. For their manufacture, sheet steel with a thickness of 16 mm was used. The width of the sill grips is 150 mm, the tightening bolts are 12 mm, and the bushings are 14 mm. The springs were used from the classic Vase valves. The jaws of the grippers are made of a metal rasp.To work with this slipway, hydraulics from a set designed for 10 tons are used.
Here is such a chain retainer located on the pulling tower (boom) of the slipway, and also how the sill grippers work.And here is the actual scheme itself with the dimensions of the slipway.To simplify the work, special stands were welded with the car entering them in front or back, and it became easier, as well as much faster, to bring the slipway under the belly of the car.This construction of the slipway has the ability to put an adaptation to pull it down. To do this, you need to modernize it a little by placing a slide roller under the chain links.Cons and pros of this do-it-yourself slipway design. It may be worth considering them if you repeat this or a similar design.

There are only two sill grips and there is no height adjustment.

The lock for turning the boom horizontally: there was iron 5 mm, you need at least 10-15 mm.

During operation, weaknesses began to emerge, which were strengthened.

The length of the telescopic boom is in principle excessive, so it can be made shorter.

How to hook the car to the thresholds from below with these grippers if they do not have a flange, for example, a BMW type car? To do this, you will need special adapters that cost quite a lot of money (there are homemade options).

Both a plus and a minus can be considered the mobility of the slipway and the ability to turn it in different directions, but in a small garage, there will be a problem with movement.
On the other hand, not every car repair requires the use of a slipway, and in this case, it can simply be rolled out of the garage. And for a small garage, it will be more practical to make a stationary slipway (we will talk about it below).

General impressions of Evsey (the author of the project) from working with his slipway:In general, beauty, the car is dead on the slipway, the hydraulics pulls extremely easily, as if you were not pulling iron, but cardboard or paper. Before that I used an ordinary winch, so I can compare and say that this is heaven and earth. The slipway has established itself as a real hard worker, rated 5 plus, very mobile and reliable.You can read the details and discussion of this design on our forum here.As one of the options for a small homemade slipway for use in the garage, below in the video from Boris AvtoDok, where he talks in detail about his design.

All types of slipways have an identical operating principle. To eliminate the deformation of the body, it is fixed to one or more areas that need to be straightened and straightened.Further, the master, using the drafting device, applies force and straightens the damaged parts of the case.

Simple slipways for body repairs are equipped with one exhaust device. Complex fixtures have several exhaust mechanisms.

There are 4 types of devices: floor-standing, rolling, frame and platform.

The rolling stock is used for body repair of various types of cars. It is equipped with devices that allow you to secure the car without flanging the sills. Rolling slipways are convenient to use in confined spaces. Due to this, the device is used in garage conditions.

Rolling equipment must not be used in the event of distortions and changes in the body geometry.

Do-it-yourself floor slip for body repair is a compact and effective equipment for restoring a car body in a garage or workshop. If there is no need to use a pulling mechanism, then the rails are used for other purposes.

The frame slip belongs to the professional type of exhaust mechanisms. The main difference from other types is that frame fixtures have a complex design.

The exhaust mechanism allows you to repair different car models. The machine is fixed to a frame that is highly durable. With the help of a force directed in different directions, the body deformations of mild and moderate severity are pulled out.

To save space in a workshop or garage, as well as to facilitate the process of restoring the car body, they purchase body repair stands equipped with a lift.

The platform slipway for body repair is a complete professional equipment. Devices of this type are used to straighten damage to the body of any car, including frame SUVs.

The design of the pulling mechanism consists of special rails and an entry bridge-base. The car drives into it on its own, or it is pulled in there if the car is not on the move. The platform is equipped with various devices and fastening mechanisms that securely fix the vehicle on the slipway.

Platform devices have hydraulic metal stands, a winch, power and pull-out units. The beams of the device allow you to effortlessly move heavy structures in any direction. The platform leveling stand has a telescopic scale, with the help of which accurate calculations and measurements are carried out.

The disadvantages of the platform exhaust mechanism include large dimensions and high cost of equipment. It is used in large car maintenance services.

Making a homemade body straightening slip will save you money as they are expensive. When designing, you should take into account the dimensions of the future fixture for car repair and create a drawing of the device. It can be ordered from specialists, or you can find it ready-made on the Internet. Depending on the type of the exhaust mechanism, the set of tools and materials that will be needed differs.

To make a mobile body straightening device yourself, you will need:

From a profile with a thickness of more than 4 mm, you need to create a frame with dimensions twice the dimensions of the machine.
The structure is reinforced with cross members and corner pieces. The cross members will fix the car. Exhaust mechanisms are also attached to them.
To make the structure mobile, four wheels are attached to the bottom.
To be able to lift the car onto the frame, a gangway is constructed. On the one hand, they will have a special plug, and on the other, a removable section necessary for lifting the vehicle.
The design is equipped with a bench vise or special clamps.They are needed to securely fix the machine.

In order for the structure to serve for a long time, it is covered with a layer of primer and painted.When designing a straightening stand with your own hands, the channel is concreted, and also reinforced with cross members of a rigid structure. The optimal material for creating a "stationary" is a metal profile with a section of 40 by 80 mm. The length is determined depending on the dimensions of the vehicle.Further, along the perimeter of the frame, four fasteners are installed, which are designed for the vice clamping the machine. They move perpendicular to the channel, thanks to which damage of any size can be repaired. The car is installed on a body repair stand using a jack: first, the front of the car is raised, then the rear. In the garage or auto repair shop, you will need to mount the special eyes required to attach the chain. Image - DIY car body repair stand

To facilitate the process of raising the car, a homemade lift is used. It is done using a winch and a special platform.

A slipway is a necessary equipment for do-it-yourself body repair. The device removes damage to the car body. When self-restoring the machine body, the exhaust mechanism is also necessary.

How to make a body repair slip at home?
Homemade slipway, pros and cons of the device
What is needed to create a slipway
How to create a slipway with your own hands, step by step

If you have a car, then it is likely that the issue of repairing it is no longer news. In this process, many different tools are often required, the presence of which greatly facilitates the task. It is such a tool, or more correctly, an adaptation, that is a body slipway, which can be made by hand.

A "slipway" is a special device presented in the form of a platform for repairing the body of vehicles in order to restore their original geometry. The desired result is achieved by multidirectional forces that act on a firmly fixed vehicle. A high-quality factory slipway is quite expensive, therefore, to perform various repair activities, some motorists resort to creating such an assistant on their own. As practice shows, such a solution is cheaper than a ready-made version.

A slipway is an equipment that can be used both for repairing passenger cars and for eliminating breakdowns of large vehicles, you just need to choose the right type of device. So, for today, there are three main options for stocks.

Platform products help to pull the car body in a variety of positions and with different strengths, which allows body repairs to be carried out exactly from the side where it is needed. Moreover, platform slip for body repair is distinguished by its versatility, as it allows you to perform a variety of types of repairs. The main component of such a product is a hydraulic device, and its advantage is that the damaged part of the body can be pulled out in all directions. In addition, the range of repair interventions is also expanding due to a reliable fastening system. The main disadvantages of platform slipways include their overall size.

Floor slipway for body repair, it provides for the presence of a rail in the floor along which the retractable mechanisms move. Thanks to this design, you can repair breakdowns of any complexity, because the retractable mechanisms can be conveniently moved to the desired points.

The advantages of this type of device are relatively low price, quick installation of the vehicle and economy of the occupied space. In the event of an idle slip, the place where the repaired vehicle is usually located can be used for other purposes, since the rails are flush with the floor.As for the shortcomings, one cannot fail to note the complexity of performing the necessary measurements, which, in principle, is a kind of compensation for the compactness of the slipway.

The frame structures are based on a metal frame, where the machine is fixed with chains. In most cases, such equipment is used during minor repairs. From a constructive point of view, frame slipways have a more complex device and have special grips for securely fixing the machine body in the required position and at a certain height. The body is secured in the slipway using special clamps, while the damaged part is pulled out by chains extending from the power device.

To simplify the task of lifting a vehicle, frame stands are often used in conjunction with scissor lifts. The main advantage of such slipways is free access to the underbody of the vehicle, its constituent parts, as well as the ability to carry out all work at different heights. Like the previous version, frame devices do not take up much space in the garage and are distinguished by their mobility. The main disadvantage of this type of slipway is the lack of the possibility of leveling complex defects, which is explained by the limited number of drawing points. It is this fact that led to the fact that the scope of the product is limited to simple repair work and straightening of light damage to car bodies.

The last two options are rarely found in ordinary workshops, since they belong to the category of professional equipment. Such devices use a very complex database and measuring equipment, but if you need to perform body repairs in your own garage, then you can create a not so complex device yourself.

All types of slipways for body straightening, including those made by hand, are capable of developing an effort from 1.5 to 5 tons, thanks to which the device is perfect for use on all types of cars (video procedures are easy to find on the net).

First of all, you need to find suitable drawings that will not be difficult to find on the Internet. After that, the preparatory stage begins, which includes the selection of the necessary tools and materials. In particular, the creation of a homemade slipway for body repair will require metal profiles (used to create the base of the structure), longitudinal profiles for posts, metal corners to strengthen the structure, a welding machine, bolts and nuts, fastening mechanisms, primer, powder paint, spray gun, hydraulic devices, powerful chains and hooks.

Also, it will not be possible to do without a power rack, which must move to various points of the slipway. It is this device that applies the main force to the deformed parts of the vehicle, due to which they are aligned. Such parts are easily installed on the base of the structure and must have a high level of strength. In the place where the stand and the base are welded, an additional metal gusset is mounted to strengthen the structure.

To fix the vehicle on the slipway, you need to develop a fastening system, or simply follow the directions of the selected drawing. It is best to make fasteners with the ability to change the height.

After all the materials have been prepared, you can proceed to the direct manufacture of the slipway. First, thoroughly degrease all the elements and cover them with a primer. You can also powder paint the parts right away, although this is often postponed until later.

At the next stage, the metal corners are welded to the base profile, and then the longitudinal part, which plays the role of a stand, is also welded (in addition, you need to fasten the profile with bolts). After that, power and retractable devices, chains and hooks are installed.

The thickness of the metal profile (or, as it is also called, the channel) must be at least 4 mm, and the finished frame must be 1.5-2 times larger than the dimensions of the serviced machines. For greater rigidity of the structure, the frame is reinforced with metal corners, and this can be done either with the end sides or with the entire structure.

Several cross members must be welded across the frame, which will give the slipway even greater rigidity. In addition, it will be possible to attach a drafting device to it or fix a car.

In order to make it possible to easily move the frame slip, it is recommended to weld the wheels to it. The power struts, through which the pulling force is created, are attached to the holes drilled in the frame (they are made as needed).

In order to ensure reliable fixation of repaired cars, you can use a locksmith's vice, but it is better to purchase special clamps.

Another important point is the dimensions of the do-it-yourself slipway. So, for example, frames with parameters 180x80 cm are placed between the wheels of the vehicle for its entire length, but with its help it will not be possible to correct significant damage, although it is quite suitable for repairing thresholds, struts or other similar parts.

In order not to be mistaken in your decision, the geometry and dimensions of the structure can be borrowed from ready-made, factory models. Some are ideal for garage work.

Now you know how you can independently and without large material costs make a slipway for body repair right in your garage.

Video (click to play).