John S's Journal

Back from a camping trip and thinking about the upcoming exhaust project, I thought I’d do something to increase the ground clearance and retain the mobility that the HF dollies afford me.

I’ve seen lots of TV shows where the cars are supported by crisscross wood sections but they have all been fixed. I wanted to be able to move the car around so that as needed, I can roll the car over to make room for the MINI now that the weather has turned. Decided to modify the dollies by securing 2x4’s to both ends by drilling 4 holes through the metal and inserting carriage bolts down through the wood to anchor the first layer.
I also used a Forstner bit to bore holes for the 4 wheel nuts that protrude on the top side so the 2x4’s fit over them. After that, I just alternated the orientation of the 2x4’s and screwed down into the previous layer. Pre-drilled the screw holes to keep from splitting. I had initially thought I would build them up with 5 layers but I think 3 will work just fine. I got two of the dollies done and need to build two more for the rear. The good thing is that once they are built, I can always remove them by undoing the nuts and lifting them off or I can add another layer or two if needed.

Finished up the other two today and I’m pleased with how they came out.
All of the remaining work underneath the car should be easily accomplished now. The rear of the transmission is still sitting on the fixed crossmember so that will be the next task, followed by the prop shaft, and then hopefully the SS Bell exhaust.