hydraulic ram

[peterd51]

Hi,

pulling bits of car bodywork apart over the last few days I remembered that I'd picked up a hydralic ram some time ago with a view to make a jig that I can attach to the car and pull sections as required.

I have no idea what size the ram is, or if it's a lorry jack or something similar as there's no markings on it at all, here's the item...





Does anyone know what it is or what sort of pressure I can pump it up to?

I can soon knock up a jig but does anyone have any idea how I'd attach it to the car? I'd thought of a small vice welded or bolted to one end so I could clamp it to the chassis or the lower lip on the sills, etc.

Would it be OK on one side only or should it be fixed to both sides of the car to prevent it twisting. If I did that then I'd be able to place the forward facing strut towards the middle of the jig if required but then I'd also have problems of attaching the jig to different width vehicles.

Any ideas please?

Regards
Peter

 

[fingers99]

Some ideas here.

If you're pulling substantial body sections around, you'll certainly need a jig -- or very accurate measurements (usually in factory manuals) -- to check against.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

yes, that's the sort of thing, although I'm not quite sure how to make the back end secure against the car.

I'm not looking to straighten bent chassis, that's very technical and I know my limitations. But pulling a bit of bodywork like the D pillar back into line with a couple of tons maximum shouldn't be too dificult to get something like right. I can measure the 'other' side, or measure the distance on my existing car, to get an idea of where it needs to be.

Having said that it'll be too late for this particular job as I'm hoping to have it finished this week!

Regards
Peter

 

[Robotstar5]

Try looking up hydraulic body repair kit, see attached pic. I think you will find it only pushes with hydraulics and pulls with return spring, only the expensive kit powers in and out.

 

[snowcat]

I'm guessing you've got around a 10 ton porta power type ram, I use mine I have a couple a 50 and a 10, for this kinda work, often the limitations are getting the dead arm part welded in the best position for the push....with a bit of thought they can save hours of cutting re makeing....

 

[james.c]

Good to see an axle stand being used in that trailer. Too many accidents happen in those sort of situations when the trailer isn't propped.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

thanks for the input. The 'ram' has a thread in the bottom so I guess it screwed into position on something rather than it being a free-standing unit.

Yes, I know I can't 'pull' with it, but with a unit like that one in MM where the ram pushes a vertical rail that's attached to the body part then it 'pulls'.

The forward running section and the vertical are easy enough to make, it's the anchor end that's causing me problems. I reckon I'll have to cobble something together to see how it works and modify as required.

Regards
Peter