Skrambler Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Hello All, As I'm sure with a lot of you, there simply is not enough room in the garage for all the "toys". Well, I am once again faced with this delemma. I believe I should be able to slide my cars real close together by using those fancy car "skates" or car "dollies". I will be rolling the skates on smooth concreate, so I am hoping that I will have limited troubles (I hope!). Question to you all. I know that like with everything else, there are cheap items, and there are better, and the best! What brand/type have you guys used? Are you happy with them? What kind should I stay away from? Should I invest in the style that has it's own hydraulics?($) Obviously, I am attempting to head off any problems before I order the wrong kind, and once again kicking myself! Thanks guys~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yourpc48 Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 I dont have a shop to roll stuff around in but one of my friends does. I dont know what brand he uses but when I talked to him about the ones he has he said that one set he got was to light duty for his Impala but was fine for his Mustang or even my P15. My car weighs in at about 3500 lbs right now. His Impala weighs in at almost 1000 lbs more. His Suggestion? Make sure to get some that are way over rated for the car you going to use them with and you shouldnt run into too much trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgeb4ya Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) I use the high quality USA made Go Jaks ($$) on smooth finish concrete to jockey my cars. Tow truck companies use them a lot too. They are the mechanical ratcheting type. They glide around almost too easily. I have read that some of the import hydraulic ones leak after continued use. "Horror freight" ones bend and or are hard to get the somewhat heavier cars to move properly and easily-the wheels/platform bend. There are lots of choices. I've always tried to buy good long lasting equipment. Keeps the frustration level down! Bob Edited September 2, 2011 by Dodgeb4ya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 depends on the wheels that are on the skate/dollies the best set I have are home made and they use some surplus cargo pallet rollers..these things spin in circles with little effort..the store bought ones I have are a PITA to use and would benefit from upgrading the wheels..but at the time and immediate need for them..they do suit the bill...just not my favorite.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorensen_dk Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I bought a couple of Go Jaks many years ago - the flat spring on top of the lever broke after a few years. I would say bad engineering or inferior parts. They may have improved the design later. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty O'Toole Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I have thought about making Hovercraft type pads. Flat boxes made of plywood, connect to compressed air to levitate the vehicle, disconnect air to park. Have not tried it yet so do not know why it wouldn't work. Got the idea from similar devices used by Boeing to move jumbo jets that are under construction. Have seen pictures, a platform 3 or 4 feet square under each wheel moves a full size 747. Would work on concrete or pavement, could also be used over a gravel drive if you lay down sheets of plywood or chip board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 maybe Edward Leedskalnin could lend a hand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossback44 Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 I have the ones from Harbor Freight. They need to be kept well lubed with wheel bearing grease to work satisfactorily. They are strong enough, but the casters really are the weak link. I have been thinking about replacing the casters with some heavier duty ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopt50wgn Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 They make different types of dollies for different rolling surfaces. They make some dollies with composite wheels and others with steel wheels. The steel wheeled version is for a concrete pad in your shop. I also have a set with for concrete that have the rotating wheels. I put my car I used to have on it. It only weighed 2600 lbs. Had it in my shop which has smooth floor. It was a PITA to move around unless you have a few buddies to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconvan Posted September 3, 2011 Report Share Posted September 3, 2011 I bought some Harbor Freight ones; for a one guy shop they work fine. As long as the floor is kept clean, that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Haymond Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I am using a set of wheel skates on my concrete garage floor and they work great. I paid a little extra for ones that had ball bearings in the axles and with rubber or plastic wheels. Once I get the car moving I can pull it with one hand. I tried common furniture dollies before and the rolling friction was so high it was frustratingly difficult to move the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockable Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I bought a set of these from Tractor Supply for $50 a pair. I like them because they have steel wheels on them and drill chips, grinding slag, etc don't get bedded up in them. Spray the casters with some spray type lithium grease and put a couple of drops of oil on each wheel when you assemble them. They roll great and you can't beat the price. http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicle-maintenance-accessories/jacks-stands-ramps/creepers-wheel-dollies/big-red-1000-lbs-car-dolly-1161639 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldmopar Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I have a set of the hf ones they are ok for a long term project but would be a PIA to use them for a running car too much set up time jacking up each wheel to load the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1950 Special Deluxe Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I have a set of cheap ones as well, about $50 a pair. I only use them for winter storage. I put the car on them when I am done for the summer, then push the car tight to the wall. When I want to putter with the car over the winter I push it out to the center of the garage, then push it back tight to the wall when I am done. They work great on my concrete floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockable Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I moved my chassis today with my "skates". I had the front wheels up on it and just maneuvered the chassis anywhere I wanted to by myself. Now, that is not a fully loaded car but these should work well for that, too. I was putting my body back on my chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.