My Car Flipped Over!! Building a rotisserie for my VW Karmann Ghia

I built a rotisserie to flip the body of my Karmann Ghia. It needs a lot of body work and a car rotisserie is the best way to access it all. Come see the process! Thanks to Send Cut Send for sponsoring a part of this video. Check out their metal cutting services at bit.ly/35ISLrR
Subscribe: bit.ly/ILikeToM...
Second Channel: bit.ly/iltms-2
Check out my TopVideos!: bit.ly/ILikeToM...
Get digital plans, cool merch, and indepth articles at
iliketomakestu...
Learn 3d modeling in Fusion 360 with our online course:
www.fusion360f...
TOOLS & SUPPLIES WE USED(affiliate links):
kit.co/iliketo...
kit.co/iliketo...
Want to support ILTMS? The Maker Alliance gets exclusive content and more...
www.iliketomake...
FOLLOW:
/ iliketomakestuff
/ iliketomakestuf
/ iltms
MUSIC: share.epidemics...
#CarRestoration #ILikeToMakeStuff #KarmannGhia
About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
My Car Flipped Over!! (On Purpose)
• My Car Flipped Over!! ...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@ImGonnaMake]

The storytelling in this one is top-notch. When you guys started rotating the car, I found myself smiling a big smile. I felt like I was really sharing your sense of "wow, this is working!"

[@JayBates]

Nope, you're not the only one who thinks it looks dope lifted up.

[@kevinetheridge6153]

Karmann Ghia gasser

[@jaymzx0]

It looks ready to hit the dunes!

[@kellerenton]

Okay so how about a Karmann Ghia body on an Unimog frame?

[@motzemog]

A 3" body lift and 6" suspension lift. 33" super swampers!

[@Weehapaa]

I've seen renders of a Ghia trophy truck and it looked sick

[@FilamentFriday]

I thought the rotisserie stand pivots would have to be in line with the center point of the car, not offset down like you have. But it worked. Congrats.

[@arneulight]

It worked because the point at which he attached the rotisserie to the car was not the center of the car, it was higher up. The bumper mounts were just convenient, symmetric points on the front and back of the car to attach to.

[@FilamentFriday]

@@arneulight - But he said at 2:20 that luckily the bumper mounts are really close to the center of gravity.

[@SnelfNL]

I think that if you would pivot it around the bumper mounting point, they would have to lift it a lot higher before rotating it. Would be easier to rotate it though.

[@TheMadManPlace]

Stumbled across this video and a few minutes in I thought to myself "Bet that he misses the bolts on top of the rear shock mounts". You did NOT disappoint me. But don't worry about it because finding those bolts is a right of way for every person lifting a Beetle/Karmann Ghia body off the chassis unless they have seen it done before or they are being helped by an old hand at the job. I did it, and there are probably dozens of viewers that did it - and they ALL probably had the same thought going through their minds. BUT YOU DID IT...

[@Miniac]

Totally relate to the sentiment of accomplishing something large and difficult and not spending any time being satisfied with that step but only looking ahead at the future mountains to climb. I've never heard it explained out loud, but I've experienced it very often!

[@gpaine]

This was really fun to watch! And it was fun to see Anthony's editing personality and skill come through on these last couple! I love the normal style, but the stylistic change was really cool. Inspiring video!

[@AnthonyRose]

❤️

[@Iliketomakestuff]

They both edit different videos. Anthony edits all of the Ghia videos

[@quantumpancakes1]

Love to see the editor having some fun making this video!

[@XanderUtd]

Superb!!!!! Hope the body doesnt get twisted after rotating it a couple of times. Keep them coming. Very inspiring.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Yeah, me too.

[@1983mojo1]

@@Iliketomakestuff the fun will be putting it back together.

[@travisvinson6917]

Sir, your last little speach is spot on for me. I am building my pole barn. I got a contractor to get the foundation done. Setting the poles was no issue. All the "next steps" was intimidating, until they were completed. Next is siding, doors, and electrical....Your words fit in most of life. yoour next step is scary, then surprised that it works. Not that it works, but you(one's self) made it work.

[@NekoFallen]

Videos like this just go to show you how simple a solution to an otherwise mind-boggling complex project can be made. Those lift racks do look a bit unstable on their own, glad to see you added a 'spine' connector to keep them together. They remind me of the metal rolling racks that I used to use when at a Powdercoating job. Was always fun to rig two of them together to be able to suspend a entire chassis between them.

[@greglauderdale7595]

I’m writing this halfway through the video. I must say, I’ve been looking forward to this video ever since you started talking about the rotisserie on Making It. Now that I’m watching it, I’m super inspired and motivated to start building/making things that are out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the always wonderful content.

[@danthemakerman]

Congratulations on the flip!

[@kennethgreer]

This is one of the best videos from your channel. Seeing Bob so "out of his element" is wildly entertaining. Hopefully it's well-received and gives you all the confidence to test your confidence.

[@KekTekDe]

Great build (as always)! Since the car seems a bit heavier towards the bottom side, you could add some weights (like these heavy lifting wheights) to the upper half of your flip fork. From a safety point its important, that the center of mass is centered so it doesnt flip while you're working on it (eg while its tilted like at 15:00). using two screwdrivers as pins doesnt seem thaaat safe :D also makes spinning much easier once centered.

[@BaltimoreJak]

“This is not a problem I though I would have.” So spot on, at the moment when all you imagined fears fade, only to be replaced by the far more terrifying unimaginable reality!

[@sandwichman8u]

I'm eager to see more progress on this

[@andrewzanto8591]

Love your authentic, unrehearsed moment at the end - inspiring!

[@HenryBelcaster]

This just inspired me to build literally anything ever from scratch...bravo Bob 🎉

[@theodoresommereux6765]

Men, you are a hell of an inspiration. I have an old Citroen Mehari, that my grand father left me when he passed away. This is a lot of work, and I always though I couldn't do it. After this video, I starded thinking that with time and dedication, I can do it. Thank you.

[@rosspetersen1879]

I'm loving these Kharman Ghia episodes! Please keep making them! And more Land cruiser episodes too por please! 😁

[@tomschwab3111]

Bob,Awesome job as always. recommend that you mod the crank part by taking the handle off and weld a nut there. then use an impact wrench on the nut. much like the drop down legs on a camper.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Great idea!

[@kevindud333]

Love the cinematic scenes in this one. Also it’s fun following this story. Thanks Bob.

[@billyriordan913]

I was glad to see you brace the door openings before you lifted the body off the pan. I was cringing at the thought of it folding up along the A pillars.

[@woodlandburl6648]

Absolutely a great job. I really enjoy seeing and doing "shade macanic" work. Yes I know that the word is misspelled.

[@Wordsnwood]

Flippin amazing. One step at a time, guys, you're climbing that mountain.

[@richoslandscapephotography164]

Congratulations Bob on completing a milestone on the car. Keep up the fantastic work. Same goes for Anthony and Josh. You guys rock

[@bytesizedengineering]

I loved the edit on this one! It felt like a "between the builds". Anthony? Is this your work? I'm learning about storytelling right now, and this had all the elements of a good story. Great job setting up the goal and the stakes and all the obstacles leading up to the resolution! You all are pros! Good work fellas.

[@ooMike22oo]

I was thinking the exact same thing! Love the between the builds feel in a true build video!!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

It was! Anthony edits all of the Ghia and BTB videos 👍🏼

[@jimmydiresta]

Incredible!!

[@TomMakeHere]

Awesome functionality Bob! You could speed things up on the threaded rod if you weld a nut so you can use an impact wrench. Then use the handles when you want to go slow with control

[@rba_c]

I've been following you for so long and watching this for some reason remember how proud of you I was when you quit the programmer job!

[@pandanoff]

I’m 100% a car guy and 30% maker. I can not tell you the amount of joy it brings me that someone is tackling the biggest of all car projects straight out the gate. Normally, I’d discourage this behavior because it’s way too much for someone to do for their first car project. However, seeing the level of research you put into even the most basic of tasks, I’m excited to follow you down this journey. P.S. I’ve been subscribed for a few years and enjoy your content. You’re a talented nerd, which is almost always a good thing. Cheers.

[@kjacquin]

Great work! Thanks for keeping this all on one channel. There’s no reason to chase the ILTMS team around different channels due to what you are making/doing. Keep it going!!

[@Storyracing387]

Well, when start off doing something you've never done AND it works just like you paned.....that's awesome! Every time I dive into something with my rc cars, it's new to me. I've only been in the hobby for two years. Great video, can't wait to see more 🤘

[@johnrgmcmenamin]

Bob and team! What a major accomplishment. Nice work!!

[@cprooks]

Body Work Isn't Too Hard Bob. Great Work!

[@NornerNlhoutbewerking]

Not sure if it was commented already (but the first few didn't mention it...) If you remove the T handle you made on the thread and just weld on a nut you can use a drill with a socket to lift the car. Works way faster and less risk of hitting your head (or eye) on the T-handle. Great video! Can't wait for the next part!

[@marshallwebber9682]

Most excellent. I'm a former owner of a 68 Ghia and have had AirCooled VWs most of my adult life. Glad to see the work that you're doing. (Also, just sent a project off to SendCutSend!)

[@KevinGriffinDeveloper]

This was awesome to watch! I've been looking forward to seeing it flip since Bob mentioned it on the podcast. Engineering is amazing (when it works).

[@alexisrivera200xable]

It's also amazing when it doesn't just for entirely different reasons.

[@ryanneumann5165]

BRAVO!!! Well done Bob and Team!

[@coreycreehan8197]

I LOVE this video style. This is GREAT guys. The whole crew deserves mad props for this one. Seriously can't say enough good things

[@hyundaiverna]

Wow you jumped into the complete nut and bolt automotive restoration rabbithole. Be patient and if you have a budget, most of the times you will need 3 times that, so be prepared in all senses. Awesome job and I am waiting to get more of the Karmann!!!

[@paulhartong2110]

Love the documentary style video, it's a great change from the normal build videos. Keep it up!

[@_topikk_]

“Am I the only one who things this looks dope lifted up” I was thinking the exact same thing! A Baja Ghia is everything I never knew I needed.

[@jeffoliver4158]

As soon as I saw it lifted in the air I thought "that's Mad Max cool all the way!" So I'm really glad I wasn't the only one!

[@Torsan1977]

Flat bottom Jacks you make the rusty cars go 'round. Love these vlog style videos!

[@diogor420]

I loved this video! Feels more natural and less scripted

[@garethdavies3220]

Hi Bob, whilst listening to your Making it pod cast I heard your plans for the car and was alerted to a possible pitfall into which I fell more than 30 years ago while restoring a VW Beetle. Like you I made a rotisserie and mounted the body to it to make the neccessary repairs. I made braces for the door aperatures so that I could replace the sill / rocker / heater channels. I did this safe in the knowledge that everything would be ok. I was deep into the project when I test fitted the doors for the first time only to find that the doors would not fit ...., so do as I'm sure you will and as Jimmy advised, check the fit often. I hope this helps and prevents somebody from the anguish that ensues.

[@robmills4709]

Holy snot! Brilliant Bob, great result. Good luck.

[@MarcusBeebe]

Bob is a super trooper!

[@msmith1736]

My son has been following you for a long time and I haven’t checked in since your first Ghia video. I’m happy to see you quit screwing around with the little details and started to strip the whole car down. I’m going thru the same process with my 68 Ghia and am experiencing/ or experienced the same challenges! Body is off, sandblasted the chassis, and about to replace the floor pans and some body panels!

[@chodgson]

Great job. Lots of work ahead, indeed. I find it a little funny that you identified that the bumpers were about at the center of mass, but then you put the swivel point 1-2 feet higher than that... You could probably remove the corner braces on the mount "T"s and shorten the tubes they slide in to be able to bring the car up higher relative to the swivel point. Then you might be a little closer to one-man rotisserie operation, if not one-finger balanced.

[@mriguy3202]

Very cool. You could weld a nut to the top of each of the threaded rod lift t-handles and drive it up and down using cordless drills on each side.

[@brycehotchkiss]

We need more Karmann Ghia videos!! 👍🏻

[@splunk276]

Im currently working on a 67’ Ghia, needs a lot of work!

[@NorthWalesCampers]

Looks amazing and works a treat. Only but if advice and not sure if others have recommended it but where the bottle Jack lifts it up I think you need to make a cup shaped bracket so the Jack can’t slip at all. At the minute you’re relying on the clips to keep the Jack in place.

[@CheveeDodd]

I really like the conversational tone in this one. It was a good hybrid of "watch me make this thing" and the second channel.

[@JasonPatz]

Hooray!!! More Ghia!!!

[@travelinganvil5711]

What a triumph - its so cool to see after so much time listening to the podcast and knowing your apprehension about this! Congratulations! I hope you can take a moment to really enjoy it!

[@twingotango]

This was really neat - I liked the application of this! I definitely got nervous when I saw the castors on the bottom of the legs...but it looks like it held together and didn't rotate out! Nice work!! This is my favorite channel, appreciate you guys and the quality of your work.

[@krzysiej--9229]

I love the car restoration videos. They are fresh and fun. I am glat that this car is pile of rust and there will be more videos about it in the future. ;)

[@jayhitek]

This is incredible. Something Jimmy Diresta would do. I bet he was so proud of you when you told him.

[@therick8417]

The ending was very The Graduate-esque! Like “yeah let’s do this!” To “oh know what did we do??”

[@jerrysmallwood8099]

Great VIDEO Bob and Crew. i thought you knew about the shock mount bolts. You've done most everything at this point.

[@christianscustoms6429]

Awesome! I’ve been restoring my beetle for the last few years and need to build a rotisserie as well. It’s been hanging over my head but now all the lightbulbs are going off after watching you do it. Very cool!

[@SpareroomWoodworking]

Awesome! Was looking forward to this moment. And beautifully shot too. Dare I say - ready for Vimeo!

[@robdean54]

awesome! glad you're moving forward! I bet its an amazing feeling!

[@bulluffalo6711]

This brings back memories of me and my grandpa taking the body off of one of these and rebuilding the engine and using the chassis to make a beach buggy

[@felipeoros8723]

"Flat bottom jack sounds like an insult" 🤣 I'm a contractor in Palm Springs and this is was extra funny for me haha

[@marklengal9990]

I made one of these for my Camaro years ago for restoration. Almost identical with wheels and center Jack After I was done sold it for more then it cost me. Great idea 💡. I used a center support bar across the bottom to keep it from binding

[@ryanking5454]

I'm stoked for you Bob. I totally feel your pain. I've never done any construction before and I'm about to frame out and finish two 1200 sqft areas. One is a barn that will become a barndominium and the other is a pole barn that I am putting an office, gym, and workshop inside. I'm terrified, but it is just one big job at a time. It'll get figured out eventually. Hopefully by August I'm all settled and the work is done. Keep pressing forward. It helps inspire the rest of us to take that next big step.

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Works well with a couple 2 ton engine stands reenforced and with tube welded at 7 degrees, been building trailers that way for decades.

[@greggmcneill7407]

I am all in for this journey! What you had to say about way points in a big project is spot on! Those points can be really intimidating and you nailed it!

[@natee5015]

Wait for the weather to warm up and take that car outside for a good sand blasting. It’s the easiest and quickest way to remove rust and old paint without the use of harsh chemicals or harmful dust. It’ll give you the cleanest place to start from before starting body work. Or better yet get the whole body acid dipped. You got this though! 👍🏻

[@banata21]

When i saw the thumbnail with "How it WORKED" I got excited for you that it worked!

[@brentfowler2317]

Hey Bob, Josh, and buddy. I don't remember your other employee, assistant, cameraman, editor, idk, anyhow I can't remember his name. But I just wanted to say I've been a long time viewer of your channel. I've watched probably 90+% of all your content, build videos, brain pick, your, tip videos, your podcast - Making It, and so on. All I'm trying to say is, I like your content. And you've come a long way my friend, I mean when I started watching your channel. It was just you, in your smaller(not small, just smaller) basement. And it was awesome. Your actually the first channel I found when I started woodworking, and really getting into being a maker. I've done carpentry for a long time, 18ish years (my dad's a 45 year master Carpenter.) I've always learned a lot from your videos. Also your videos have always been great. But I feel like things are recorded, and put together a bit better.(no offense) Your videos look great, and are well thought out, there not just videos where I learn something new, I am always laughing. Your videos are entertaining. Anyhow I digress (sorry for the novel) great job to your whole team. Well done ! 👏 And real quick, I've worked on my own cars for almost 15 years, not bodywork, but everything else. I've never seen anything like that. That's about the coolest thing. {Turn your car into a chicken today! Get yours today! For this low, low price! Just 3 installments of 199.99 please call, 555......} Lol sorry about that. But I'm sure you get it. Lol. I'm surprised there's not more pro paint shops using rotisseries.. Take care guys.

[@JamesMadeKY]

This is awesome! Congrats on tackling a large project. Love the automotive content. As a guy that likes to dabble in many different hobbies, this excites me. Keep it up!!

[@Blahnik1182]

Beautiful videography and editing. Nice job, Bob's friends!

[@TheDanielcalvert]

Another smashing video by ILTMS I've been following this behind the scenes on the Making it podcast and Its great to see the progress your making.

[@DominusFeles]

One could say that Bob has reached a tipping point with his car 🦄

[@kevinetheridge6153]

Landcruiser looks excellent rolling across the screen @ 8:27 :-)

[@jbyork]

Bob, I love these car video so much! I will never have the time or space to restore a car, but watching these videos is a great substitute! Can't wait for the next video!

[@jcdixon01]

Well done Bob!!!

[@sjtonic]

Bob, please continue this restoration project! It seems that CT (KZbinr famous for not finishing his projects) ate enough and abandoned his Karmann Ghia restoration project for a while (or forever). So all eyes on you, Bob!

[@MattMurphree]

Love this video, and this series. When it was time to flip it, I was terrified!

[@alkalinedale]

Man this is just so cool, so happy for you. What a great accomplishment!!!

[@yinn2yang]

nice start

[@georgel5308]

Great job bob. Im happy it worked out well for you. Great job. And love the podcast

[@jimhaus]

Fantastic! I just searched for "how does one build their own rotisserie" so that I can spin a Karmann Ghia that I don't even have yet, and you came up! I've subbed for years, but I guess now that you're working on this project, I'll have to hit the bell, lol.

[@chaseing_chase]

Feel better Bob

[@b3ardedbarbarian]

It looks badass lifted!

[@Macven]

Consider locking the vertical axis as to not leave all of the work to the jacks, really exiting stuff.

[@bladee_enjoyer540]

You can see at 13:59 there are two bolts on each side locking the vertical tubes

[@Macven]

@@bladee_enjoyer540 thanks for pointing that out, I didn’t see it

[@robert.a.williams1138]

Another great video as always! I really caught feelings at that moment at the end: when you reached the top of the mountain, and felt the pride of reaching the peak, but also the realization that there is another mountain ahead of you. I’m happy that you’re bringing us along for the ride, and I’m looking forward to seeing your next step forward.

[@PhaseLotA]

Seeing a "someday I'll do this" milestone come to fruition was really awesome. What a crazy thing. Very cool to see it finally lift and rotate. Loved this.

[@timmey001]

aweomse, so great. thank you for posting this series. i didn't know if id love this or not, but not only do i find i love what you are doing to a K.G. but I've been watching more restoration videos in general. thank you!

[@Goofyguy3]

Well done, I appreciate the attention to safety, these devices are really awesome and used extensively in the welding / fabrication and if you cant get the CG right really bad things can happen and if you get it right you only need a light touch to rotate. I have designed and built several of these including ones that rotate on 2 axis and only have 1 end while holding 1000lb cab frame (offer more welding room). I like that you have included a lot of adjustability (no mater how accurate the CAD models you still have to be able to adjust your CG), well done.

[@geocarp]

This is amazing! After hearing about for so long on the podcast, it's awesome to see it in action!!

[@ellieboa]

Actually gasped at multiple points in this video!

[@bokkenka]

It's currently 11am. Here in northern Wisconsin, we finally crossed over 0 back into positive temperatures.

[@zoeytrapper]

This was amazing to watch.

[@diabeticnomad]

First off I’d like to say that it must be nice having a car that’s not unibody! Second built a rotisserie with my dad to do this same thing. Had all those same feelings. Well done Bob!