Body Shop Stands

About Body Shop Stands

Body shop stands are essential equipment for professional vehicle repair workshops, bodywork specialists, and spray painting facilities. These versatile support systems are designed to safely hold, position, and stabilise vehicle components during repair, painting, or storage operations. From bumpers and bonnets to doors and windscreens, these stands provide secure mounting points that keep panels at optimal working heights whilst preventing damage and freeing up valuable workshop space.

The range of body shop stands includes specialised solutions for virtually every automotive panel and component. Adjustable bumper stands offer flexible positioning for front and rear bumpers, whilst rotating panel stands enable technicians to work on all sides of a component without constant repositioning. Mobile panel storage racks provide organised storage for multiple components during extended restoration projects, and folding designs offer space-saving solutions for smaller workshops. Many modern stands feature heavy-duty castors for mobility, adjustable arms to accommodate different panel sizes, and padded contact points to protect painted or primed surfaces.

Professional body shop stands from manufacturers like Sealey are engineered to withstand the demanding environment of busy collision repair centres and custom paint shops. These robust tools not only improve workflow efficiency but also reduce the risk of panel damage caused by improper storage or handling. Whether you're running a commercial bodywork operation or tackling a classic car restoration in your home garage, quality panel stands are invaluable for achieving professional results whilst maintaining proper workshop organisation.

Jargon Buster

• Panel Stand: A support structure designed to hold vehicle body panels securely in position during repair, preparation, or painting work. Typically features adjustable arms or brackets to accommodate different panel shapes and sizes.
• Panel Train: A mobile parts cart or trolley system that allows multiple vehicle components to be moved together through the workshop, particularly useful for transporting panels between preparation areas, spray booths, and assembly stations.
• Rotating Stand: A specialist panel stand that allows 360-degree rotation of the component, enabling technicians to work on all surfaces without repositioning the panel or moving around it repeatedly.
• Commercial Vehicle Stand: Heavy-duty panel support equipment specifically designed to accommodate the larger, heavier panels found on vans, lorries, and commercial vehicles, featuring reinforced construction and higher load capacities.
• Paint Hanger: An overhead suspension system that holds panels during spray painting operations, allowing even coating coverage and preventing contact marks whilst paint cures.
• Folding Stand: Space-saving panel support that can be collapsed when not in use, ideal for workshops with limited floor space or mobile repair operations.

Who Uses Body Shop Stands?

• Vehicle body repair technicians and panel beaters
• Automotive spray painters and refinishers
• Collision repair centres and insurance-approved bodyshops
• Classic car restoration specialists
• Commercial vehicle repair workshops
• MOT stations with bodywork capabilities
• Custom car builders and modifiers
• Mobile smart repair technicians
• Automotive training facilities and colleges
• DIY enthusiasts undertaking restoration projects
• Agricultural and plant machinery repair workshops

How to Choose the Right Body Shop Stands

Consider Your Typical Workload: Identify which vehicle components you handle most frequently. If you primarily work on passenger cars, standard bumper and door stands will suffice. Commercial vehicle specialists require heavy-duty stands with greater load capacities and extended reach to accommodate larger panels.

Evaluate Workshop Space: Measure your available floor space carefully. Folding stands are ideal for compact workshops or those handling occasional bodywork, whilst larger facilities can benefit from dedicated multi-panel storage racks that keep numerous components organised during complex restorations.

Mobility Requirements: Stands with quality castors enable efficient workshop flow, allowing panels to be moved between preparation areas, spray booths, and storage zones. Look for models with lockable wheels to ensure stability during actual work. Panel trains are particularly valuable for managing multiple components through sequential processes.

Adjustability Features: Choose stands with flexible positioning options to accommodate various panel sizes and shapes. Adjustable height, width, and angle settings ensure compatibility with everything from small bumpers to large commercial vehicle panels. Rotating stands are invaluable for detailed preparation work and achieving consistent paint coverage.

Build Quality and Stability: Professional-grade stands constructed from heavy-gauge steel offer superior durability and stability. Check maximum load capacities match your requirements, particularly for heavy components like bonnets and tailgates. Rubberised or padded contact points protect delicate painted surfaces from scratching.

Storage Capacity: For workshops handling multiple vehicles simultaneously, multi-level storage racks maximise vertical space utilisation. Double-sided bumper racks can hold numerous components in a compact footprint, essential for managing insurance work or fleet repairs efficiently.

Popular Accessories

• Spray gun holders and filter storage systems
• Panel protection covers and masking materials
• Workshop trolleys and tool carts
• Paint mixing stations and spray booth equipment
• Panel alignment tools and measuring systems
• Welding screens and fabrication equipment
• Air filtration and extraction systems
• LED work lights and inspection lamps
• Sanding blocks and preparation tools
• Component identification tags and labelling systems

Safety Information

Always ensure body shop stands are positioned on level, stable flooring before loading panels. Check that wheel locks are engaged when stands are stationary to prevent unexpected movement. Verify load capacity ratings before placing heavy components such as bonnets or commercial vehicle panels on stands, and never exceed manufacturer specifications.

Distribute weight evenly across support points and ensure panels are properly secured before releasing your grip. When using rotating stands, confirm the panel is balanced and the rotation mechanism locks securely in position. Keep walkways clear of stand bases and castors to prevent trip hazards in busy workshop environments.

Regularly inspect stands for damage, including bent frames, worn padding, or faulty castors, which could compromise stability or damage vehicle components. When working near spray painting operations, ensure stands are positioned to maintain adequate clearance for proper coating coverage whilst avoiding overspray contamination of unpainted surfaces. Always follow HSE guidelines for manual handling when loading panels onto stands, using appropriate lifting techniques or mechanical assistance for heavy components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a folding stand and a fixed panel stand?

Folding stands can be collapsed for storage when not in use, making them ideal for smaller workshops or mobile operations with limited space. Fixed stands offer greater stability and typically higher load capacities, suited to busy bodyshops with dedicated work areas. Both serve the same fundamental purpose of supporting panels safely during repair work.

Can I use the same stand for different types of vehicle panels?

Many adjustable stands are designed for multi-purpose use, accommodating bumpers, doors, bonnets, and other panels through adjustable arms and height settings. However, specialist items like windscreen stands or commercial vehicle panel stands are purpose-built for specific components. Universal rotating stands offer the greatest versatility for varied bodywork operations.

How many panel stands does a typical body shop need?

This depends on your workshop size and typical workload. A small operation might manage with 2-3 versatile stands, whilst busy collision repair centres often require 10 or more to handle multiple vehicles simultaneously. Multi-level storage racks can reduce the number of individual stands needed by consolidating panel storage vertically.

Are body shop stands suitable for classic car restoration work?

Absolutely. Panel stands are invaluable for restoration projects, providing safe storage for valuable components during extended rebuild periods. Look for models with soft contact points to protect delicate or rare panels. The ability to keep components organised and accessible throughout lengthy restorations significantly improves project management and prevents accidental damage.

Do I need different stands for commercial vehicles compared to passenger cars?

Commercial vehicle panels are typically larger and heavier, requiring stands with reinforced construction and higher load capacities. Specialist commercial vehicle stands feature extended reach and stronger frames to safely support van panels, lorry body sections, and other heavy components. Standard passenger car stands may not provide adequate support for these demanding applications.