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03-01-2008, 02:59 AM | #1 |
Do the Dew!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Vernal, Utah
Posts: 191
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Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
I can hope that this will help anyone out who may have faced a similar situation.
I needed to store a motor, I did not have an engine cradle. I mounted a 1974 Chevy 454 BB onto an engine stand that was rated at 1000 lbs. When I started to lower the engine into position the stand was starting to fold in. The mounting plate was starting to bend and the support beam was starting to lean forward. I decided to use a 6X6 post with a 2x10, and two 2x6s across the legs of the cherry picker to support the engine under the oil pan. But I did not like to support the weight of the engine on the oilpan. I was using my hoist to alleviate the weight. I had to do something quick. I came up with an idea that would fix my dilemna. I had the iron sitting around, so I commenced to take measurements and prepare the metal. I used 3/4" steel tubing, 2-pieces at 4 inches, 1-1/4" angle iron, 2-pieces at 5 inches, and two pieces at 24 inches. I welded the two 5 inch pieces of angle iron together to make a cradle to sit on the engine stand beam. I took a measurement to determine my motormount dimension, calculated the angle in degrees, then cut them at 22 degrees, and welded the two 24 inch angle irons to the cradle. I then trimmed out the other ends of the angle iron to fit the tubes and welded them into place. I prepped and primed the fabbed support and let sit to dry for a couple hours. I painted the support with three coats of Krylon enamel and let it sit to dry thoroughly. When the time was ready I installed the support to the motor mounts, then lowered the engine back onto the stand. I observed the reaction, and decided that it was going to work. I moved the engine hoist and pushed the engine stand to the corner of the garage. I was pleased with the end result. |
03-01-2008, 03:03 AM | #2 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,992
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
Looks like it worked like a charm.I would suggest you think about upgrading the casters on the engine stand.Big Blocks are heavy so if you are going to do very many you will need a higher rated and good quality engine stand.
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03-01-2008, 03:22 AM | #3 |
Active Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area.
Posts: 7,947
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
Good improvisation and a good way to insure engine won't go anywhere.
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03-01-2008, 04:29 AM | #4 |
knuckle buster..
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Frisco
Posts: 613
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
that looks great! i wish i had thought of that before my 396bb wooden cradle fell apart. i probably wouldn't have sold the rebuilt motor if i had something better.
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03-01-2008, 08:52 AM | #5 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,690
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
a BBC doesn't weigh more than 1000 pounds. I know it is kinda freaky to see the stand flex like that, but it's designed to.
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03-01-2008, 10:02 AM | #6 |
LAIDOUT
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 928
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
That is way way better than the old trailer tire I set my engine in for two years!
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03-01-2008, 10:52 AM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cypress, Tx
Posts: 4,005
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
I would suggest a patent.
Shawn
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03-01-2008, 10:07 PM | #8 |
Do the Dew!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Vernal, Utah
Posts: 191
|
Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
Thanks for the warm comments! I can only hope that it helps others out there. Space was limited in my garage.
I have the castors in the works, but in the meantime, I purchased a box of foundation plate washers, they measure 2"x2", 3/16" thick, (thicker than a standard 1/2" washer) and have a 1/2" hole punched. It helped reinforce the castors very well. Funnt thing, my wife also mentioned about a patent, this may be far fetched, but I am willing to produce them, for a small fee. Once again, thank you. |
03-02-2008, 02:38 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 457
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Re: Engine stand modification for storing your motor.
reminds me of the time i built my first engine yrs ago.....super nice small block done with all the bells and whistles, i had it on a stand fully dressed, kissed it good night, shut the shop doors took two steps and heard a thud. i thought something fell off the wall, so i went to investigate and their she lie bust on the concrete. thats how i felt.......
the stand i have now can hold a john deere tractor engine.
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