Engine cradle blueprint - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gargoyle · 10-20-2019, 11:32 AM

Does anybody have a blueprint for a simple homemade engine cradle using lumber? Need to build something on the cheap for a 283 that's going to live in a barn until the right vehicle comes along.

vince1 · 10-20-2019, 01:04 PM

I made one for an AMC 6 cyl. As I recall it was from a rectangle of 1 X 6 with plywood and a 4 X 4 on top and some strapping to hold it down. I drilled a hole through for a 1" bar that I have and with a 2 X 4 with shaved handle ends at the other end, 4 people can lift it quite easily.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-20-2019, 02:50 PM

Go to Harbor Freight and get a movers dolly and a tie down. Just need to put a 4x4 across the front. Works great.

rsavage · 10-20-2019, 05:18 PM

You can buy an engine cradle cart with casters for about $30. Probably cheaper than buying lumber and screws. If you have prime the shipping is free.
https://www.amazon.com/JEGS-80064-En...75599502&psc=1

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-20-2019, 11:48 PM

Those engine cradles are pretty crappy.

rsavage · 10-21-2019, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Those engine cradles are pretty crappy.

They work well for storing engines. I've used them for years and you can tuck them out of the way or move them when you need to do so because of the casters. Never had one fail.

**The Rocknrod** · 10-21-2019, 07:48 AM

Must be pretty good, the video in this review shows him running his engine on it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...M?ref=va_cr_lb

Gargoyle · 10-21-2019, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the replies, that amazon deal looks pretty good.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-21-2019, 11:45 AM

The wheels didn't last long on the one I had. I have a 350 sitting on a movers dolly with a strap around it now. Actually rolled it down 3 blocks to my house. Maybe I just got a real crappy one.

Dead Parrot · 10-22-2019, 10:00 PM

Used a cradle from Northern Tool similar to the Amazon version. Works great on hard surfaces. Wheels will sink in dirt. Doesn't seem to be available from NT anymore but was in the same price range.

toolboxchev · 10-23-2019, 01:04 PM

Find a large style milk crate, the type that will be rectangular instead of square. I have a turbo 400 sitting on one now.

10-20-2019, 11:32 AM	#1
Gargoyle Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 289	Engine cradle blueprint Does anybody have a blueprint for a simple homemade engine cradle using lumber? Need to build something on the cheap for a 283 that's going to live in a barn until the right vehicle comes along.

10-20-2019, 01:04 PM	#2
vince1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,170	Re: Engine cradle blueprint I made one for an AMC 6 cyl. As I recall it was from a rectangle of 1 X 6 with plywood and a 4 X 4 on top and some strapping to hold it down. I drilled a hole through for a 1" bar that I have and with a 2 X 4 with shaved handle ends at the other end, 4 people can lift it quite easily.

10-20-2019, 02:50 PM	#3
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Go to Harbor Freight and get a movers dolly and a tie down. Just need to put a 4x4 across the front. Works great. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

10-20-2019, 05:18 PM	#4
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Engine cradle blueprint You can buy an engine cradle cart with casters for about $30. Probably cheaper than buying lumber and screws. If you have prime the shipping is free. https://www.amazon.com/JEGS-80064-En...75599502&psc=1 __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

10-20-2019, 11:48 PM	#5
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Those engine cradles are pretty crappy. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

10-21-2019, 07:48 AM	#7
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Must be pretty good, the video in this review shows him running his engine on it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...M?ref=va_cr_lb __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

10-21-2019, 08:00 AM	#8
Gargoyle Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 289	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Thanks for the replies, that amazon deal looks pretty good.

10-21-2019, 11:45 AM	#9
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Engine cradle blueprint The wheels didn't last long on the one I had. I have a 350 sitting on a movers dolly with a strap around it now. Actually rolled it down 3 blocks to my house. Maybe I just got a real crappy one. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

10-22-2019, 10:00 PM	#10
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,629	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Used a cradle from Northern Tool similar to the Amazon version. Works great on hard surfaces. Wheels will sink in dirt. Doesn't seem to be available from NT anymore but was in the same price range.

10-23-2019, 01:04 PM	#11
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Engine cradle blueprint Find a large style milk crate, the type that will be rectangular instead of square. I have a turbo 400 sitting on one now.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.