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Mounting 3000 engine to stand

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J

JDMTX

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Hello from Houston,

Have recently begun the project of rebuilding our new (to us!) 1959 BT7. When we acquired it the engine and transmission were already out of the car and we have mounted it to a Harbor Freight 1 ton stand. It will likely be on the stand for several months.

After a lot of research it seems the most common method was to bolt the engine to the stand with grade 8 bolts. Another option some had used was the side mount.

We bolted the end of the engine to the stand using four of the holes in the plate that attaches the transmission to the engine. With the engine being so long this leaves a lot hanging out over the stand so we propped that end up using some 4X4 treated lumber we had on hand.

My questions: I first of all want to make sure this is a safe way to attach the engine; was a little worried about so much overhand.

Second, will this method of attachment cause any damage to the engine or the plate the stand is attached to?

Third, I assume when it comes time to take out the camshaft we'll have to remove it from the stand?

Four, is the side mount option preferred and do I need as special adaptor?

Attached are three pictures of the engine on the stand. We've never done this before so just wanted to make sure this looked OK?

Thanks for your help.

David
 

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Hi David.
Looks good. That's how I mounted mine.. You will withdraw the cam from the front. The rear engine plate will have to be removed to take out the crankshaft. Good luck.
Douglas
 
After searching all over the forums and reviewing photos, this is what I came up with. I mounted the block sideways using the motor mount holes. Because the motor mounts are off to the side, I decided to offset my mounting bracket to compensate. The result was that I only had to drill 3 holes in my mounting plate and that was it. No special brackets or welding. It spins easily. In fact, I can spin it with one hand using the other hand to merely stabilize things. I highly recommend this method. It's rock solid and a breeze to work on both ends of the engine.

IMG_0750.jpg
 
I was able to mount mine on that same stand after removing the back plate. However, after trying lots of different configurations, I came to the conclusion that the stock "arms" that come with the stand are too long to fit the holes on the back of the engine. I had a local shop fabricate a shorter arm, which you can see on the top in the attached photo. This all worked fine, but it is a little scary to have that much weight hanging by four grade 8 bolts.

KeithIMG_2676.jpg
 
If it helps allay any fears- My car has been apart since 1999 and the engine was mounted by 4 bolts on an ordinary stand. No front support. Hung like that till a very short time ago. Even drove home with it standing in the back of the pickup. Last 3/4 mile on a not too smooth dirt road. No problems.
Mike Burgess
Albert, KS
 
Last edited:
I mounted my engine on a Northern Tools 1,250-lb engine stand with no additional support or problems. I don't recall now if I attached the stand to the back plate or block, however.
 
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