Engine stands

[akchamp]

Any tips out there for building an engine stand for an A-65? I brought a spare engine and would like to pickle and store it on a movable stand. I have an old automotive stand and figured it could be converted. Can anyone give me some tips? Thanks.

[Paul Agaliotis]

I use a vertical stand. It gives good storage and can be used for build up. ATS has them for $250.
I guess you could build some kind of adapter for an automotive stand. I haven't seen them available for purchase.
If it's just for storage you could have the local muffler shop bend a couple of tubes to attach to the lower ears and the crank flange.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

If it has a flange crank you could make one out of wood. I used a 2x6 and three 2x3's. The 2x6 ran one direction and the 2x3's were ninety degrees to the 2x6 at the ends and in the center. I wallowed out a hole for the crank center to fit allowing the bolt holes to rest against the 2x6. Two holes to secure the flange to the 2x6 and that's all it took. The 2x3's were gorilla glued and screwed to the 2x6.

The whole foot print is 32"x32" and is really stable.

[Nathan K. Hammond]

There's a bunch of different ways to skin this cat. An automotive stand will work fine, you might need longer tubes and threaded rod to attach it. We just did this for an A-65 on display at the Peachstate museum.

Another option is to build a square base out of wood with casters, big enough for the motor to lay on upside down. Fog the motor and wrap in a couple heavy duty trashbags, throw in some desicant bags, then tie up the bags. Lay the motor on an old 600-6 tire (upside down); then build up four walls and a lid. Now you have a protected engine that's mobile and can act as portable bench to a flat place to stack more stuff.

nkh

[MikeB]

I used an automotive stand to install the cylinders, etc. on my 0200. I'm sure it would work just as well for an 65/85, etc. Just cut off some pieces pipe for spacers with washers and longer bolts. Should be even easier with conical engine mounts.
Mike

[akchamp]

Thanks for your ideas guys.