on the topic of run stands.....

gdrill · Jul 4, 2020

George Jets had a good idea and it got me going. I didn't want to hijack his thread so here is another on the topic! I had this engine stand that was empty and decided to convert it to be both a run stand as well as just a stand. Here are some pics. I now have to build the control panel which will mount on the stand storage post and the rad mount which will slide in the front like the control post does on the side. I made the front upright posts and made them reversible. The passenger mount actually sits 3/4” further back than the driver side. So by rotating one in the opposite direction it fits nicely.

gdrill · Jul 4, 2020

Ben Drinkin · Jul 4, 2020

gdrill said:
View attachment 1715556129 View attachment 1715556130 View attachment 1715556131

I like where you're going with this..

pishta · Jul 4, 2020

I built one just like that, No casters yet.

<<EDIT...Mines not K member mounted, didnt notice that. >>>

Jimacuda · Jul 4, 2020

making it a "k member holder" engine run stand simplifies the whole thing IMO.
just pick up the load on 4 arms of the K and some kind of support on the bell/tail.
I just detached the radiator section and slid the whole unit complete with brakes and suspension under the car after break in.

gdrill · Jul 4, 2020

That’s true, if you are putting it in a car. I start a lot of engines to test oil pressure and vitals. They don’t necessarily have a home to go to!

Blind Squirrel · Jul 4, 2020

Here is a picture of mine I built and then order a radiator and some other stuff to make it completely universal. It adjusts all over the place and runs on castors for move-ability. So far Sbc and this 36 international flathead. 408 is next.

gdrill · Jul 4, 2020

I didn’t have the proper square tubing for my rad sliders so I used some angle iron. It made the mock up fine. Less than 5 minutes to install or remove an engine. Like George Jets I’m making stock hoses fit. This is a little 22” rad out of a 318-4 door. It should do the job. I folded it down for entertainment, but it will likely never be without a mill sitting on it. Now to build the control panel, replace the angle and blast and paint. Then I’m gonna fit a big block in and crank it up!
Oh ya, I might rig in an electric fan as well as I have one sitting here that I will never put in a vehicle.
Once I finalize the Mopar big and small block positions I will drill locating holes to drop pin it where it needs to be. Both on the main slider and the upright slides. That will make it even easier to rig up. The odd Chevy engine will just be located as per requirement.

Oldmanmopar · Jul 5, 2020

Sometimes I wish I could straddle the bell grab the throttle and take it for a ride.

gdrill · Jul 5, 2020

I made part of my control panel today. It was a lazy day! But I got something done. Part of the reason I wanted to put the gauges here is because I used my buddies and have seen so many others. One thing they have in common is the gauges at the front of the engine. I always thought they should be where you can monitor them easily while running the throttle. Up front they are basically out of sight or at least slightly inconvenient. This location also makes for short wiring distance. I still have to make the start switch assembly.