Where's the like button ?
If I was closer I would make you an engine stand. Nobody over that way has a welder?
Yes, cas 3, even I have three welders, gas, electric and MIG, but my beads leave a lot to be desired nowadays.
If you want to come over my way and spend the better part of two or three days time fabricating a suitable display stand, I will be more than willing to put you up at my house and feed you some great Southern cooking throughout your sojourn.
I have personally visited several welding fabricators in my area and discussed this project with them at quite some length, showing them photographs, etc, but most only do industrial fabrication, no "small stuff".
I did finally come up with two firms that would give me a price on a rather unsophisticated display stand. In fact I showed both a picture of the display stand I had in mind, and spent quite a while discussing the details with each. It is a display stand that is presently on display at the V8 museum, with a cutaway engine on it. Perhaps some of you are familiar with that display. It is the same stand that I "discussed" at quite some length, via email and over the phone, with the head man at the V8 museum, Josh Conrad.
Both firms gave me a quote. One was $1,000.00, and the other was $1,400.00. I was quite surprised at the quotes to be perfectly honest with everyone, but I am not a metal fabricator nor have I had the occasion to visit such an establishment since I retired some 35 years ago. These two firms are the only ones that basically would even consider taking on the job.
The firm that gave me the $1,000.00 quote has since gone up to $1,300.00, and was quick to impress upon me that his quote did not include casters, painting or powder coating. I might also point out that he wanted me to bring the engine to his place for measurements and fabrication of the stand. At 91 and somewhat physically handicapped I am simply unable to do that.
The $1,400.00 bidder is still firm on his price. He is asking $850.00 down and has assured me that he will come by my shop for all measurements and templates and deliver the completed display stand to my shop and help me mount the engine and transmission onto the stand to make certain everything fits and passes muster with me before I pay him the balance due on the stand. I challenge anyone to come up with a better price in my area.
I simply refuse to allow this rare engine and transmission combination, which I have worked so hard on, and spent so much of my limited resources on to be displayed on basically the equivalent to three concrete blocks as has been suggested. I am certain such a display would be refused, hands down, by the museum, and I certainly would not want my name associated with it if it was accepted.
There, I've let it all hang out, and I'm glad.