Early flathead dimensions

[third_edition]

Can anyone help with this...

I am picking up my long block 46 flathead from the engine rebuilders and I need to build a wooden cradle for transporting it in the back of my pickup.

The pan and heads are on it.

Has anyone done this and could send me the plans?

Even the dimensions would help me out so I could design and build my own cradle if I need to.

Thanks,
George

 

[19Fordy]

Here's a good start for ideas. Build it so a forklift can lift it.
http://www.quickcrate.com/automotive-solutions.php
The following info. is from a fastenal customer:

Build a crate that can withstand more abuse than it should. Bolt the engine to a steel stand, and bolt that stand to the pallet, and build a strong box around it. For regular truck shipments, that box is triple layer HD cardboard, re-enforced with wood. For Fastenal, it's a OSB crate.

Peruse these sites for lots of good ideas on engine crate construction.
After watching a few you will know what to do.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how...me..69i57j0.7668j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[tubman]

In a pinch, an old tire will do. I've picked up 3 engines in the last 20 years that way and have never had a problem. Properly strapped down, the tire conforms to the engine and holds it secure and even adds some padding/damping action.

 

[5851a]

In a pinch, an old tire will do. I've picked up 3 engines in the last 20 years that way and have never had a problem. Properly strapped down, the tire conforms to the engine and holds it secure and even adds some padding/damping action.

A tire and tie down strap going to each side of a pick up box always worked great for me

 

[brsturges]

George, check out this thread with my solution. It was very easy to build on the spot.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=238572

 

[drolston]

I bought exhaust manifold mounting engine stands (cheap) and set it on a sheet of ply wood in the back of the truck. Ran tie down straps to four corners of the bed to minimize movement.

Note: The '34 pickup has '71 Ford pickup rear end and suspension, so it handled fine. It also hauls feed for the horses on a regular basis. All of our vehicles have to earn their keep!

 

[scicala]

If you need a stand for the shop in the future, that's one thing. If you just need to get an engine home, then why spend the money (wood isn't cheap) and do the extra work ? Just use a tire or two and strap it down.


Sal

 

[cmbrucew]

Old tire or spare tire works.

Bruce

 

[john in illinois]

I bought a set of stands from Stumpys fabrications. $48. They are good to transport or use in the shop as a stand.

John

 

[Ol' Ron]

I used an old tire and some straps. Moved allot of them that way.

 

[third_edition]

Thanks for all of your input, I am picking up my motor tomorrow and I have to travel a fair distance with it in the back of my pickup...

 

[JSeery]

Sure not a good idea to mount an early block on an engine stand that way. It is very easy to damage the bellhousing area, including braking them. These are photos posted on earlier threads showing the damage that can occur. The bell area of these blocks is very thin relative to the weight of the block.

 

[19Fordy]

Use 2 old tires, a tarp and tie it down in your pick up.
Here's how my engine was delivered via pick up truck driven from TN
to FL. It worked.

 

[JSeery]

Because of the amount of parts swapping with these early Fords, it always pays to double check measurements, etc, before ordering any parts!

 

[tubman]

Hey "19Fordy", this is a FLATHEAD forum. This reminds me an incident that happened after a vintage race that I was at with my early hemi-powered dirt modified. We had all of the cars on the track after the races so the race fans could mingle and look. I overheard one guy who was looking at my car tell his kid (who was about 10 or 11), "See? that's what's called a "flathead"; you can tell because the spark plugs are in the middle of the head". I didn't bother correcting him.