Flathead VH engine cradle or dollie plans?

steve hackel

steve hackel

Senior Member
I need to build an engine cradle for a late mercury V8 flat head so that I can safely place this on a trailer to haul it back home. Does anyone have a set of plans - rough measurements - a few pictures of what you might have used in the past? Once I get this back home, I would like to add casters to the assembly so that I can move it around until I get to install it. Thanks
 
X2 for the request for plans... I'm just about to pull the motor and trans from a 52 Ford F1 to start work on the frame.. ideally would like to keep as an assembly for a while...
 
I use (2) 2x12s to support the pan rails and fasten together at ends with suitable length 2x6s to keep stable. Added casters later screwed to the underside. Notch 2x12s as needed.
 
I presently don't own a V8 flathead engine nor do I have access to one so that I could build a proper engine cradle - I have no intentions of placing a done motor onto a tire when it has carbs, headers, starter and other goodies too expensive and rare to be rolling around on an old tire!!!!!! Someone must have a drawing??? Thanks
 
Couple
 

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steve hackel said:
I presently don't own a V8 flathead engine nor do I have access to one so that I could build a proper engine cradle - I have no intentions of placing a done motor onto a tire when it has carbs, headers, starter and other goodies too expensive and rare to be rolling around on an old tire!!!!!! Someone must have a drawing??? Thanks
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I made my own craddles/dollies years ago but plans were in my head, and I didn't make drawings. I can send you some pics or post some pics here tomorrow to give you an idea of what I made.
The first couple I made from angle iron, and the engine just sits in these, so I guess they are craddles. The second design I came up with bolts to the exhust posts on both sides. Both designs have wheels/casters that have locks, or the wheels/casters could be removed depending how you are using these. In my shop I can move them around on the wheels. Hauling an engine in the back of my pick-up, I remove the wheels.
I also made some very simplistic "legs" using four pieces of angle iron. These legs bolt to the four corners of the engine and are used strictly for transporting blocks or complete engines. No wheels are used on these. Again no plans or drawings on these, but may have some pics.
 
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A second for Stumpys. Bought one way back for my Y Block. Works great and well worth it when you consider time & materials.
 
I bought a cradle from Stumpy recently and have been very satisfied. While they can be purchased with a caster set -as I did - rigging them yourself might save a few dollars. With all the other work involved with my active build, I had the pros at Stumpys put them on. I'll use it as you also plan to when the builder is finished.
 
If you have a block/engine you have the best reference you can get. Decide where you want to mount it and attach these point to a rectangular base. 1931flatheads second photo is post #6 looks good to me. I would use the water pump motor mounts in the front and the bellhousing in the rear. It could be built to attach to the pump motor mounts with the pumps on or straight to the block with the pumps removed.
 
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I have 2 shipping pieces ,for lack of a better term from chevy v/8 that were given to me. They work fine. I bought a dolly from Harbor freight for 15 bucks and it gives me great mobility in my shop.
 
steve hackel said:
I presently don't own a V8 flathead engine nor do I have access to one so that I could build a proper engine cradle - Someone must have a drawing??? Thanks
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JSeery said:
If you have a block/engine you have the best reference you can get.
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He's got nothing to work with at present. I like what Tubman said below. For the effort versus the money. I'd give Stumpy a holler.


Tubman said:
Check this guy out : http://www.stumpysfabworks.com/store..._Products.html

(You'll have to scroll down a bit.).
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steve hackel said:
I presently don't own a V8 flathead engine nor do I have access to one so that I could build a proper engine cradle
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Sorry, missed that part!! :)

I can get you the measurements if you want. Need a little info first.

1. 59a or 8ba block?

2. Water pumps on or off?

I'll draw you up a blueprint like the ones I use on other engines if you are interested. We are talking something you can weld up, correct? Or are you wanting something bolt together?

Your original post says late model, as in 8ba. Is this for one time use with this engine only? If I were building it I would go with the 59a measurements and adapt it to fit the 8ba so it would work for both.

If it is for one time transport from the shop to home have you considered just making up a wooden cradle?
 
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Unless you've already got the steel and the time, no reason to take on this project. I have three of Stumpy's setups -- flatheads and early Hemi's . . . they all work great!
 
steve hackel said:
I presently don't own a V8 flathead engine nor do I have access to one so that I could build a proper engine cradle - I have no intentions of placing a done motor onto a tire when it has carbs, headers, starter and other goodies too expensive and rare to be rolling around on an old tire!!!!!! Someone must have a drawing??? Thanks
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Steve, how about responding back here on this post to some of our offers to help you with pictures, measurements, other details, etc.
 
Just noticed in your quote copy JM that he is also listing a starter installed. That would require a bellhousing to be in place! Without defining what is really involved here it is going to be a bit difficult to get to the correct end point. Would need to know what bellhousing.
 
For trailering it home, if it were me, I'd just get a small pallet and some lumber pre sawn into useful lengths and make up something to suit at the location of pickup. Take a hammer and nails or a power screwdriver and just make up something. Take a saw, be creative. Take straps to tie it down good. Once home something a bit more fancy could be concocted.

If the initial job came out well enough, a set of casters and you have what you want.

To be honest though, many a flathead have been carried home nestled in an old tyre. It's having it securely strapped down that really matters.

Mart.
 
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