Fleathead Engine Stands

One of the nicest engine stands that I saw posted here and possibly on the HAMB, was built by Mike Bishop in CA. It had adapters that mounted to the front and back of the block and the block could be rotated 360* while doing relieving, porting or other work. I believe he also had adapters that bolted to both side of the block at the exhaust ports. The block could also be rotated 360* in that position. It had a motor cycle seat to sit on while working on the block. It was very well made. Wish I had saved some of his posted pictures. I tried to contact him about this but he did not answer my PM or Email messages.
 
OK, so up 'til very recently I had never heard of a KR Wilson stand, much less seen one. Today I go to my neighbours house, and what do I see among the racing Flatties and the old Offenhauser engine collection, is a beautiful K R Wilson on the original base. He showed me all the adapters for it, it does inlines as well as flats. Pretty damn cool piece of equipment!
 
That KRWilsontools.com website is cool.

I clicked on the Sale/Trade link and noticed they have one of the engine stands for sale...$1200....probably cost that much extra in freight charges!
 
I use a Clayborne, brought back to life after lots of brazing, welding, and seemingly random tabs were added by a previous owner.
It is an extermely good stand that allows the engine to be rotated axially for access to anything.
There is a wartime Ford manual of setting up a high-volume assembly line flathead rebuilding shop that shows endless rows of flatheads moving through the various departments on Claybornes, with boring and valve grinding done on the carts as well as assembly.
End adaptors allow full access for clutch and cam work, and nothing is obstructed.
 
The Clayborne was a pretty good idea. It gives support on both ends plus it still allows you to install or remove the camshaft. Hell you can even change the cam bearings. With an oil tray underneath you can catch all the oil slober both coming apart or going together. You can just hoist the motor right up out of it too since it just cradles it to the fittings on each end. They roll OK but they lock two wheels instead of just one like most modern stands. They stay put a little better than the three wheel modern types that usually only lock one wheel.

Kerby
 
Here is a picture of my KR Wilson engine stand. I also have the V8-60 adapter for it. The second picture is of a Model A Engine adapter for a modern engine stand. I have a lot of extra pipe and flat plate metal, so if someone would like me to make them one I could.

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How about a Manzel. They were similar to KRW, but were made of Aluminum to cut down on shipping costs. I found this one on the local Craigslist last year.

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We have been using this one that my dad made for years. It supports the engine from both sides. We always worried about hanging an engine from one side...even though I know it has been done forever.

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Neal
 
sikopal said:
True, the KR Wilson is a solid stand but not the "only" one, Clayborne built a solid stand for the flathead engine that works well!
Will post a photo of mine later!
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Actually, according to the list of suggested shop tools in a war time Canadian Ford publication, the stand shown in the original picture is probably made by Wasco. The tool number X-6000 is listed as a Wasco engine stand, and matches the picture in the book.
 
This isn't flathead specific... but I picked this up the other night...

its a "Ford Rotunda" with gear driven rotation.... my dad and a friend used it in the 70's to build engines on... did the boring and whatnot right on the stand...

I figure it will fit a flathead nicely.....though not as classy looking as the others..
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Capn John said:
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Stumpy's Fabrication Works makes adapters for a normal engine stand. the adapters bolts to the exhaust side of the block so you negate the chance of breaking the rear of the block. http://stumpysfabworks.zoomshare.com/1.shtml/Ford Flathead engine stand adapters
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I have a small run of these ready to weld that I am finally getting around to. $50 + shipping. The tube is 2 3/8" that fits most generic stands. Since these are unwelded I can customize them somewhat if you like before welding.



I will also ship these unwelded with longer tubes if that suits you better, same price. 3/8" plate, 12.5 punds for shipping wieght.

Not trying to spam, just cleaning shop and these might be handy for someone new to flatheads. I will donate a portion of each sale to Ryan for the cost of running the board.
 
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