Engine stands?

I'm going to be acquiring a Ford 390 (from porkn******) here pretty soon, and I'm gonna need an engine stand for it. My question is, where's the best place to get one for a reasonable price? FE guys, what kind do you use?

 

Harbor Freight is fine as long as you get their 4 leg unit. Held up to my 401 Buick Nailhead fine.

 

For the money the ones from Harbor Freight aren't horrible, especially the 4 wheeled ones. I did bend one up with a 454 Chevy on it by rolling it across our parking lot and the front wheels dug into the ground, but under normal usage they are ok. I've found if you put some grease on the snout where it turns to rotate the motor is makes it so much easier to turn.

Don

 

Harbor freight or Northern Tool but as mj40's said buy the heavier ones to save you from knocking one of the three legged ones over when you try to spin that heavy block over. Even a Orielly's or Autozone special may be a little more but i had one and its lasted 6 years now with all big blocks on it.

 

I know to get a four-legged one for sure, don't want it falling over on me!

 

I have bought a few from O'Reilly's...........DELCO branded if I recall, pretty decently made and at a reasonable price.....and no waiting for the UPS truck.


Ray

 

The Delco one from O'Reilly's doesn't look bad and for around 90 bucks you are getting right into the buy and ship price for a cheapie. 50.6 lbs should make for a fairly stout stand. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...=Search_N0767_1200946_3703&pt=N0767&ppt=C1944

 

Craigslist!

 

Several years ago when I lived in Olathe KS I got an engine stand from ***mings Tools for my 390, supposedly the heavy-duty version. I couldn't get it bolted to the stand because a couple of the adjustable arms were too short to line up with the bellhousing bolt holes. Since I don't have access to a welder or fabrication equipment it's just taking up space in the workshop for now until I can get the thing modified to work.

 

Chadillac is right, Craigslist.

Here in Central CA., whoever used to own these engine stands either forgot everything they knew about engines...or they're selling that useless thing before they get into trouble!
Guys don't build engines any more...
Lots of 'em on there, I got a huge heavy wall tubular type for $25, (the deluxe one that has a 'J' curved main tube, and rear axle of the same 3" O.D., 1/4" wall.)
My 354 Chrysler Hemi loves it, it is strong and stable.

 

My Northern Tool stand was great with my flathead and a 390.....

 

Here's a few..............................

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/tls/2962555130.html
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/pts/2914084582.html
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/2906905681.html

 

Well I wanted a good stand for the 390 we are going to rebuild, well it was rated for 2000# I doubt if it could hold 200# so built one that would here are a few pics of it. Yes we made new adapters to mount motor to the plate, did it using a coal forge and anvil.http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=19982

 

One of the car mags did a test to failure of the HF stands. It withstood waaay more than the advertised weight to bend them. They used a car hoist for the tests.

 

You guys are right about Craigslist. I just went on ours and found this one. If I already didn't have about 6 of them I would jump on this one, it looks heavy duty.

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/tls/2937078427.html

Don

 

Just to reiterate: 4-wheels! Which reminds me, I need to go buy a fuel pump, 4 spark plugs, and a valve cover.

 

Yikes!

 

check out stumpysfabworks.com He makes them in IL, great quality and price, should have one for your motor.

 

go down to the s**** yard and buy a old shopping cart and cut off the top.