looking for an engine cradle. something big enough to handle a v8(302) but can also be used on a v6(3.0L).
i have found ones on the net but none with casters.
if any of you have one, do you like them?

 

When I rebuilt my 390, I built one out of 2X4's and HD casters. Just measure bottom of motor and cut wood to fit snugly. (I had oil pan off). Also ran a strap around it to hold block and cradle together when I lifted it with the picker. It was nice to have when picking up the block from the machine shop when we lifted it into my truck, and then getting it from truck to garage floor.

 

Try eastwood tools and supplies. They have a universal engine dolly/cradle for 89.99
Rated for 1000 lbs. Has casters. #46159. 800-345-1178. eastwood.com
This is the 10-31-04 price. Hope that helps. Maybe someone knows of a less expensive one. But $90 is not bad if they don't kill you on S&H.

 

Most of the good mail order companies sell them. I don't know if they would handle both your 302 and six. If the engine mounting is the same, then they might. Great for storage, when you need to get them out of the way. Takes a lot less space than leaving them on a stand. And nobody can accidently lean on one and knock it over (kids) so it's a safety issue. But I also like the concept of buying casters, and two by fours if you have the time

 

rangersvt04, Hi, I build these for a living. I haven't been to the site for awhile and was catching up on the posts. I have building this stuff for many many years now. Whatever you do, and your buddies, NEVER BUY from the Eastwood Co. I sent them some pictures of MY Engine cradle design over a year ago. They never had anything like it in there catalogs. Now all of a sudden, wow! Theres MY cradle in thier catalogs. ****es me off. Anyway, I am selling the ORIGINAL that is better quality at a cheaper price. I build this cradle and many many more for all makes/models. Other "stuff" too. If you would like a list of items available and any pics drop me an email to let me know.

Thanks all for letting me rant. It just really burns when big companies just sh_t on the little people.

stumpy2

 

Stumpy, perhaps if you didn't want them to "steal" your design you shouldn't mail them pics, but instead get a patent on it. Then mail them pics and tell thim it is patented. Not to be mean or anything, but unless you went to the patent office your design is fair game.

 

I have had good luck with discarded grocery carts. A little hacksaw work and welding makes them good enough to hold a 390 with FMX or C-6 attached.

 

But can i run the motor in side the cradle?
i am parting out a 95 ranger and the frame is gonna become a
arca truck racer.
the 3.0L has a hole in a piston so after i get it fixed there will be no place to test run on a stand . so will the cradle handle that then later a 5.0L before it goes into my 96 ranger?

 

hey wickymustang, well I have looked into patents. I didn't have the cash. I also know a few people who have tried to get patents, a couple have spent upwards of $8000.00 and 5 yrs of thier life to get one. The problem, the gov. doesn't want you or me , the small nobody to have patents. Plain and simple. If I were already a big corp. and wanted a patent it would be done in 30 days. Thats direct from a lawyers mouth.

If there is a better way to peddle your products then to show them off, I wish I knew. nobody is going to buy anything they can't look at first. The feds want you to beleive they are small business friendly, when in reality they are the farthest thing from it.

Have a good weekend all.

stumpy2

 

Small business by government standards is, a business that has sales between $500,000 and $1,500,000. I feel for you Stumpy. I build my products, and sell locally. If someone steals my idea and starts to manufacture it as their own I want them to be close enough so that I can put my hands around their throat.

 

There is a number somewhere that you can call, they are specialized lawyers in getting patents, my uncle tried them spent 2,000 and in just under 2 years had a patent. This was a few years ago (5-7) but it would be worth it, especially if it is something good.

 

There is no requirement to use a lawyer to get a patent; the patent office will deal with a registered patent agent in their various office actions.

It takes 18 months to 5 years elapsed time to get a patent. This is true for everyone, big and small. Look for yourself at www.uspto.gov. Pull up a few patents and compare the filing date to the issue date. Note the difference between the two dates. The time periods are similar for big corporations and single inventors. I can't find any patents that show 30 days from filing to issue, your lawyer friend notwithstanding.

Patents are not that hard to get, even for an individual with little experience. The filing fees are relatively modest, and the "$2000 patent" is something that is obtainable.

However, a patent is only as good as your ability to write broad and enforceable claims, your ability to detect infringement by others, and your ability to take legal action against infringing parties in Federal District Court or before the International Trade Commission.

With study, an individual can master the art of writing good patent claims, but enforcing the patent typically requires the financial resources of a corporation, or working out a contingency arrangement with a law firm.

 

That is why my uncle used a lawyer, so that the patent could be written properly so as to protect him from infringements and make it easy to enforce it in court.

 

Good idea. Make sure it is a patent lawyer.

The patent only gives you the right to go to court to protect your patent/idea/product, if you can afford to go there. They aren't as much protection as one might expect. The voice of experience. Unfortunately.