Work platform suggestions
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9
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Work platform suggestions
Been reading the helpful info on this site and notice (or did not notice?) any sugestions on a platform for getting comfortable access to engine bay work. Dang hood latch leaves a "Big belly imprint" which other half thinks I have a mistress on the side 
. Couple times had a footstool slip out from my footing and leave a belly scratch as well
. I am 6' 1" and a regular beer belly kinda fella LOL Been tempted to make a mobile home kinda platform so can reach down in engine bay comfy. Any suggestions?
. Couple times had a footstool slip out from my footing and leave a belly scratch as well. I am 6' 1" and a regular beer belly kinda fella LOL Been tempted to make a mobile home kinda platform so can reach down in engine bay comfy. Any suggestions?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
These are tough to work on - I've actually been known to sit inside the engine on top of the radiator support. I'm sure I look 'special' but it at least allows me to get to all of the plugs, intake, etc. They do make steps which mount on the tires and ones which mount in the license plate location. I've not tried either on my Excursion but do have a couple of customers with conversion vans who have the license plate steps and they work nice. The sturdiest would be something which could mount into a hitch receiver if you have a front hitch.
Tire mount: Thule Step Up Wheel Step - Tire Mount TH232 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com
License plate mount: Fold-A-Way Deluxe 2-Level License Plate Step Car, Truck, Motorcycle: Compare Prices, View Price History and Read Reviews at NexTag
Hitch mount: Hidden-Hitch Front Receiver Hitch Accessories | Step & License Plate Adapter | Hidden Hitch
The only other thing I could think of would be a small deck - basically something you'd drive up to and then have a raised work platform. A bit of a pain to do and hopefully you don't have to work on your Ex that much! Hope some of this helps.
Tire mount: Thule Step Up Wheel Step - Tire Mount TH232 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com
License plate mount: Fold-A-Way Deluxe 2-Level License Plate Step Car, Truck, Motorcycle: Compare Prices, View Price History and Read Reviews at NexTag
Hitch mount: Hidden-Hitch Front Receiver Hitch Accessories | Step & License Plate Adapter | Hidden Hitch
The only other thing I could think of would be a small deck - basically something you'd drive up to and then have a raised work platform. A bit of a pain to do and hopefully you don't have to work on your Ex that much! Hope some of this helps.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 505
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Do a search for "topside creeper" ( I think that's what they're called). Basically a mechanic's creeper and small step ladder in one. Let's you lay on the creeper pad over top your engine and work from the top down. Take a look, you'll see what I mean.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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Good links td !
but glad I don't have to work on mine a lot....
I would worry if the license plate step is strong enough for us healthy guys
and KNOW on my 05 EB the mount is in plastic
I have seen a dolly in the shape of a LARGE C that basically rolled under the engine and had a surface to climb on oer the engine..... let me see if I can find that link...
this is not it, but will give you the idea - not cheap
http://www.jcwhitney.com/HYDRAULIC_L...2007580;true;0
but glad I don't have to work on mine a lot....
I would worry if the license plate step is strong enough for us healthy guys
and KNOW on my 05 EB the mount is in plastic
I have seen a dolly in the shape of a LARGE C that basically rolled under the engine and had a surface to climb on oer the engine..... let me see if I can find that link...
this is not it, but will give you the idea - not cheap
http://www.jcwhitney.com/HYDRAULIC_L...2007580;true;0
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
Topside creeper - I've seen them and couldn't think of what it would be called. I like it!
Top Side Creeper 1-00019 - Topside Creeper Adjustable Overhead Creeper - Quadratec
Top Side Creeper 1-00019 - Topside Creeper Adjustable Overhead Creeper - Quadratec
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
I would think a Guy could make a setup that would hook right into the front tow hooks,,a couple of mounts, to Hook through them,,,with a bracket to mount a 2x10 or
2x12, so,,,you could have a plank platform to walk on,,,,maybe a leg on the corners,,depending on what a man wants,,,be pretty easy to make.
When we did my sons F-150 plugs we put a blanket on the radiator support/grill area,,layed a pc of 1/2" or 5/8" plywood from the rad support to a 4' high old Book case/shelve unit(any kind of rugged frame,,,pallet, etc),,with a 4 foot step ladder he could climb up,,lay there comfortably,,,slide into the engine bay as needed,,,No broken Grill parts,,,No banged up/hurting knees,,with an assistant,,,(me),,handing him tools,,worked great!
2x12, so,,,you could have a plank platform to walk on,,,,maybe a leg on the corners,,depending on what a man wants,,,be pretty easy to make.
When we did my sons F-150 plugs we put a blanket on the radiator support/grill area,,layed a pc of 1/2" or 5/8" plywood from the rad support to a 4' high old Book case/shelve unit(any kind of rugged frame,,,pallet, etc),,with a 4 foot step ladder he could climb up,,lay there comfortably,,,slide into the engine bay as needed,,,No broken Grill parts,,,No banged up/hurting knees,,with an assistant,,,(me),,handing him tools,,worked great!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, CA
[quote=m350;8129212]I would think a Guy could make a setup that would hook right into the front tow hooks,,a couple of mounts, to Hook through them,,,with a bracket to mount a 2x10 or
2x12, so,,,you could have a plank platform to walk on,,,,maybe a leg on the corners,,depending on what a man wants,,,be pretty easy to make.[quote]
Something like this????
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ooks-step.html
2x12, so,,,you could have a plank platform to walk on,,,,maybe a leg on the corners,,depending on what a man wants,,,be pretty easy to make.[quote]
Something like this????
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ooks-step.html
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