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| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 | Not that I'm trying to be cheap, but do you reckon if I snag one of those furniture dollies at HF for $8 that are rated for 1000#'s and extract the casters for one of these stovebolt special dollies that they will give me any runtime at all? I'm betting one of you guys have tried it. dolly
Allen
Yeah, well, that's just like, you know , your opinion, man - The Dude
1948 Chevy 3600 - goal Original restoration, Current Stage 1 - Disassembly and getting body in primer
1954 GMC 3100 goal Hot Rod, Current Stage 1 - Get body in primer
1931 Ford Model A 5 window Coupe - Old Skool Hot Rod
1945 Ford 2N Tractor - Runs great
1964 Ford 2000 Tractor - Use it every week
1974 Stingray Corvette
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,057 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,057 | I did buy a HF dolly when I was down visiting my mom and extracted the casters from it for just that purpose. It was cheaper than buying the equivalent casters at HF, and I was able to throw them in my suitcase to fly back home. So yes, I am trying to be cheap.  My plan is exactly what you have in mind, and I think the casters will give reasonable service life. I just haven't pulled the engine yet to start on the chassis work.
Last edited by klhansen; 01/27/2017 4:52 AM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,252 "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! | | "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,252 | Why don't you just use the dolly whole and attach uprights to hold the motor? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 402 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 402 | I used the wheels from my HF dolly. It worked out great. Engine sat in the homemade cradle for 2 years and the wheels worked just fine the whole time.
Tried to think of a way to beef up the dolly itself but ended up finding the 4x4 and 2x6 approach was less time and effort in the long run.
-Jim | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 | I have 2 engines (both 250ci) in my garage now on HF furniture dollies. I bought the bigger size that cost around $13 each. I then built the dolly you see linked in the first post but I think I trimmed it some. Anyway, I just set the engine in the cradle and then set the cradle on the furniture dolly. I didn't bother to screw the cradle to the dolly either.
They both have stood the test of time. I am tired of pushing these 2 engines around and need to get them sold.
I certainly do recommend the larger size HF dollies and just set that cradle on top.
Last edited by Lugnutz; 01/27/2017 4:13 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 | I have 2 of them as well, one has a 440 sitting on it and has been there for a few years, rolls fine when needed. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 5 | I tried to get to your pics but on tablet it failed. Can you post some instruction as to how you built the cradle?
Thanks | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 | I tried to get to your pics but on tablet it failed. Can you post some instruction as to how you built the cradle?
Thanks I just created a page on my website. It's under the Tips and Tricks Section. You can also LINK HERE to see pics on my website. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 123 | Lugnutz
did you ever try and start a motor on that dolly?? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 | Lugnutz
did you ever try and start a motor on that dolly?? Short answer is no. The HF dolly wheels are not spread as far apart as the original design. Using the HF dolly makes it slightly less stable. I'm just extra careful when I push it around. I built myself an engine run stand. Breaks down and takes up less room than my cherry picker. Engine Run Stand Video | | | | | Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 338 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 338 | Why don't you just use the dolly whole and attach uprights to hold the motor?
That is what I did, works like a charm. I've never started a motor on it though.
1954 Chevy custom 261CID, T-5 5 Speed.
1952 Chevy 6400 2 ton hydraulic flat bed.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,951 | Why don't you just use the dolly whole and attach uprights to hold the motor?
That is what I did, works like a charm. I've never started a motor on it though. Well, I built the engine dolly first and then bought the furniture dolly later. I was pleased to see it was the perfect size. Once I sell the engine, I'll want to use the furniture dolly for other things. I find it to be less work to keep the furniture dolly as a separate piece.
Last edited by Lugnutz; 03/13/2017 6:54 PM.
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