Hi all, I’m potentially picking up a GMC engine in the near future and will need a way to store it and move it around as needed. Deve’s Technical Network has plans for an engine stand that looks easy to build and more than strong enough to carry a Chevy 235. Has anyone built that stand and used it for a GMC engine? If not, has anyone been able to build their own engine stand for a GMC? The key dimension would be the width of the oil pan flange since that’s what the cart ultimately uses to rest the engine on.
'53 GMC 3100 "I think your obsession with auto shop stems from your unresolved feelings about your father" -Bobby Hill
I've built 3 engine stands from the one in Tech Tips. Search Tech Tips on this site for, Build an Engine Dolly / Caddy. Very sturdy, easy to build. Without wheels they are very sturdy to set an engine on for transport.
51 GMC 100 with 59 chevy 261 under the hood. 3 on the floor with 3.42 gear.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Here's the link to the Legacy Tech Tip by 'Bolter "Farmdog" Build an Engine Dolly / Caddy that GMCJammer51 refers to.
I've built and currently use 2 of these stands/dolly's, one for a 235 and the other for a 261. Pictures below are the stand for the 261 when waiting for arrival and now pending transport next week to the overhaul shop.
I did a couple of minor mods to the plan in my most recent build, adding hard rubber padding and foil tape to retain across the tops of the uprights (to help prevent potential splitting/cracking of the uprights), mounted the casters just a tad wider apart than the original plans (to add stability) and bevel cut the outer upper corners of the 4x4 cross pieces (just because - lol).
I'll have to check the GMC to Chevy 6 width dimensions, but going by "GMCJammer51's" reply, feel pretty confident the design will support your GMC engine.
Edit Note: Phil beat me to the post button - lol!
Last edited by Gdads51; 08/28/20261:44 PM. Reason: spelling
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
I built this one from scrap lumber I had and a repurposed set of 4 dolly wheels. Pictures show a GMC 302 deep pan (uses the same pan gasket set as GMC 228, 236, 248, 256 & 270) on the stand.
The larger dolly wheels are both a blessing and a curse. They are good because they roll easier and they are bad because they roll easier when you don't want them to.
I can get you critical measurements if you decide to build your own this way.
Last edited by Bill Hanlon; 08/28/20261:49 PM.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
I have several engines on these rolling stands. They hold up pretty well. I made one just a little wider for use with my V8's( has a 283 on it now). You just want to use some quality casters, 2 of mine are locking type..
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane
A good starting point for a wood engine stand would be a Harbor Freight furniture dolly. I used the casters from one of them but built mine out of some scrap square steel tubing I had laying around.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 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.
I made this one from the bottom part I bought at an engine builders auction (Gearte Racing Engines) for $40. I made the top from an old cherry picker and the the outriggers from stock from McMaster Carr. There will be a 6-71 hanging off the hot chick side of the engine so I added the outriggers for stability. they retract. I will probably make this into a run stand.
I finished this guy last night. Initially I bought caster wheels from Lowe’s before discovering that I could buy 4 casters from HFT for the price of 1 Lowe’s caster. The rubber pads on top of the boards are HFT “anti-slip” mat and I also added some eyebolts to the sides so that I can put straps over the engine.
'53 GMC 3100 "I think your obsession with auto shop stems from your unresolved feelings about your father" -Bobby Hill
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Wouldn't it be better for the stand to be a bit shorter?
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 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.
Wouldn't it be better for the stand to be a bit shorter?
I'm 5' 10". I think it's a great working height. The bottom of the stand is a dyno run stand with super nice casters. I'm kind of locked in on that. It's very stable. I am concerned with the 100 pound blower hanging of the passenger side of the head so I put the retractable outriggers on it. I can pull the trans and mount and still maybe hook the stand to a dyno. The hardware is still there. I don't know how that works. The top of the engine is a nice bar stool height and the bottom is a shop stool height. It works for me.
Mick, OK, whatever works for you. Nice looking construction, BTW.
I will admit that mine doesn't work well for installing the flywheel, clutch or transmission, so I do that with the engine hanging from the engine hoist. It just seemed a bit tall in your first pictures.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 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.
Mick, OK, whatever works for you. Nice looking construction, BTW.
I will admit that mine doesn't work well for installing the flywheel, clutch or transmission, so I do that with the engine hanging from the engine hoist. It just seemed a bit tall in your first pictures.
With the dry sump I do a lot of work on the bottom half of the engine and crankshaft. That is one of the reasons it's taller than it needs to be. I also wanted to be able to remove the oil pan on the stand.
