The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest engine hoist cab hoist

for those of you that have an engine hoist and welding skills and a need for a cab hoist. in the march issue of classic truck magazine there is an article and picture story on how to build a cab hoist using a engine hoist. very slick. ron

I just put a 2x4 or 4x4 between the hoist boom and inner roof. I have never had a dent yet.

My biggest mistake is to HAVE a hoist. Also a mistake to have bought an engine stand. Both could have been rented or borrowed and saved all that space they take up in my garage.

Ya must have just got it this afternoon Ron, I'm still on Februarys issue here.
DG

If you have an engine hoist, all you need is a pair of straps to remove/replace a cab.

http://img10.yfrog.com/i/project57007.jpg/

all you need is a 2 x 6 or 4 x 4 and the engine hoist

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2404821430101989507AsJlJU

also works for lifting the bed and a bunch of other things.

I bought an 1K lb capacity electric hoist from Harbor Freight. Slung it over garage rafters. Works like a champ.

I used the lumber though the cab method to remove the cab from the frame.

Since then I added a 2x2 steel tube and I can telescope my engine hoist. I built that to make the removal of the fiberglass Silverado bed cover a one man job with straps.

The extra length reaches lots more stuff but I need to be careful of weight limits.

I've done the rafter trick also, but re-enforced the joists with another 2x4 and also cut a couple posts and wedged them between floor and joists for added strength. After chassis was rolled out, I set the body down on a roll around dolly made from scrap. Also try to have a helper aound during 'Lift Off'!

I read that article also in Classic trucks, hope the guy has good health insurance. Will be watching for him on Americas Funniest Home videos!

That's a good point so I should have added to make sure your joists can carry the weight. I stick built my garage and code had me using 2 x 8's for joists and rafters. Factory made trusses are generally made of 2 x 4's so added support is definitely needed.

I took the cab off my 1954 Chevrolet pickup with my engine hoist, I didn't know you couldn't do it so I did it anyway. The result was I removed the 3 window cab and put on the 5 window cab with no problem at all. I am getting ready to take the cab off of my 1932 Chevrolet pickup to box the frame for a much stronger engine than it was made for, and I expect no problem with that either. Next project will be to remove the body from my 1932 Chevrolet 2 door sedan so I can box that frame also, I guess it will take some careful measuring to balance it but I am confident it will work O.K.

I know this is an older thread but I used a 4x4 on top of my engine hoist, it took me a couple tries to make sure it was completely level once lifted but worked great. Here is a link to the classic truck build.. Classic Trucks

I didn't catch that article on how to build a cab hoist, when I did my research.

thought I would add to your post, good ideas should be shared.

so, here is another way to skin that cat:

we used Two floor jacks, tires and some 4x6s and blocks:
lifted
frame off
used the hoist for the engine:

If your changing Frames like we did.
the handy tool that we found to make our build easier: welded a metal4x4 to the jack to get extra height.
Plus:(a drill template)
we made a drill templete
body mount holes from the old frame
body mount holes tranfer to new frame

This guy gave me some pointers a few years ago.

I feel kinda guilty for not keeping in touch with him.