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Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:34 am

using the "El Cheapo" engine stand for years I got tired of it bending and not really able to hold the weight of a complete Type 1 engine let alone a Type 4. I recently saw a ebay auction/ad for better made bracket that can be used either as a bench mount or free standing with the purchase of a generic engine stand. So I decided to buy it and check it out. I also purchased a generic engine stand from Harbor Freight and they fit together well.

The Type 1 stand can be ordered with either a bench mount or an adapter to use a generic stand. The adapter come with 3 welds around it that have to be ground to make it fit. The reason is there are so many different stands and there is no one size fits all. It just took a few seconds with a bench grinder and it fits snugly.

Here's the ebay auction/ad and the total cost was $51 including USPS Priority shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170204739765

The Harbor Freight stand was the 750lb stand and was $42 delivered.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32915

Universal engine stand info from another thread:
VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: I use universal engine stands, 3 legs/wheels.. 4 legs/wheels.. no legs/wheels. .. ..
No requirement for any special VW yoke adapter..as long as you use (have) common sense.
The most important thing to do when using a universal engine stand on a VW air cooled engine, use nice large ( and shaped) washers/plates on the case at the stand to engine case points. It helps disperse the weight.
I prefer to use all 4 case mount bolts/studs until its down to the time to split the case..
Then its light enough to remove 2 of the bolts or 2 stand arms and split the case.
The disadvantage .. is the flywheel bolt access.
For most universal stands the flywheel must be removed before mounting on a stand.

A VW adapter.. is limited to VW.. but does make the flywheel gland bolt easier to access and does make setting end play easier.
I can do without that benefit alone to have a tool I can use for much more.

Sure.. the tripod 3 wheeled ones can be unstable when spinning a complete and wide engine.. So I do prefer 4 wheels "H" pattern or "I" pattern stands.
Plus the universal ones are mostly limitless what can be mounted, rolled around and worked on...

Moderator note:
Please post all home-made or other engine stands in this thread

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:39 am

Great idea. :idea:

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:52 am

did the same thing a few years ago when i built the motor for my 68. works great. didn't care for my old bench mount.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:47 am

For a few bucks more I went for this stand much more stable.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32916

I wish I saw that atachement a few years ago when I fabed my own.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:53 am

I looked at the 1000lb stand and just didn't see the need to spend more. This stand can easily hold the 250lb Type 1 engine and not tip over.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:53 am

I got the same set-up. Bought it from a consumers club outta Virginia Beach when stationed there. The brand was Larin. It was heavy duty enough to hold a 500 c.i. Caddy motor. It had the additional brace to keep it from bending. And using the traditional engine brace for a VW engine makes it nice to work with...

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:37 pm

4 wheeled stand is much more stable with a turn key engine on it that the 3 wheeled version.
Nearly dumped a complete engine on the 3 wheeled stand one time.
Was moving it and the front wheel hit an expansion joint in the floor.

Welded a T on the end and installed 2 casters in the front, much better.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:44 pm

Glenn:

Do you have a picture of your old stand? Just courious.

I bought a cheap bench mount stand, mounted it to my bench and then found a scrap peice of tubing that fit the bench part and welded a gland nut to it and now use that part to hold a crank for asy.

I slightly modified the head to go into one of my V8 stands just like everyone else.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:44 pm

The main thing is not the actual stand, but the VW mount. It's really well made and you can use whatever stand you like.

What I do like about the Harbor Freight stand, there's one bolt that holds it together. Remove the bolt and it knocks down to 3 parts that's easily stored under the work bench.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:48 pm

I have basically the same stand. Almost did roll over my fully dressed engine once. I was surprised how quickly it happened. I was wheeling at around at the time. That being said...it was plenty stable when working on it, just not so much when moving it. I am going to add the extra "out riggers" when I have time

Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:42 pm

while the three wheel stand will hold a type 1 with no problem,just be careful.i have one that i've used alot.all it takes is one time and something will be screwed up.the door on my ghia will testify to that one

Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:47 pm

Personally I think it is foolish to have a complete engine still on the stand and then try to roll it around.

Once the engine is done... take it off and put it on a dolly.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:14 pm

Glenn....Have enough stuff crammed in that Garage? Kinda like mine, I'm lucky to recall what / where i have it all...I usually buy a new one and then find the one i bought years ago just in case i needed that.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:40 pm

I went with a VW Alley stand , also.. I went with their T4 stand...

looking at their type 1 stand, I probably could've used it on my type 4 build. Very stout stands

pete

Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:43 pm

slowtwitch wrote: I went with a VW Alley stand...

pete
That's who made the VW Type 1 mount I have.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:03 pm

Glenn wrote: Personally I think it is foolish to have a complete engine still on the stand and then try to roll it around.

Once the engine is done... take it off and put it on a dolly.

I didn't know it was tipsy until I tried to move it.
Those three legged stands are an accident waiting to happen IMHO.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:06 pm

My point of posting was the excellent VW mount that will fit any generic stand, be it 3 or 4 legged.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:43 pm

And how you put 2 known heavy duty products together and have a rebuild stand under 100$ without re-manufacturing or doing mods on your own. I think thats the point with links listed.

Dropping an engine is because you never asked for help when you needed it. I'll never transfer an eng again without help :oops: 2 person job.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:45 pm

boos-k_nb wrote: And how you put 2 known heavy duty products together and have a rebuild stand under 100$ without re-manufacturing or doing mods on your own. I think thats the point with links listed.
EGGzactly.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:50 pm

Glenn wrote: My point of posting was the excellent VW mount that will fit any generic stand, be it 3 or 4 legged. and its a fine piece,andyour point is well taken.