Hoist Question

[sethkestenbaum]

To remove the engine I am going to need a hoist. Is there anything special I should know about? I was thinking of purchasing the following, but don't want to get it all set up and not have clearance or have issues with the lift. Thoughts?

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-c...ane-69512.html

[abachman3]

There is no particular reason that will not work. Some members will not recommend the Harbor Freight product. For occasional use it will be fine. You will need either 1 or 2 eyelets that are sold through the national vendors or a plate to bolt on top of the motor as an aid to hoisting the motor out of the car.

[Mitch//pa]

Seth that cherry picker will work fine for you. one of the few things i own from harbor freight is that. i just use the eye hook in #3 plug hole to lift it out simple and easy
no rocket science needed

[mizzougas]

I have the two ton version of this shop crane and recently removed the engine from my A with no problems. I ran a short piece of chain between two eyelets screwed into the cylinder head and attached the crane hook to the chain.

[sethkestenbaum]

I figure that the hoist will be used for removal and re-installation by me once. I can't see me using it much after doing this work but will add it to the local club's "available tools" list. If there are alternative hoists on the market, I would consider them as well.

[Mitch//pa]

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i use mine all the time
here is the eye hook off brattons FYI or you can do it 50 other ways chain, seatbelt etc

[fiddlybits]

I have had that very lift for over 10 years and have punished it severely yet it has yet to fail me. (I have suspended complete rolling chassis, without drivetrain, off the ground for sandblasting, with a 15 foot extension stuck in the end.... do not attempt this at home...i'm an professional idiot )

This is built well enough to stand a lot of use.

Remember to take you discount coupon with you.

[39topless]

Originally Posted by sethkestenbaum

I figure that the hoist will be used for removal and re-installation by me once. I can't see me using it much after doing this work but will add it to the local club's "available tools" list. If there are alternative hoists on the market, I would consider them as well.

If you are using the hoist only once, I would check into renting one. The problem with owning one is finding a place to store it when not in use. But maybe you have lots of room.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

I have had that very lift for over 10 years and have punished it severely yet it has yet to fail me. (I have suspended complete rolling chassis, without drivetrain, off the ground for sandblasting, with a 15 foot extension stuck in the end.... do not attempt this at home...i'm an professional idiot )

This is built well enough to stand a lot of use.

Remember to take you discount coupon with you.

Hmm, I get this mental visual, that makes me smile ! Great idea, think I'll borrow it ! BTW...Pics would complete story.

[Bob/Kansas City]

I bought this same unit but in the 2 ton capacity and it is great. I also have used it for body removal off of my roadster. When it is not in use the legs fold up and it is just pushed in the corner where it takes very little room.

[Wello]

I have the same cherry picker. I pulled my engine and transmission this morning. It worked flawlessly.

Occasionally HF has a coupon for this lift for $99. Ask around, you might get lucky and find one.

Good luck with your project,

Dan

[700rpm]

1 ton is more than adequate for Model A work, and a folding crane makes storage easier. I can't find a rental shop that will offer one here any more. They all claim they come back damaged because guys misuse them. I'd say buy it; you'll be surprised how often you can use it.

[Cape Codder]

I have the same hoist and like the others had no problem installing the engine along with bell housing and transmission HOWEVER when putting it on or off the engine stand it is a little awkward although doable (sp?). The engine stand is a HB product also.

[fiddlybits]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

I have had that very lift for over 10 years and have punished it severely yet it has yet to fail me. (I have suspended complete rolling chassis, without drivetrain, off the ground for sandblasting, with a 15 foot extension stuck in the end.... do not attempt this at home...i'm an professional idiot )

This is built well enough to stand a lot of use.

Remember to take you discount coupon with you.

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Hmm, I get this mental visual, that makes me smile ! Great idea, think I'll borrow it ! BTW...Pics would complete story.

OK, here ya go... I could not quickly find the fully lifted pic but this should give you the idea. The sling was eventually attached to the end of the extension and pretty much put the chassis vertical.

[Y-Blockhead]

My Grandson likes it...

[CarlG]

I've been going thru the process of deciding whether or not to get one of these. The biggest problem is that of adequate storage when it's not in use, but I think I can live with that. I probably wouldn't mind the HF unit; price is right, but the freight would kill me. Soooooo, I've been looking at Amazon (prime=free shipping) or Craigs list locally = no freight. Having it when I need it and not having to beg/borrow is my greatest push. I've already had to do that twice, and could again if I have to.

I just like having my own tools! Isn't that what owning a Model A is all about?? An excuse to buy more tools.

[mshmodela]

For the record, I have a 20 year old HF floor drill press and a floor band saw, both work fine...

[sethkestenbaum]

To all... thank you for the inputs. I've decided to go with this model.

Dan... you inspired me to look for a coupon. I found a HF 20% off one that didn't work online when I tried to use it. This was a good thing. I called HF to have them figure out why. We resolved the issue and it worked. Goofing around with the woman on the phone, I asked if there were any "better coupons". She found one. I was able to get the hoist for $99. With delivery and taxes it came to $115. Dan, I owe you a beer.

[sethkestenbaum]

Carl G, give HF a call. The shipping on mine was almost nothing. I don't know if that $6.99 standard shipping applies to Alaska, but you might as well ask.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I've been going thru the process of deciding whether or not to get one of these. The biggest problem is that of adequate storage when it's not in use, but I think I can live with that.

I just like having my own tools! Isn't that what owning a Model A is all about?? An excuse to buy more tools.

I didn't get the fold up one. I just take mine apart and store it in 'the rafters' of my garage. I need my floor space.

Your right, I'm the same way about having my own tools. Learned a long time ago when I was a Motorcycle Mechanic not to lend or borrow tools...

I must admit owning an "A" kind of forces you to buy some "A" specific tools but it is really is an excuse to buy more tools.
"But Honey, I can't change my Stop Light Fluid without this special wrench".

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by sethkestenbaum

Carl G, give HF a call. The shipping on mine was almost nothing. I don't know if that $6.99 standard shipping applies to Alaska, but you might as well ask.

I have asked. For one of these, the shipping was going to be around $200 because:
1) it's heavy,
2) it's bulky, &
3) I'm in Alaska.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

OK, here ya go... I could not quickly find the fully lifted pic but this should give you the idea. The sling was eventually attached to the end of the extension and pretty much put the chassis vertical.

Thanks, I needed that ! You must be an 'easterner', as I haven't seen that much green stuff since hector was a pup. Only see green like that, out here, at a cemetery ! The fools with all our money, tell us "you WILL like it (without water), because brown is beautiful"...no bs

[Fred K-OR]

Seth, looks like you have purchase the 1 ton. Like a couple of guys above, I think I would have purchased the 2 ton one. If and when I buy one, I think I will go with the 2 ton because it has a longer "reach" from the main post. This would give me the ability to move it around more and get the engine and/or tranny where I wanted it.

For those of you that don't know, these things fold up and you could store them is very little space. Also make sure you have the 20% discount coupon when you buy because they honor those even though the item is on sale.

[Ted Duke]

Good product, just bought one. Harbor Freight, some good, some junk.

Borrowing tools (only from a good friend and I return immediately), loaning tools (you may PROBABLY never see it again).

I recently loaned an engine stand. It was returned an hour later (unused), but the handle was missing. "It wasn't there!," they said. It isn't here, "I said." Oh well, a piece of pipe will work.

I only loan foreign made handtools, like wrenches, because I have a supply of them from my son who when he cleans out YOUR garage for you keeps alls of the Craftsman and other good tools and gives me the "junk". I have recently purchased some decent tools, and they don't leave my shop. I even use the "junk" out on the farm equipment IF I can find a junk one.

Ted

[racingrufus]

I have the harbor freight hoist that folds up. I have used it a number of times with a engines or v8 with trans installed, it has never failed.the hoist also folds up to about the size of a water heater which is nice as I live in a garden home with a small 2 car garage.

[Big hammer]

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My first removal I removed wheels lowered car down on a creeper unbolted
engine,then raised the car and slid the engine out! But could not get it
back in! It took 1 mad dad and 2 brothers with straps under engine to lift
engine back in :-) Dad said I would not be doing that again!

[sethkestenbaum]

Big hammer -- that is hysterical!

[Tom Wesenberg]

They are also handy to lift the front of a riding lawn mower when it's time to sharpen the blades.

No battery guaranty though. I had a 3 or 4 month old Interstate lawn tractor battery in my riding mower. The deck got plugged with heavy grass, so I lifted the front of the mower up and pulled out the grass. I lifted it about 45* and gently set it back down, but that was enough to wreck the battery. Hard to believe tipping a 4 month old battery could short the plates.

[Wello]

Seth,

If your adventures ever take you to Northern California I'll take you up on that beer. Happy it worked out.

Dan

[700rpm]

Are those chain housts easier to operate than the old rope block and tackle?

[racingrufus]

I used to use a pipe across joist when I had a large garage but I still had to push the car out from under engine. With small garden home garage with 9 foot celling and overhead door drop through chain hoist would hit door when it was up. The fold up hoist is more versatile because it can be used in many places in garage and driveway.

[RandyinUtah]

I have also use this same hoist for years with no problems. I went in partners with two other Model A guys at $50.00 each and we share this hoist

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I've been going thru the process of deciding whether or not to get one of these. The biggest problem is that of adequate storage when it's not in use, but I think I can live with that. I probably wouldn't mind the HF unit; price is right, but the freight would kill me. Soooooo, I've been looking at Amazon (prime=free shipping) or Craigs list locally = no freight. Having it when I need it and not having to beg/borrow is my greatest push. I've already had to do that twice, and could again if I have to.

I just like having my own tools! Isn't that what owning a Model A is all about?? An excuse to buy more tools.

He who dies with the most tools wins

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

If floor space is a problem, chain hoists do not take up any floor space. You can put a 4 or 5 foot long pipe across the rafters and punch a small hole in the sheet rock, or you can mount a I beam and trolley and go electric.

This MIGHT be OK if you have rafters. But most modern garages have joists. Joists are an elegant way of using undersized lumber to hold up your shingles and not much else. Even a heavy snow load can cripple joists. Do not hang your engine from joists!!

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by ian Simpson

This MIGHT be OK if you have rafters. But most modern garages have joists. Joists are an elegant way of using undersized lumber to hold up your shingles and not much else. Even a heavy snow load can cripple joists. Do not hang your engine from joists!!

I would be very concerned about hanging the engine from the joist. If I remember correctly it weighs about 450 pounds and that would be a lot of weight to hang on a joist as far as I would think. Maybe others have done it and it works but I would be concerned.

[1931 flamingo]

Used to use a kid's A-frame swing set and a 1/2 ton chain hoist, 4 bangers, olds engines, chevs. It was usually at "someone's" house every weekend.
Paul in CT

[nhusa]

I have a 2 ton harbor freight hoist and don't know how i lived without it. It folds up but I find many thinge to us it for.
Harbor freight may not make the "best" stuff but it works for most thing we part timers do.

[ian Simpson]

I envy you. My garage has puny 2 by 4 joists like most modern buildings of the ilk. I would love o be able to put some decent beams across, to allow the use of chain hoists. I grew to love the versatility and utility of the beasts when I worked as a millwright dealing with moving heavy electric motors and transmissions in very awkward spaces.

[31 Woody]

Hmm, I know three people near me with engine cranes. All of them are more than glad to loan them to me, that way they don't have to store it for a while. It's a win win as far as I'm concerned.

[Mitch//pa]

your best bet is to make one like this cheap and effective

[Al Mack]

^^^^^^

Just looking at that contraption is scary. Horror Fright.....not Harbor Freight.

[flatford39]

I have that exact model. I just pulled a 350 Chevy V-8 out of a 79 Suburban with ease. You will really like the fact that it folds up. I beat the crap out of mine and it never failed me. Look for a sale on it as I bought mine for $89.99.

[wbs]

hello- i've been watching this thread and wondered what does model A engine weigh? transmission weight? thank you