348 Custom Engine Dolly

Just thought I'd share some custom dolly info for my 348. I found a really neat dolly pic posted by Jetfixer awhile back where he used hydraulic rams on all 4 corners of the dolly to facilitate bolt alignment during engine extraction and re-installation. I just installed a 2-post lift in my garage, so I lifted the car and got the points where I believe make the best 4 points of dolly-subframe contact. The cart is now being welded up at a local shop - will post some pics when I get it back next week. Below are pics of Jetfixer's cart and a cad drawing I came up with illustrating jack points:
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Looks good .................. I almost can't wait to do the engine out service on mine !

 

Will be interested in seeing final pics and how it works out

 

+1. Nice work.

 

I will post pics for sure... The only thing I was unsure of was the ideal total height (bottom of castors to top of unextended jacks) for easy removal/installation. I got under the car and simulated threading the 12 main subframe bolts and decided on a total height of 35 inches. Using the hydraulic jacks I can get another 7" if needed. I just want to cut down on wrestling time especially during engine re-installation. I am starting my 30k major next week and not a moment too soon as my t-belt tensioner on the right bank is 'chirping' - yeehaa.

 

Me too!

 

Nice, thanks for posting the drawing!

 

Too bad you didn't see the one Plugzit used for Darkstar's car. It was the usual kind of wood framed shade tree mechanic screwed together 2x4 and utility casters contraption we Stooges are noted for.

 

Mine had hydraulics too. Well technically I moved a hydraulic jack to each corner to get subframe holes lined up after it was at least sitting close. That and a pry bar and she fits!

 

I was talking with my Dad about this idea last week, I had thoughts of using a motorbike jack to drop the engine/sub frame and aid with aligning it on install.

I think I like this design more.

 

yeah yeah I know - maybe a bit of overkill but my confidence level in doing this 30k is teetering on a thin line and I simply need all the advantages I can think of before hand...

 

Cool tools is what its all about! The more cool tool the more fun the job is.

I am about to order another new tool box this week, i'm like a kid before Christmas.

 

I will let you know how it works - I think it's going to make things really easy. I need all the maneuverability I can get as I am going to be disconnecting the a/c (leaving it on the car so I don't have to evacuate the system) and will need to squeeze the front of the engine right on by the pump.

 

Not overkill...it's a fantastic idea, I'm just jealous of the lift in the garage

 

Wait a minute there...not sure on that one. I think it's much easier to recharge the A/C vs. trying to take the condenser coils out with the engine.

 

Here's my problem - I live in a part of Canada where it is very hard to get any goods/services outside of what is normal. I have a '91 ts that has r12 in the air-con. Can't get a recharge anywhere. I have looked at the clearances and it appears that one can move the pump forward while lowering the engine. I am going to give it a try - I think...

 

Say no more....I'm thinking weight savings here...what do you need A/C for?? Take that top off and your good for that one warm month

 

hahahaha

 

Troy:

Take the time to get to know HVAC Techs in your area. I can almost guarantee you that most, if not all, have a stockpile of R12 "in the back". I'm sure that you'll be able to find one that will understand how inconvenient and expensive a conversion is and help you out. Also, check the net for HVAC suppliers, you just might be able to "procure" some NOS R12. However, you know that topping-off your one system will totally destroy the ozone layer and kill all the little furry forest creatures. LOL. Good luck!

 

Interesting... I will keep this in mind and do some asking around. I know eventually I will have to get my aircon modified to take the new stuff. Thanks for the tip.

 

Also you can do the conversion to R134a (as I did on mine) and the results a more than acceptable for such a small cabin. You can buy a new compressor from a-aironline.com for 250$ which is pretty cheap (see http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=137518392&postcount=120) and I also have a source for a new drier in Florida for 35$ (polarbearinc.com - talk to Gretchen and she'll set you up).

DF

 

It works EXTREMELY well.....We thought that thing up and it cost exactly $600.00 to make!!! Worth every dime......It's so COOL I pull my motor to change the oil filter

Good luck!!! Just wait until you see your design in action!!!
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That cat is priceless! Well I guess this is my chance to formally thank you for the idea. I could tell you were pretty psyched about it at the time and I got to thinking that 'yeah, that thing really is the cats ass dolly'. I don't want fear the engine-out task and I think this is going to be a pretty sweet tool. Thanks mate.

Troy

 

Here's a pic of the final product guys. Might be as good looking as Weasel's after I get a chance to spray a few coats of rosso on it. It aligns with my jack points perfectly.
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Almost forgot - the whole thing (castors, jacks and frame) cost $350.00.