jpsmit wrote:wow! dual engine too!
Seriously, can you describe how you removed the engine? How high do you have to lift the shell? do you use an engine hoist on the shell? where do you attach it? I presume you just roll it forward?
thanks!
Engine looks awesome BTW!
Thanks JP. Sorry for the dual post.....now removed.
We used a two post hoist in our friend's workshop. We kept the wheels on the subframe, unbolted everything, made sure it was properly supported and lifted the shell clear very carefully. We made sure the balance of the shell on the hoist would still be safe when the engine was out by placing the rear supports under the rear axle.
Replacing will be the reverse, we'll slip lengths of plastic tube over the front subframe mounting bolts to aide passing them through the holes in the chassis legs....experience has paid dividends here! Without the tube they usually wedge themselves sideways in the hole, several attempts are needed and damaged threads result.
A friend builds up the shell completely to make it heavy and stable, he leaves the bonnet off. He raises the back end about 9" to 1' and then places a carefully measured length of 3x2 timber under the chassis legs just where the radiator would sit and lifts the shell on a block and tackle. He then rolls the engine, box, subframe with no suspension under and lowers the shell onto the subframe. Raising the rear allows the shell to be more level as it meets the subframe.
You do need quite a bit of height to clear everything, no suspension gives you a very useful extra 6".
When building my own car I placed the engine and box on the bare subframe, no suspension fitted the keep it low and raised the shell on stands. Put some weight in the boot to stabilise and counter balance everything as the stands have to be quite far back, not so bad if the glass and interior are fitted. My front valance is removeable so I didn't need to lift it too high.
My shell was light so I was able to lower it safely using two jacks, one on each chassis leg. Drop one jack a couple of inches and then drop the other to meet it.