73-87chevytrucks.com

General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Joe-NC on April 04, 2011, 06:58:49 pm

Title: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: Joe-NC on April 04, 2011, 06:58:49 pm

I'm new to these trucks, and big engines in general ...so please tell me your methods for getting to the engine. I'm six feet tall and my truck is not raised, but reaching the distributor area, back of the carb or intake, etc is a real pain. Much different than a Honda Accord. I'm thinking about building some type of raised platform or something.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: 1980c10 on April 04, 2011, 07:03:12 pm

Climb in with the engine.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: Grim 82 on April 04, 2011, 07:05:25 pm

I usually just climb in, and hope I didn't forget anything back on the bench or in the toolbox. I even have a beer holder mounted in the engine compartment.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: beastie_3 on April 04, 2011, 07:10:14 pm

Thats what I do. Im 6' and my truck has a 6" lift, so I have to climb up. I straddle the core support on the driver side with my right foot in the bay. Works out well because your basically sitting.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: travisdavid1987 on April 04, 2011, 07:27:56 pm

I would have to say that that is one of the best things about these trucks is that you can just climb inside of them and work on them.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: 1982 Daily Driver on April 04, 2011, 07:34:14 pm

I agree just climb in. Even my kids fit in there with me.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: 1980c10 on April 04, 2011, 07:38:57 pm

The only thing you'll want is a helper to hand you tools and parts. It sucks when you forget something climb out to get it and back in and realize you need something else too.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: DustyRusty on April 04, 2011, 08:08:43 pm

I like those steel steps you hang over the front tire to stand on.  I don't remember who makes them, though, and they might not fit a rig with wide tires.  Ought to be easy to fab one up.

Rusty

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: jaredts on April 04, 2011, 08:17:16 pm

GM should have stamped a seat into the inner fenders.

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: travisdavid1987 on April 04, 2011, 08:45:45 pm

Jared,
You better patent that idea before someone takes it!!

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: bake74 on April 04, 2011, 09:10:06 pm

     Joe-NC, sounds like you maybe have some reason that you can't just climb inside.  either the step on the wheel or the elevated platform that you can lay on above the engine might suit your needs.  

Title: Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
Post by: Joe-NC on April 04, 2011, 11:32:59 pm

Ok, this is great. I had already climbed inside a few times, but being used to working on Hondas it just felt weird. Glad to know thats how its done. I'll just get a cushion for the inner fender and try not to step on the brake lines too much.

I also realized I have to lose the belt while standing on the ground and reaching over so my buckle doesn't scratch the paint. I'll get a thick cloth to go over the fender too. Common sense, but things you don't really think about on smaller cars.