Author Topic: Newbie: Getting to the engine  (Read 3861 times)

Offline Joe-NC

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Newbie: Getting to the engine
« 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.

Offline 1980c10

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2011, 07:03:12 pm »
Climb in with the engine.

Offline Grim 82

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #2 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.
Give a man a gun, and he might rob a bank. Give a man a bank, and he might rob the world.

Offline beastie_3

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #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.

Offline travisdavid1987

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #4 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.
-Gus
1976 Chevy C10, 2WD,  V8 283ci, Muncie Trans.

Offline 1982 Daily Driver

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2011, 07:34:14 pm »
I agree just climb in. Even my kids fit in there with me.

Offline 1980c10

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #6 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.

Offline DustyRusty

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #7 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
1975 K-10 SWB Fleetside - 350/SM465/NP205/D44F 12-boltR, 3.73 gears.  Original owner.
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Offline jaredts

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #8 on: April 04, 2011, 08:17:16 pm »
GM should have stamped a seat into the inner fenders.

Offline travisdavid1987

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2011, 08:45:45 pm »
Jared,
You better patent that idea before someone takes it!!
-Gus
1976 Chevy C10, 2WD,  V8 283ci, Muncie Trans.

Offline bake74

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #10 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.  
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
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Offline Joe-NC

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Re: Newbie: Getting to the engine
« Reply #11 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.