Sounds good, but I am picture oriented, are there any pics of this?

Route 66 Rider!
Ramon Hill
Live Long and Be Free

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Zoltan
Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 12:03 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: CHErry picker is a pain in the ....

I used to use a 'cherry picker' style engine hoist for removing or
installing an engine.  I can't tell you how impractical it is to install the
engine with it.  There had to be a better way.  I set down and started
thinking to invent one that is perfect for the job. I made one for the cost
of $20.

Two  4 foot long 2x4 paralell, that lay on one foot 2x4 accross each end for
platform.  On top I bolted a cheap hand operated winch from Harbor Freight
in the middle.

The two foot long strong chain with shackles on both ends for the engine
lifting holes is the one that the winch gets hooked into.

Once lifted, you can unbolt the two bolts each side of the engine support,
then lower the engine, unhook the things you have to and lower the engine to
a big Tray (not on the ground), that has small rope on it, tied into punched
holes, to pull it on the ground.  It is still heavy to pull but you can.  It
slides well.

I also made a little galley out of 2x6s, onto which I put a 1 Ton chain
hoist, also from HF, lift the engine up to be able to put it on an engine
stand, that already has a bell housing bolted to, for the immediate
acceptance of the VW engine.

This way, you can do things easy and cheap and practical and don't have to
store a clumsy cherry picker.

I wrote this up for all of you who think it is difficult to take out and
install an engine.  BTW, when you install, take off one rear wheel and put
the engine that is on the tray on the side of the car, then pull it into
position from the side, (not push in from the rear).

That's it for today.
Zoltan