SonexBuilders.net

Hello!

Does anyone have recommendations for engine stands for the VW (Aerovee)? I will also need a crane to lift it and hang it. I am still a long way from actually doing work but its time to start thinking about tools and those are two things I haven't a clue about. Everything else is pretty straight forwards.

Thanks!


--jb

I bought the cheapest stand from Harbor Freight. I did have to replace the front caster and shim the rotating mount.
https://m.harborfreight.com/750-lb-capa ... 61238.html

I borrowed a neighbor's hoist.

A hoist is nice but two strong friends were bought off with 2 beers. They lifted the engine onto the mounts and I put the front rubber mounts on and bolted it on. Took about 5 minutes.

I used a stand like Brian’s but from JEGS.

Also welded an VW gland nut to a piece of Unistrut, bolted it to the engine stand using it to support the cold crank while heat shrinking the timing gear and hub.

Picked up the lightest duty chain hoist from the Harbor Freight aviation aisle along with https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-ton-capacity-heavy-duty-load-leveler-67441.html engine leveler. Removed HF’s chains, drilled the engine case hole a bit to accept a lifting shackle, and a lifting strap around the prop hub to help fore/aft alignment as I didn’t have the luxury of extra hands in setting the engine.


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I put two eyebolts in the ceiling and hung the engine on two nylon tie down straps, front and back. You adjust the height with the ratchets, roll the fuselage up to it and mount it. I assembled the engine on saw horses. Saved two beers.

Thanks for all of the replies!

--jb

In all honesty you can build and install your AeroVee without an engine stand or engine hoist. I used a harbor freight engine stand but I don’t think I actually needed it. You can build it on a table. You can then shim it on a table and roll the plane right up to the table or roll the table up to the airplane and slide it onto the engine mount. I did it this way with no assistance. It is your preference on how you want to do it.

Jake

I made a portable engine hoist of 2x lumber:
http://www.sonexfoundation.com/uploads/ ... _Hoist.pdf

I just had this dilemma with my Aerovee a few weeks ago as I had to swap out all the rubber mounts. Was going to use a few buddies but got concerned I would have to pull it someday at the airport by myself so I bought a harbor freight crane for $100 bucks and used a ratchet strap wrapped around the hub and secured at the back engine hoist mount. I’ll always have it now. Was super easy job by myself.

Here’s the coupon for the $99 crane and it’s good until October.

http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/63_ITEM_1 ... 9.9684.png

Also, a tip is always check www.hfqpdb.com before you buy anything from HF they have every legit coupon imaginable there.

Blue skies.

-Tim


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I installed an eyebolt in my garage door header and used a chain hoist from Harbor freight. Rolled the plane up to the suspended engine and bolted up. Easy one man job. See pics at:
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 414&row=16
Cheers, Dudley