what do you guys do? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68c10owner · 12-03-2008, 04:46 PM

I was changing the cap and rotor last night and had a hell of a time getting back there. My truck is stock height so I needed a step ladder and eventually needed to put a pad over the radiator support and lay on top of the engine to get to the back. What do you guys do?

LMDGUY · 12-03-2008, 04:51 PM

let the air out of my bags =)

68c10owner · 12-03-2008, 05:13 PM

yeah must be nice. I plan on a 4/6 drop and that will help but I don`t have the money for it yet. Has anyone used one of those laydown stands? I`ve seen them advertized somewhere. THey look like they would work pretty good but I do`t know how easy they are to store them.

BLE 'BURBAN · 12-03-2008, 05:26 PM

Put my parts into a shallow box, climb up and into the engine compartment on the drivers side plunk my arse on the fender and wrench away from there. Not an easy task at 325lbs. w/a 48" waist.!!

68c10owner · 12-03-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

Put my parts into a shallow box, climb up and into the engine compartment on the drivers side plunk my arse on the fender and wrench away from there. Not an easy task at 325lbs. w/a 48" waist.!!

Well I`m not to far behind at 270lbs. I tried that but with my knees and my back I just couldn`t do it. The foam pad worked out really good but i was just wondering what you guys did.

Thumpin455 · 12-03-2008, 05:39 PM

I have a 2 x 10 about 5 ft long with two 5 gallon buckets nailed to it. It was in the house when I moved in, they were using it for drywall. Works awesome for my lifted as well as the stock height trucks. It also makes a handy bench for block sanding, bench racing, and doing a bit of welding while sitting.

I used to climb into the engine bay, or let the air out of the tires. I am only 5'8" and by the time I go to bed I am 5'7" so its tough to reach spark plugs and whatnot from the ground. Its also why most of my vehicles are lowered.

Since we are giving weights and measures I am around 260 but with a 38" waist. Yeah I am top heavy and I cant reach most of my back. I dont fit in tight places.

gafiredog · 12-04-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumpin455

I have a 2 x 10 about 5 ft long with two 5 gallon buckets nailed to it. It was in the house when I moved in, they were using it for drywall. Works awesome for my lifted as well as the stock height trucks. It also makes a handy bench for block sanding, bench racing, and doing a bit of welding while sitting.

I used to climb into the engine bay, or let the air out of the tires. I am only 5'8" and by the time I go to bed I am 5'7" so its tough to reach spark plugs and whatnot from the ground. Its also why most of my vehicles are lowered.

Since we are giving weights and measures I am around 260 but with a 38" waist. Yeah I am top heavy and I cant reach most of my back. I dont fit in tight places.

i know the feeling, At 5'6" and 220 with a 36" waist. and at my age i don't flex as easy as 20 years ago. i climb up in the engine bay & go at it, as long as i can stand it.

jchav62 · 12-03-2008, 07:06 PM

I do the same as BLE'BURBAN, but it's probably a little easier for me. I'm a foot shorter and 100 lbs lighter!

cjracing15 · 12-03-2008, 07:18 PM

Climb in drivers side of the truck and go to work. I do get a little stiff if I am there a while.

Mr79C10 · 12-03-2008, 07:40 PM

lol,, nuffin I got a 5/7 drop

westie 666 · 12-03-2008, 07:44 PM

I stand on a beer crate, that gives me a 10" lift.

5'10" and 195 lbs, old age dosen't help.

**LEEVON** · 12-03-2008, 08:07 PM

I do the same thing you do, but I use a packing blanket and a two step ladder. Sometimes the ladder slides though leaving me kicking my feet. I still manage to get some nice bruises on my belly though. I have crawled into the engine compartment a few times and put my feet on the frame and sat on the core support. It must look kind of funny me being 6'-3"/255lbs.

Prerunner1982 · 12-03-2008, 08:08 PM

I have been known to sit on the front of the engine, with a cheek resting on the alt/bracket and the a/c compressor/bracket or if I am working on the middle part I will sit on the front core support.

I am however 5'9" and 200lbs..

74 shortbed 406 · 12-03-2008, 08:49 PM

I agree with the sitting on the fenders. I am also a bigger guy at 260 w/34 inch. I do not fit very well. And if I know I am going to be there a while the hood comes off. But for the easy fixes I just try to work faster. And if I have to lay over the radiator, I have an old wood creeper that fits nicely over the brush guard and over core support.

AceX · 12-03-2008, 09:00 PM

I climb into the engine bay and start working.

I'm 6' 130lbs, so its a little easier for me than just about anyone...

Thumpin455 · 12-04-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AceX

I climb into the engine bay and start working.

I'm 6' 130lbs, so its a little easier for me than just about anyone...

I lost my football in the sewer, could you reach it?

Restrorob · 12-04-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpin455

i lost my football in the sewer, could you reach it?

roflmao !!!

shadetree · 12-03-2008, 09:04 PM

Very interesting thread. I've always crawled right up there, and swore every time I had to get back down to fetch a wrench.
I personally like the 2 milk crate idea!

asphaltburner · 12-03-2008, 09:17 PM

Yo! I have a wooden box that I use to step onto the front bumper, and then into the engine bay where I can stand on the framerails, straddling the engine. But I'm 5' 11" and 150#. Kills me though, 'cause I'm too damn old to do this stuff anymore!
"Arthur" visits me regularly,...arthur-itis!
Todd.

slugish · 12-03-2008, 09:40 PM

those little ladders you can pick up at lowes etc. pretty cheap work pretty well ( the 2 or 3 step ladders ) But some times you just crawl right in like the rest of the guys are saying - lucky we have enough room in our engine bays to do that.

68c10owner · 12-03-2008, 09:54 PM

At this point in my life i can`t do it anymore. i did it years ago with my 75 but that was 10 years and 70 lbs ago. My back wasn`t messed up then either. I have a 2 step ladder that works fine for getting to the side for the plugs but to get to the back for the cap i need to lay on top of the engine with the foam pad down first. I`m only 33 and i feel like a old man.

Albatrossian · 12-03-2008, 10:00 PM

I just climb up there and sit on the rad support.. I'm 37, 6'0, 195. But I'm Superman so it's a little easier for me..

boatpuller · 12-03-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

At this point in my life i can`t do it anymore. i did it years ago with my 75 but that was 10 years and 70 lbs ago. My back wasn`t messed up then either. I have a 2 step ladder that works fine for getting to the side for the plugs but to get to the back for the cap i need to lay on top of the engine with the foam pad down first. I`m only 33 and i feel like a old man.

wait till you are an old man with a bad back......like me.

sometime's i wish it had a 351 in it.that was ford's better idea.i think about ford's every time i'm screwing around with the distributor.that's the only time.

the thought goes away in a hurry. i'm 6'4 220 lbs and have a lowered truck, i can get back there, but i don't like it.

turbotank · 12-03-2008, 11:02 PM

Well,Im 6'3,260 lbs and like puppies with walks in the park on Saturdays!!!!!

68c10owner · 12-04-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpuller

wait till you are an old man with a bad back......like me.

sometime's i wish it had a 351 in it.that was ford's better idea.i think about ford's every time i'm screwing around with the distributor.that's the only time.

the thought goes away in a hurry. i'm 6'4 220 lbs and have a lowered truck, i can get back there, but i don't like it.

I`m a young man with a bad back. I was in a motorcycle accident 6 years ago and my lower back is messed up. Not to mention I`m 6', 270. Being hunched over is bad on my back and my gut cuts off my ability to breath bent over like that. It`s pathetic how out of shape I am for being 33.

12-03-2008, 04:46 PM	#1
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,011	what do you guys do? I was changing the cap and rotor last night and had a hell of a time getting back there. My truck is stock height so I needed a step ladder and eventually needed to put a pad over the radiator support and lay on top of the engine to get to the back. What do you guys do? __________________ Anthony

12-03-2008, 04:51 PM	#2
LMDGUY Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Phx,AZ Posts: 352	Re: what do you guys do? let the air out of my bags =) __________________ 1973 C10 "Chain Reaction" Street Trucks cover Feb 2012 2013 Silverado 1964 Cadillac

12-03-2008, 05:13 PM	#3
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,011	Re: what do you guys do? yeah must be nice. I plan on a 4/6 drop and that will help but I don`t have the money for it yet. Has anyone used one of those laydown stands? I`ve seen them advertized somewhere. THey look like they would work pretty good but I do`t know how easy they are to store them. __________________ Anthony

12-03-2008, 05:26 PM	#4
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: what do you guys do? Put my parts into a shallow box, climb up and into the engine compartment on the drivers side plunk my arse on the fender and wrench away from there. Not an easy task at 325lbs. w/a 48" waist.!! __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

12-03-2008, 05:39 PM	#6
Thumpin455 My truck is an alcoholic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Marquette Mi Posts: 303	Re: what do you guys do? I have a 2 x 10 about 5 ft long with two 5 gallon buckets nailed to it. It was in the house when I moved in, they were using it for drywall. Works awesome for my lifted as well as the stock height trucks. It also makes a handy bench for block sanding, bench racing, and doing a bit of welding while sitting. I used to climb into the engine bay, or let the air out of the tires. I am only 5'8" and by the time I go to bed I am 5'7" so its tough to reach spark plugs and whatnot from the ground. Its also why most of my vehicles are lowered. Since we are giving weights and measures I am around 260 but with a 38" waist. Yeah I am top heavy and I cant reach most of my back. I dont fit in tight places. __________________ Too much stuff, too many projects to list everything. my 454 urged 76 swb beater Last edited by Thumpin455; 12-03-2008 at 05:41 PM.

12-03-2008, 07:06 PM	#8
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: what do you guys do? I do the same as BLE'BURBAN, but it's probably a little easier for me. I'm a foot shorter and 100 lbs lighter! __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

12-03-2008, 07:18 PM	#9
cjracing15 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lexington, TN Posts: 1,427	Re: what do you guys do? Climb in drivers side of the truck and go to work. I do get a little stiff if I am there a while. __________________ The fleet 94 Chevy 4x4 reg cab 2018 Traverse (wifes car) 1977 SWB stepside 1949 Chevy truck

12-03-2008, 07:40 PM	#10
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: what do you guys do? lol,, nuffin I got a 5/7 drop __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

12-03-2008, 07:44 PM	#11
westie 666 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: AUCKLAND NZ Posts: 264	Re: what do you guys do? I stand on a beer crate, that gives me a 10" lift. 5'10" and 195 lbs, old age dosen't help. __________________ 77 Cheyenne no longer in bits

12-03-2008, 08:07 PM	#12
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,893	Re: what do you guys do? I do the same thing you do, but I use a packing blanket and a two step ladder. Sometimes the ladder slides though leaving me kicking my feet. I still manage to get some nice bruises on my belly though. I have crawled into the engine compartment a few times and put my feet on the frame and sat on the core support. It must look kind of funny me being 6'-3"/255lbs. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-03-2008, 08:08 PM	#13
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: what do you guys do? I have been known to sit on the front of the engine, with a cheek resting on the alt/bracket and the a/c compressor/bracket or if I am working on the middle part I will sit on the front core support. I am however 5'9" and 200lbs.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-03-2008, 08:49 PM	#14
74 shortbed 406 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bowling Green, Mo Posts: 204	Re: what do you guys do? I agree with the sitting on the fenders. I am also a bigger guy at 260 w/34 inch. I do not fit very well. And if I know I am going to be there a while the hood comes off. But for the easy fixes I just try to work faster. And if I have to lay over the radiator, I have an old wood creeper that fits nicely over the brush guard and over core support. __________________ 1978 GMC K25 2002 Dodge Dakota R/T rc swb In need of some more goodies.

12-03-2008, 09:00 PM	#15
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: what do you guys do? I climb into the engine bay and start working. I'm 6' 130lbs, so its a little easier for me than just about anyone... __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

12-03-2008, 09:04 PM	#18
shadetree Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Knightstown, in, usa Posts: 2,525	Re: what do you guys do? Very interesting thread. I've always crawled right up there, and swore every time I had to get back down to fetch a wrench. I personally like the 2 milk crate idea! __________________ 1970 long fleet, 355 4 speed, primer, walnut goodies

12-03-2008, 09:17 PM	#19
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: what do you guys do? Yo! I have a wooden box that I use to step onto the front bumper, and then into the engine bay where I can stand on the framerails, straddling the engine. But I'm 5' 11" and 150#. Kills me though, 'cause I'm too damn old to do this stuff anymore! "Arthur" visits me regularly,...arthur-itis! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-03-2008, 09:40 PM	#20
slugish Slugish Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Earlysville, Va. Posts: 1,024	Re: what do you guys do? those little ladders you can pick up at lowes etc. pretty cheap work pretty well ( the 2 or 3 step ladders ) But some times you just crawl right in like the rest of the guys are saying - lucky we have enough room in our engine bays to do that.

12-03-2008, 09:54 PM	#21
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,011	Re: what do you guys do? At this point in my life i can`t do it anymore. i did it years ago with my 75 but that was 10 years and 70 lbs ago. My back wasn`t messed up then either. I have a 2 step ladder that works fine for getting to the side for the plugs but to get to the back for the cap i need to lay on top of the engine with the foam pad down first. I`m only 33 and i feel like a old man. __________________ Anthony

12-03-2008, 10:00 PM	#22
Albatrossian Georgia Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Douglas, Georgia Posts: 370	Re: what do you guys do? I just climb up there and sit on the rad support.. I'm 37, 6'0, 195. But I'm Superman so it's a little easier for me.. __________________ 81 GMC High Sierra, 2WD, 357ci/700R4, 3.73s, posi. Last edited by Albatrossian; 12-03-2008 at 10:01 PM.

12-03-2008, 11:02 PM	#24
turbotank Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lake City FL Posts: 114	Re: what do you guys do? Well,Im 6'3,260 lbs and like puppies with walks in the park on Saturdays!!!!! __________________ The general is always in charge You guys did this to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.