can't reach over the radiator - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

elmono · 02-09-2003, 12:15 AM

85 K1500 w/ 2" lift. when i work underneath, i've got just about enough room to get anywhere on a creeper. however, when i work under the hood, i can't reach beyond the radiator. i've tried a stepping stool and milk crates (very unstable, as i'm gravitationally challenged), is there anything better/safer/more stable(stabler, a.k.a. the snake)?

Mudder · 02-09-2003, 12:36 AM

I use one of those 3" step stools and have for years. I've ran over several of them. They even go to shows with me.

GMC71k20 · 02-09-2003, 01:10 AM

make sure whatever you stand on is stable, when we were putting my motor back in my truck my dad was standing on a bucket(hes 6'2 and still needed a bucket

) and the bucket fell out from under neath him and the hood latch nailed him in the gut. i shat myself cause i thought it went into him but it just gave him a nasty cut and bruise.

82 Silverado 4X · 02-09-2003, 12:28 PM

Yea, Milk crates are just "too" portable. They have caused many a bruised rib. When working on them you can tie them off at the top with a length of rope around the wheels or the sway bar. This helps to keep them from slipping out. You could also take the time to build a portable bench completely out of 2"x12"s. The one I have was left by the guys who plastered my house and it's great for reaching out over the motor. Mines about 3' long and has a slot in the top for my hand so it's easy to move around. The weight of the wood keeps it from sliding out from under your feet. I want to build another one just like it so I don't have to carry it around from side to side. Use screws, not nails to build it and it should last forever. It's also great to set things on when you take parts outside to paint them.

ozarkhippie · 02-09-2003, 01:00 PM

get one of those steps that hooks over the tire. I've seen them at the parts store but never paid any attention to the price. I have a stool that I made that has spring loaded casters when you stand on it the legs sit on the floor so it doesn't roll.

TX_Mudder · 02-09-2003, 01:03 PM

I stole my wife's folding kitchen ladder. It's plenty stable and I use it when I need to work in the engine compartment.
I have 36" tires with a 6-7" lift.
I've tried other things and yeah you always seem to fall down.
-- Mike

ozarkhippie · 02-09-2003, 01:10 PM

funniest thing awhile back. I was at a shop and a guy was working on a tractor. He was standing on a new unopened bucket of 90 wt gear oil. The lid looked kinda faded though like it had been outside for a while. Any way the guy got on it to reach the top end of the engine to adjust the valves and splash. About everyone knows how hard the smell of gear oil is to get rid of. His boots didn't look all that old either. lol

6869704X4 · 02-09-2003, 09:44 PM

A cooler with 2 cases of beer and a bag of ice is pretty stable. However, the more beer I drink the less stable the cooler, or am I less stable.

SuperStock46872 · 02-10-2003, 02:10 PM

If you want the best thing there is for leaning over the front of your rig, I have found it. I beleive K-D tools makes it. It is basicly a creeper riased about 3-6 feet(adjustable). It has legs like an engine lift that go under the front and you lay on top and wrench. Actually f@rd dealers have them for working on super duty's. If you can IMAGINE a f@rd breaking down! lol

bouncytruck · 02-10-2003, 05:31 PM

I feel your pain, I usually just climb into the engine compartment. The only problem is I'm 6'3", 240lbs. Sometimes It takes me a while to get up in there, of course, just when I get there is when I realized I left the wrench I need on the ground.

Here is the step that ozarkhippie is talking about

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=32044

I have also seen a license plate frame that has a built in step. You fold the plate down to reviel the step.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoit...176092&BQ=jcw2

benwantland · 02-11-2003, 10:12 AM

whenever I work on an older truck, I just climb up and sit in the engine bay.:p

**Yukon Jack** · 02-11-2003, 10:35 AM

I usaully get a couple cinder blocks and put a board across them - I'm thinking one of my hay bales would make a pretty good step also.

**68SWB4x4** · 02-14-2003, 03:38 PM

just hop on in.,......... thats what i always do

**Yukon Jack** · 02-14-2003, 03:42 PM

68SWB4x4 - where you been? Good to see you back on.

Mudder · 02-15-2003, 04:01 AM

Damn........Pala has come out of hiding.

ZOOMY · 02-15-2003, 05:24 AM

harbor freight tools used to sell a step that hooked over the top of the front wheel that you could stand on or use to get to the top to crawl in. would be fairly easy to make one too....Zoomy

02-09-2003, 12:15 AM	#1
elmono Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 47	can't reach over the radiator 85 K1500 w/ 2" lift. when i work underneath, i've got just about enough room to get anywhere on a creeper. however, when i work under the hood, i can't reach beyond the radiator. i've tried a stepping stool and milk crates (very unstable, as i'm gravitationally challenged), is there anything better/safer/more stable(stabler, a.k.a. the snake)?

02-09-2003, 12:36 AM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	wel I use one of those 3" step stools and have for years. I've ran over several of them. They even go to shows with me.

02-09-2003, 12:28 PM	#4
82 Silverado 4X Genuine Chevrolet Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South West Pennsylvania. Posts: 582	Yea, Milk crates are just "too" portable. They have caused many a bruised rib. When working on them you can tie them off at the top with a length of rope around the wheels or the sway bar. This helps to keep them from slipping out. You could also take the time to build a portable bench completely out of 2"x12"s. The one I have was left by the guys who plastered my house and it's great for reaching out over the motor. Mines about 3' long and has a slot in the top for my hand so it's easy to move around. The weight of the wood keeps it from sliding out from under your feet. I want to build another one just like it so I don't have to carry it around from side to side. Use screws, not nails to build it and it should last forever. It's also great to set things on when you take parts outside to paint them. __________________ George 82 Silverado LWB 4x4 350 SM465 NP208 77 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet 400 TH350 NP203

02-09-2003, 01:00 PM	#5
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	get one of those steps that hooks over the tire. I've seen them at the parts store but never paid any attention to the price. I have a stool that I made that has spring loaded casters when you stand on it the legs sit on the floor so it doesn't roll. __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

02-09-2003, 01:03 PM	#6
TX_Mudder Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 126	I stole my wife's folding kitchen ladder. It's plenty stable and I use it when I need to work in the engine compartment. I have 36" tires with a 6-7" lift. I've tried other things and yeah you always seem to fall down. -- Mike __________________ http://home.houston.rr.com/chevy73/

02-09-2003, 01:10 AM	#3
GMC71k20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: mass Posts: 1,277	make sure whatever you stand on is stable, when we were putting my motor back in my truck my dad was standing on a bucket(hes 6'2 and still needed a bucket ) and the bucket fell out from under neath him and the hood latch nailed him in the gut. i shat myself cause i thought it went into him but it just gave him a nasty cut and bruise.

02-09-2003, 01:10 PM	#7
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	funniest thing awhile back. I was at a shop and a guy was working on a tractor. He was standing on a new unopened bucket of 90 wt gear oil. The lid looked kinda faded though like it had been outside for a while. Any way the guy got on it to reach the top end of the engine to adjust the valves and splash. About everyone knows how hard the smell of gear oil is to get rid of. His boots didn't look all that old either. lol __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

02-09-2003, 09:44 PM	#8
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	A cooler with 2 cases of beer and a bag of ice is pretty stable. However, the more beer I drink the less stable the cooler, or am I less stable. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

02-10-2003, 02:10 PM	#9
SuperStock46872 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 25	getting over radiator If you want the best thing there is for leaning over the front of your rig, I have found it. I beleive K-D tools makes it. It is basicly a creeper riased about 3-6 feet(adjustable). It has legs like an engine lift that go under the front and you lay on top and wrench. Actually f@rd dealers have them for working on super duty's. If you can IMAGINE a f@rd breaking down! lol __________________ 1972 Chevy K10 "Warmed Over" 468 Dana 60 front Dana 70 rear 8 1/2" lift 38" Swampers

02-10-2003, 05:31 PM	#10
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	I feel your pain, I usually just climb into the engine compartment. The only problem is I'm 6'3", 240lbs. Sometimes It takes me a while to get up in there, of course, just when I get there is when I realized I left the wrench I need on the ground. Here is the step that ozarkhippie is talking about http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=32044 I have also seen a license plate frame that has a built in step. You fold the plate down to reviel the step. http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoit...176092&BQ=jcw2 __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 02-10-2003 at 05:47 PM.

02-11-2003, 10:12 AM	#11
benwantland Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 71	whenever I work on an older truck, I just climb up and sit in the engine bay.:p

02-11-2003, 10:35 AM	#12
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	I usaully get a couple cinder blocks and put a board across them - I'm thinking one of my hay bales would make a pretty good step also. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-14-2003, 03:38 PM	#13
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	just hop on in.,......... thats what i always do __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

02-14-2003, 03:42 PM	#14
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	68SWB4x4 - where you been? Good to see you back on. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-15-2003, 04:01 AM	#15
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Damn........Pala has come out of hiding.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

02-15-2003, 05:24 AM	#16
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	harbor freight tools used to sell a step that hooked over the top of the front wheel that you could stand on or use to get to the top to crawl in. would be fairly easy to make one too....Zoomy

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.