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.

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...

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..

asphaltburner · 12-03-2008, 10:04 PM

Woah, dudes! I'm 53! Todd.

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!!!!!

asphaltburner · 12-03-2008, 11:07 PM

Yo! boatpuller!
I can relate to THAT! My '76 Camaro sits low enough for me be able to work on the distributor fairly easy over the fender,...but my '68 Mustang has it right up front where you can access it easily! So does my '69 F100's 360 V8.
Oh well,...I still like each of my trucks and cars for what they are. And my '42 JD B tractor too!
Todd.

turbotank · 12-03-2008, 11:13 PM

Not all fords are in the back. If I remember my old f100 with a 390 had it in the back.Mopar has this problem too,I have a 318 in my roadrunner,and it is in the back,not as bad as the suburban though,cause of the height. Everytime I used to mess with my buddies 74 dodge with 360,I sat on the fender,and just made due,cause,you just weren't getting anything done standing on the side,specially if you had to wrench something!!

Square84 · 12-03-2008, 11:49 PM

i'm 5'11" and 240 but i just sit on the driver fender with my feet on the fender well

12-03-2008, 04:46 PM	#1
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,006	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: 3,006	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	#7
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	#8
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	#9
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	#10
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	#11
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	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. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-03-2008, 08:08 PM	#12
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	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	#13
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	#14
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	#15
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	#16
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!



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12-03-2008, 09:40 PM	#17
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	#18
68c10owner Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Carmichael, California Posts: 3,006	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	#19
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, 10:04 PM	#20
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: what do you guys do? Woah, dudes! I'm 53! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK! Last edited by asphaltburner; 12-03-2008 at 10:05 PM.

12-03-2008, 11:02 PM	#22
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12-03-2008, 11:07 PM	#23
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: what do you guys do? Yo! boatpuller! I can relate to THAT! My '76 Camaro sits low enough for me be able to work on the distributor fairly easy over the fender,...but my '68 Mustang has it right up front where you can access it easily! So does my '69 F100's 360 V8. Oh well,...I still like each of my trucks and cars for what they are. And my '42 JD B tractor too! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-03-2008, 11:13 PM	#24
turbotank Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lake City FL Posts: 114	Re: what do you guys do? Not all fords are in the back. If I remember my old f100 with a 390 had it in the back.Mopar has this problem too,I have a 318 in my roadrunner,and it is in the back,not as bad as the suburban though,cause of the height. Everytime I used to mess with my buddies 74 dodge with 360,I sat on the fender,and just made due,cause,you just weren't getting anything done standing on the side,specially if you had to wrench something!! __________________ The general is always in charge You guys did this to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12-03-2008, 11:49 PM	#25
Square84 I don't think these pills work Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: burkburnett,Tx Posts: 626	Re: what do you guys do? i'm 5'11" and 240 but i just sit on the driver fender with my feet on the fender well __________________ SQUARE84 90 SUBURBAN

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