DIY Harley Engine Stand
Article by Mark Trotta
If you're doing a complete engine overhaul, an engine stand will make things a lot easier. If you can weld, instead of buying one, consider making one.
I built this stand for a Harley 45 Flathead, but it will also accept Harley Big-Twins 1936 to 1999 (Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, and aftermarket engines).
Sportster engines are different and won't fit.
The engine stand was made from old scrap metal I had around the garage.
The angle iron is actually from an old bed frame.
A 3/16" thick metal plate provides sufficient strength for the sides.
Harley Engine Stand Plans
This project began after I sketched out a few different designs on paper. Drawing it out gives you a good visual of what the finished stand should look like.
For the engine stand feet, a length of angle iron was cut with a Milwaukee Portaband. The sides were made from a piece of 3/16" x 5" metal.
Measure twice, cut once!
Fitting The Metal Together
After cutting the parts to exact size, a T-square was used to square up the pieces.
A 90-degree magnet held the metal in place while tack-welding.
Tack-Weld Pieces Together
Clamping and making a good ground with a brass ground clamp.
After the bolt holes were drilled, the stand was checked for fit.
The stand was sprayed with a few coats of primer and top coat.
No not Harley Orange, it's Allis Chalmers Orange!
Chevy Orange engine paint would also work.
There's an 'unintended' benefit of using angle iron with pre-drilled holes. If the need arose, the engine stand can be solid-mounted to a work bench with two or more holes, or loosely mounted with just the one hole, which would allow the stand to be rotated around.
Equipment Used For This Project:
- Milwaukee Portaband Saw
- 110 volt MIG Welder
- 75 percent argon/25 percent CO2 shielding gas
- 030 Solid Wire E70s
- Welding Clamps (small and medium)
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Motorcycle Engine Tools
Best Engine Assembly Lube
Milwaukee Portaband Review
Best Welder For Automotive
