DIY Harley Engine Stand
Article by Mark Trotta
If you'll be working on a motorcycle engine for a while, an engine stand is invaluable.
![DIY Harley engine stand Harley engine stand plans](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xdiy-motorcycle-engine-stand-15.jpg.pagespeed.ic.miZ7RUJ3Ll.jpg)
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.
![DIY engine stand for Harley Big Twins and Flatheads DIY motorcycle engine stand](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-for-harley-big-twins-and-flatheads.jpg.pagespeed.ic.sMZghosCLg.jpg)
The engine stand was made from old scrap metal I had around the garage.
![Harley engine stand plans motorcycle engine stand welding project](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xdiy-harley-engine-stand-66.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6D8uQGFpKU.jpg)
The angle iron is actually from an old bed-frame.
![homemade Harley engine stand motorcycle engine stand for Harley Big Twins and Flatheads](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-3.jpg.pagespeed.ic.hBzEq41SYD.jpg)
Measure twice, cut once!
![DIY motorcycle engine stand project homemade Harley engine stand](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.4truRdfcY3.jpg)
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.
![Harley engine stand plans motorcycle engine stand welding project](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xdiy-harley-engine-stand-68.jpg.pagespeed.ic.2BUaD9y6gr.jpg)
For the engine stand feet, I cut the length of angle iron with a die grinder. The sides were made from a piece of 3/16" x 5" metal.
![motorcycle engine stand welding project Harley engine stand welding project](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-7.jpg.pagespeed.ic.aoGCgMRC0C.jpg)
Fitting The Metal Together
After cutting the parts to exact size, I used a T-square to square up the pieces. Notice the 90-degree magnet to hold the metal in place while tack welding.
![Harley engine stand plans DIY motorcycle engine stand for Harley Big Twins and Flatheads](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-9.jpg.pagespeed.ic.EFDZQL3dts.jpg)
Tack-Weld Pieces Together
Clamp and make a good ground with the brass ground clamp.
![Harley motorcycle engine stand motorcycle engine stand welding project](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-10.jpg.pagespeed.ic.vpTTo5Mj5d.jpg)
After the bolt holes were drilled the stand was checked for fit.
![motorcycle engine stand project DIY Harley engine stand](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xmotorcycle-engine-stand-11.jpg.pagespeed.ic.XOTfTJtuxa.jpg)
The stand was then sprayed with a few coats of primer and paint.
![DIY Harley engine stand motorcycle engine stand welding project](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xdiy-harley-engine-stand-72.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Kf77Y3pBS9.jpg)
No it's not Harley Orange, it's Allis Chalmers Orange!
![DIY Harley engine stand Harley Big Twin motorcycle engine stand](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/diy-harley-engine-stand-73.jpg)
Chevy Orange engine paint would also work.
![homemade Harley engine stand DIY motorcycle engine stand plans](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/diy-motorcycle-engine-stand.jpg)
An unintended benefit of using the angle iron was the 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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Related Articles:
DIY Motorcycle Tools
Motorcycle Engine Tools
Best Engine Assembly Lube
Milwaukee Portaband Review
Best Welder For Automotive
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