Engine hoist main beam sizing

T

tyhardiman

Member
May 22, 2017
42
3
8
During this down time I would like to get with my welder and build a hoist & trolley for an "out-the-top" engine removal. I've done a lot of research
on the GMCMH photos page, and there are lots of great ideas there. I have some questions about the main beam sizing and I know we have quite a few
engineers and experienced people on the GMCnet. I don't want to undersize the main beam but I also don't want it to weigh more than necessary from
being oversized. I know my way around lumber but I'm lost when it comes to calculations involving things like "bending moment", "moment of inertia",
and "modulus of elasticity". Maybe someone can run a calculation or at least give me real world knowledge.

1. I'm assuming a 144" length with a 700lb engine weight, no more than 100lb beam weight, and an L/360 deflection limit. Are these good numbers? What
would be an appropriate safety factor?

2. Is there an advantage between an S or W beams or hollow structural sections (HSS) in terms of weight or any other criteria? Flange beam trolleys
seem readily available at HF or Northern Tool, whereas on the GMCMHphoto page it looks like people using HSS beams have made their own trolley.

3. And based on the choice between S, W, or HSS beams, what is the appropriate size & thickness to use?

Thanks all in advance.
Ty
--
Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
 
The custom rig used to get mine out, and about to go back in - has a main beam technically cited as "the top of a swingset"! Round, about three inches
diameter, stout, found it in the woods, and has served for 1.5 engine replacements. YMMV
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
I used an I beam,trolly and chain fall from harbor freight. Shored it up with wood 4 by 4's and a 4 by 6 in the rear wood that I had laying around.
The I beam was a bit short so I used a 4 wheel dolly to get the engine to the door. I didn't want to get too elaborate with something i my not use
again.
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
I am setting up my out the top gantry is a coach, later today. I will take
pictures, and provide sketches with dimensions later. Contact me later in
the week by e-mail and I will send them to you.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 9:42 AM roy keen via Gmclist
wrote:

> I used an I beam,trolly and chain fall from harbor freight. Shored it up
> with wood 4 by 4's and a 4 by 6 in the rear wood that I had laying around.
> The I beam was a bit short so I used a 4 wheel dolly to get the engine to
> the door. I didn't want to get too elaborate with something i my not use
> again.
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Jim,
Email the photos and drawings to me and I will get them up on the Photo
site.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
TZE Zone Restorations
78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)

On Thu, Mar 26, 2020 at 9:49 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> I am setting up my out the top gantry is a coach, later today. I will take
> pictures, and provide sketches with dimensions later. Contact me later in
> the week by e-mail and I will send them to you.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 9:42 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> gmclist>

>
> > I used an I beam,trolly and chain fall from harbor freight. Shored it up
> > with wood 4 by 4's and a 4 by 6 in the rear wood that I had laying
> around.
> > The I beam was a bit short so I used a 4 wheel dolly to get the engine to
> > the door. I didn't want to get too elaborate with something i my not use
> > again.
> > --
> > Roy Keen
> > Minden,NV
> > 76 X Glenbrook
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Will do.
Jim Hupy

On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 10:09 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

> Jim,
> Email the photos and drawings to me and I will get them up on the Photo
> site.
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC Great Laker
> GMCGL Tech Editor
> GMC Eastern States
> GMCMHI
> TZE Zone Restorations
> 78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
> 75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
>
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 26, 2020 at 9:49 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

>
> > I am setting up my out the top gantry is a coach, later today. I will
> take
> > pictures, and provide sketches with dimensions later. Contact me later in
> > the week by e-mail and I will send them to you.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Oregon
> >
> > On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 9:42 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> > gmclist>

> >
> > > I used an I beam,trolly and chain fall from harbor freight. Shored it
> up
> > > with wood 4 by 4's and a 4 by 6 in the rear wood that I had laying
> > around.
> > > The I beam was a bit short so I used a 4 wheel dolly to get the engine
> to
> > > the door. I didn't want to get too elaborate with something i my not
> use
> > > again.
> > > --
> > > Roy Keen
> > > Minden,NV
> > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Seems like I have a lot more time on my hands.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
TZE Zone Restorations
78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
On Location In Tucson

On Thu, Mar 26, 2020 at 10:11 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> Will do.
> Jim Hupy
>
> On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 10:09 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

>
> > Jim,
> > Email the photos and drawings to me and I will get them up on the Photo
> > site.
> >
> > J.R. Wright
> > GMC Great Laker
> > GMCGL Tech Editor
> > GMC Eastern States
> > GMCMHI
> > TZE Zone Restorations
> > 78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
> > 75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
> >
> >
> >
> > On Thu, Mar 26, 2020 at 9:49 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> >
> > > I am setting up my out the top gantry is a coach, later today. I will
> > take
> > > pictures, and provide sketches with dimensions later. Contact me later
> in
> > > the week by e-mail and I will send them to you.
> > > Jim Hupy
> > > Salem, Oregon
> > >
> > > On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 9:42 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> > > gmclist>

> > >
> > > > I used an I beam,trolly and chain fall from harbor freight. Shored it
> > up
> > > > with wood 4 by 4's and a 4 by 6 in the rear wood that I had laying
> > > around.
> > > > The I beam was a bit short so I used a 4 wheel dolly to get the
> engine
> > to
> > > > the door. I didn't want to get too elaborate with something i my not
> > use
> > > > again.
> > > > --
> > > > Roy Keen
> > > > Minden,NV
> > > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> During this down time I would like to get with my welder and build a hoist & trolley for an "out-the-top" engine removal. I've done a lot of
> research on the GMCMH photos page, and there are lots of great ideas there. I have some questions about the main beam sizing and I know we have
> quite a few engineers and experienced people on the GMCnet. I don't want to undersize the main beam but I also don't want it to weigh more than
> necessary from being oversized. I know my way around lumber but I'm lost when it comes to calculations involving things like "bending moment",
> "moment of inertia", and "modulus of elasticity". Maybe someone can run a calculation or at least give me real world knowledge.
>
> 1. I'm assuming a 144" length with a 700lb engine weight, no more than 100lb beam weight, and an L/360 deflection limit. Are these good numbers?
> What would be an appropriate safety factor?
>
> 2. Is there an advantage between an S or W beams or hollow structural sections (HSS) in terms of weight or any other criteria? Flange beam
> trolleys seem readily available at HF or Northern Tool, whereas on the GMCMHphoto page it looks like people using HSS beams have made their own
> trolley.
>
> 3. And based on the choice between S, W, or HSS beams, what is the appropriate size & thickness to use?
>
> Thanks all in advance.
> Ty

Our top beam 94" long 2 inch square tube 1/4" wall. It's been battle tested.
--
Wally Anderson
Omaha NE
75 Glenbrook
Megasquirt III injection
Bob Stone hydroBOOOOST
Manny reaction arm system
Branscombe Kelsey Hayes park brake
http://wallyandsue.blogspot.com/
 
I used Chuck Boyd's. You have to take the rear view mirror off, but beyond that it'[s easy. Get a helper to set it up and take it down. Chuck's
could pick the coach up without much strain.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Johnny,

I helped Chuck set that sucker up once upon a time. It took 4 very old men to lift that main beam and put it in place. I think you could have 4
engines hanging from that beam.

Jerry

--
Jerry Sitzlar..... 77 Eleganza II, Twin bed, dry bath......
Lenoir City, TN (near Knoxville)
 
Well, at age 74 I managed to erect and knock Chuck's down after engine removal - solo except for putting the main beam in the coach. That took me and
a cousin I 'Tom Sawyered' into helping me move it. I can lift one end , and hook the upright on it, then lift the other end and do the same. Wish
I'd had a couple more folks it would of gone quicker.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
I have been trying to download some more pics of my Beast but no luck. :cry: I will admit that price and availability ( delivered from Ga by Rick
M) was the guiding reason I bought it sight unseen. It is strong and does work good and available for loan, pick up and return only, no shipping.

> Well, at age 74 I managed to erect and knock Chuck's down after engine removal - solo except for putting the main beam in the coach. That took me
> and a cousin I 'Tom Sawyered' into helping me move it. I can lift one end , and hook the upright on it, then lift the other end and do the same.
> Wish I'd had a couple more folks it would of gone quicker.
>
> --johnny

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
You could buy the parts for the cost of shipping that thing. Put the tailgate down, strap it in and haul iit in your truck.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
I built a carrier on my Bronco II for the beam. Still have the carrier, but
the Bronco is long gone. The carrier mounts to the front tow bar brackets,
and is stabilized fore and aft by bolting it to the mounting holes in the
beam. The beam rests on the roof top carrier and extends forward to the
carrier. Secured by ratchet straps, to the carrier. Easy, secure. Anyone
wants it, let me know. Too much $$$$ to ship. But, you can pick it up, and
carry it in the back seat or the wayback in a SUV.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sun, Mar 29, 2020, 5:38 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> You could buy the parts for the cost of shipping that thing. Put the
> tailgate down, strap it in and haul iit in your truck.
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Jim Hupy and Chuck Boyd, can you guys post the dimension, length & wall thickness of your main beam? I was thinking of using 2x3, 2x4, or 3x3 tubing,
still trying to get the right thickness - .250 will weigh over 100 lbs on a 144" 3x3. The recent post on GMCMHphotos looks like 2x2 by .250, but it's
an 84" beam. Wally uses the same size on a 94" beam.
--
Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
 
My main beam is a Heavy Duty Steel "H" section beam. 138" long. 2 1/2"
Wide, 3" High. 1/4" wall thickness.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Tue, Mar 31, 2020, 6:13 PM Ty Hardiman via Gmclist <

> Jim Hupy and Chuck Boyd, can you guys post the dimension, length & wall
> thickness of your main beam? I was thinking of using 2x3, 2x4, or 3x3
> tubing,
> still trying to get the right thickness - .250 will weigh over 100 lbs on
> a 144" 3x3. The recent post on GMCMHphotos looks like 2x2 by .250, but it's
> an 84" beam. Wally uses the same size on a 94" beam.
> --
> Norman, OK / August 1977 Kingsley / 403 / 3.55 / 16" / Quadrajet
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
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