Shop Layout

[WadeO]

I am getting ready to under take my first engine rebuilding project. Before I start I need to convert an area in my shop or basement to do this. I realize that this project will take several months and being very organized, I want to setup this area right the first time. Would any of you guys be willing to post pictures of your shop, workbenches, floor area so I could get some ideas of how much room I need to dedicate to this? Thanks for your help.

[ChrisBennet]

No pictures but here are a few things I've found to be helpful
- One of those big wire shelve units like they use in restaurants. Griots sells them for big bucks but they are available from Sam's Club, Costco, Home Depot (sometimes) as well.
- Large plastic bins (50-64qt) with covers. I like the clear(ish) ones. Rubbermaid or somebody makes them. Look for good handles. I use a really big one for the engine case. These keep cleaned parts clean.
- A piece of plexiglas on top of my bench when I'm working on stuff that needs to be kept clean like assembling the crank. It's easy to wipe down. I don't leave it on there all the time because Brake Kleen will melt it, dropping stuff on it will crack it, etc.
-Chris

[addictionMS]

For what is it worth, I put all the small parts in bags and dropped, well placed actually, them into a 8gal rubber maid container, the carbs, fan, etc took two, but the long block itself only took one. I guess I am counting on oganization to be achieved by the bags.

I posted a few pictures of what did not go in the bags here

started the tear down....Big pictures

I think you might want to think about a clean area and a dirty area, I have not done that, it is all pretty much a dirty area now, but I think it would help once I get going more.

Plus you may want to consider how you are going to approach the problem, do all the prep work and then one big assembly, or work and assemble as you go (my plan). I am getting the crank done and the rods, then planning on assembling them, while I wait for the rods I will be porting the heads. After the bottom is together I will tackle the work onthe valves if there is any then assemble. I only point this out because I do not need clan storage for the heads and the case and the crank and the rods at once, if you do all the pre-work before assemble you will.

Jim

[Wayne 962]

I have always found that I am continually out of counter space. I recommend no less than two folding tables covered with a roll of plastic table "cloth" or paper that you can tear off and toss out. You need some shelves too, to store all of the stuff that comes off the top and bottom of the engine.

-Wayne

[ChrisBennet]

Following on to what Jim said about clean some parts, assemble some parts, repeat vs cleaning everying and then assembling everything.

I like to clean everything first. This takes forever but if you do it that way you have time to forget about all the crappy cleaning work while you are doing the fun assembly part. By the time the engine is finished all you remember is how fun it was. At least until you start on the next motor and then you remember what a PITA cleaning and prep was...

-Chris

[Rot 911]

Here is what I did during my rebuild. First I went out and bought around 15 file storage boxes with lids. You can get these at any office supply store. Next get a couple of boxes of the 1 gallon zip lock bags for small items. Now driver over to the auto paint store and get a roll of 24" painters paper. You will also need a couple of permanent markers. Use this to cover your work bench and to wrap larger items in. The paper is dust and lint free and you will have more than enough paper on a roll. As you disassemble your engine, try to do in according to Wayne's book. With each sub assembly put the small parts into the zip lock bags and mark the bag. The put the entire sub assembly into one file box and mark the outside of the box. Take pictures before and during the tear down of each sub assembly.

[WadeO]

Thanks guys, I am sure I will be asking alot more questions as I get started.

[OldTee]

Get a clip board with a pen attached by a string. Copy any lists you may have with space for notes. Make notes with the disassembly about parts, tools needed, the way things came apart, even if you take pictures. Blow up a picture that shows parts locations and names and try to use them. If you can, get a speakers podium with a slanted writing surface. You will find that anything with a flat surface will have a piston, cylinder or part on it no matter how much you don't want it so. Make two times as much room as you think you need. I use a couple of saw horses and a two old doors to make a table(s). Mark everything, as discussed above. Order new hardware now, but keep and reuse all steel fastners. Throw away rod bolts and nuts. Take your time. Re check everything you did the previous day, especially measurments. Cover your work surface when you are done for the day and clean up all tools. Costco has blue towels by the pack, buy one. I use paint thinner for clean up, once it was called varsol. Take only the advice you trust and still check it for accuracy. Twice. Take a day off. Don't drink more than one beer until you are done for the day. Don't track grease in the house or you will loose a prime supporter! If you bake parts in the oven do it when your spouse is away for the day, then be prepared to apoligize, plan a dinner out. Other than that, have fun!!

[Rot 911]

To add to my list. I used a digital camera and I have a laptop computer. The great thing about the digital camera is that I could just open up the picture on my laptop and then if necessary keep zooming in on a particular detail in any photo.

[addictionMS]

not sure how to apply this, but when working on the race car, when I catch myself saying "oh yeh, I have to remember to do...." I always take the time to write it on a piece of tape and stick it to the windshield. There is no way I am going to drive off with tape on the windshield, so I will check the tape, and remember to do it.

there must be a way to take advantage of the concept on a rebuild.

Jim

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by addictionMS
not sure how to apply this, but when working on the race car, when I catch myself saying "oh yeh, I have to remember to do...." I always take the time to write it on a piece of tape and stick it to the windshield. There is no way I am going to drive off with tape on the windshield, so I will check the tape, and remember to do it.

Jim

That's a good idea. I usually do something like that when I remove oil from the car. Either a note on the windshield, or I tape a note to the keys...

-Wayne

[Doug Steinel]

taping a note of "no oil" over the key hole in the ignition is a real good way to be 99.99% sure you won't fire it up without adding oil. Can't fire it up unless you get the key in the ignition.

[addictionMS]

in the movie Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks there is a scene where Kevin Bacon does just that,

Not a new idea, just a good one, now the question is did they really do that on the Apollo 13 mission or was it hollywood, either way, good idea

Jim

[Rich76_911s]

I just got my engine completely apart. See to split or not to split. I am not an expert and this is my first time rebuilding too. One thing I think you have to do is make sure you are patient and methodical about getting things apart. I get pretty excited doing this and don't think I have taken enough pictures. With picture taking I also suggest stepping back and taking pictures of the entire engine then narrow in onto small objects. Some of my pictures I have a nice photo of a bolt but where it is on the case or what it is for can be challenging to figure out. I used cardboard boxes on my rebuild but some of the parts are a lot heavier than you would expect so I think that the plastic bin idea is genious. I have a huge table that I am working on. So I have had ample space. Make sure you are careful with the rubber mallet. Best of luck.

Rich