Build a crate to ship 915 transmission.

[Mattcamp]

I just thought I'd share a couple of pics of the crate I just built since I did a couple of searches and couldn't find a good example to copy. This was built with Dry White fir 2x4's and 2x6's and a sheet of 1/4" plywood (and 1 small piece of 3/8" ply). When it was all said and done it weighed 145 lbs. (keeping it under the next giant jump in freight cost @ 150lbs.) Fedex ground was just under $100 to ship it from Southern Oregon to Seattle.

Here's a cut list . I think you can tell how to assemble the box by looking at the pics.

2x4 KDWF 2x6 KDWF 1/4" Plywood 3/8" Plywood

pcs pcs pcs pcs
2- 25" 2- 20" 1- 32"x17" 1- 20"x20"
5- 17" 3- 32"x20"
6- 20" 1- 20"x20"

I used 2" staples to assemble a lot of it but if you dont have a staple gun....screws would work just fine. I used 1 5/8" for holding the sides and front of the crate together and some 2 1/2" screws to secure the 3/8" plywood that the trans was bolted to. 3-1/2" bolts to secure the trans to the 3/8" piece of plywood. I would have used 4 but the last one was a P.I.T.A. to get to and 3 holds it solid. Don't forget to make handles......





Bottom where the 2 pieces of 2x6 were used.




Finally getting the proper rebuild that it deserves.................

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Man, that sure looks nice!

Only thing I'd probably have done differently (maybe you did and I just don't see it) is put something between the bottom board and the lower part of the transmission case - like a piece of wood blocking. As it's shown it appears that the only thing holding the transmission from potentially "flopping around" inside the case is the shear strength of the four bolts (and plywood) at the end of the bell housing, and the shaft at the opposite end. Probably enough, but I've worked for UPS in the past and know how stuff can get treated. Honestly I'd have probably then put a plastic bag around the whole thing and shot the entire crate full of expanding foam too, just to lock everything in place. But that's just me. I'm paranoid like that. That case is a beautiful piece of woodworking though - looks great!

[Peter Zimmermann]

Nice crate! I'm not that creative, I go to Wal-Mart for...

[group911@aol.co]

The key is building a crate that keeps everything under the 150# shipping limit.

[Mattcamp]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Man, that sure looks nice!

Only thing I'd probably have done differently (maybe you did and I just don't see it) is put something between the bottom board and the lower part of the transmission case - like a piece of wood blocking.

Good point.....and yes....I forgot to mention I do have a piece of blocking under the front of the trans.....I think it was about 1 3/4" high and it went right in the center of the 4 studs that the trans mount cross-member attaches to.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

The key is building a crate that keeps everything under the 150# shipping limit.

Yep. The trans is 130 lbs, that doesn't leave a lot of work room. The ice chest is light - and very strong.

[rcecale]

Originally Posted by Mattcamp

IMHO, this step is the single most important step to take when shipping your transmission!

Randy

[Mattcamp]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

Yep. The trans is 130 lbs, that doesn't leave a lot of work room. The ice chest is light - and very strong.

And expensive. Wood is pretty cheap right now; I think I spent about $20 bucks in material. I wish I had a cooler like that laying around in my garage......would have saved me some time. Do you attach the tranny inside to keep it from banging back and forth?

[Fud]

I built one almost like that to ship a VW trans. It came in under 150# and UPS charged me extra because it was not covered with cardboard. ???

[Mike Andrew]

I got a call from John last year when my trans arrived informing me that my crate was trashed. So, I asked him to build one so he could return it and charge my accordingly. Man, not only can he rebuild a trans, he is quite the woodworker! It was almost like a Chinese puzzle in its complexity and he even took the time to bevel the outside edges. Most impressive. Oh, the trans shifts great now, too.

[john walker's workshop]

i like to block them like this, and put lag bolts through the top bellhousing holes into something thick.

[Mike Andrew]

Yep, that's it.

[sig_a]

Looks like it'd be more fun building the crate than getting the transmission fixed!

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by sig_a

Looks like it'd be more fun building the crate than getting the transmission fixed!

Definitely cheaper!

[safe]

When I shipped my transmission I just strapped it to a pallet, as recommended from the rebuilder. He said that was the best thing, to keep the shippers from putting thing on top of it.

[techweenie]

One of the things worth pointing out here is that the first crate shown uses the shift rod to position the transmission. Not a great idea. Better to make a 'horse collar' for the trans and leave the rod away from the crate. You'll note that's how John built his.

[ChrisBennet]

Last time I shipped an engine case to the machinist I made a nice crate. I figured I'd reuse to for cases in the future.
It didn't stand a chance. The machine shop told me that lots of bubble wrap is the way to go.
Imagine that the shippers are actively trying to see if they can make your crate break and you won't be too far off.



-Chris

[cgarr]

How far are you from his shop? I once flew a tranny over to Souk, but then I owed him!

[Bill Douglas]

When I sent a gearbox from New Zealand to Fishcop in Australia we used a tea (cup of tea) chest. Big and light enough for the transmission, driveshafts, pedal cluster and beers. Easier and quicker than making one.

[s_morrison57]

I ship a lot of stuff internationaly and you have to use heat treated wood , it comes with a reconized stamp that tells customs it is properly heat treated , if it doesn't have the stamping a lot of countries won't except it. They worry about parisites infecting their forests, plywood does not need the stamp cause of the heat involved in the manafacturing. Canada to the states is ok with regular 2x4's etc as both governments consider our forests to be similar in terms of bugs and parasites although this may change in the future