How do you guys with big trucks work under the hood?

The tops of the fenders on my C30 Dooley are chest high (I'm 6'-0").  I'm trying to get in there to swap out distributors.  Even with a piece of plywood on some sawhorses to use as an elevated platform, I can't really get back there to do what I need to do.  No part of this 350 SBC is particularly comfortable to lay on.  What's the solution? 

If possible, when working on really big stuff, I like to try to find a "perch" that I can hang out on- sitting on top of a fender or something is typically more comfortable that standing on top of a stool and laying over the engine.

I've put a yoga mat down and crawled on the engine. Be careful of stuff that can break. 

or

I usually sit on the fender. It's not comfortable, but it's better than the stretch from the ground. An alternative is a high top or "topside" creeper.

Jegs has one for $180. Maybe there are others for cheaper. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/81166/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9ZzzBRCKARIsANwXaeIH8B_S50EU-8VwBJrlxWGlzFdD47LHvICYHzVIgWjxA6FXKDQ6d2EaAlYvEALw_wcB

In reply to NOHOME :

Does H-F sell something like the top one?  For cheap?  Going to check now, but I really don't want to spend the money.  I'd use it once in ten years.

In reply to dculberson :

Thanks! 

Took some of my wife's throw pillows and threw them in the engine to lay on.

She wanted an excuse for new ones anyways 

I used to do it something like this:

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

Would need to define "Cheap".

All my rides are sports cars, so not really something I have looked into except when making fun of my buddies with F150s. I do that a lot.

You comfortable on a trapeze?

Pete

I usually take the front wheels off and just set it down all the way down.

MulletTruck said:

I usually take the front wheels off and just set it down all the way down.

Wow.  That's kind of brilliant.  Sort of like the "redneck ingenuity" in loading a lawn tractor or 4-wheeler into a pickup.  Just back the truck into a roadside ditch, placing the edge of the open tailgate more or less at ground level, and drive it on.

Mr_Asa said:

Took some of my wife's throw pillows and threw them in the engine to lay on.

She wanted an excuse for new ones anyways 

This has promise.  I need to look around and see what we've got.

NOHOME said:

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

 

You comfortable on a trapeze?

 

Pete

No.  Not that comfortable. 

My truck isn't quite as tall, but I end up using one of those kitchen two step ladder things and then use a 2x6 across the fenders.  Just to give me something to lay on.  I'm too big to sit on the fender.

-Rob

Hungary Bill said:

I used to do it something like this:

I think that guy is smaller than me.  I will need a hardhat to keep from racking my head on the underside of the hood.  It makes my knees hurt just to see that. 

rob_lewis said:

My truck isn't quite as tall, but I end up using one of those kitchen two step ladder things and then use a 2x6 across the fenders.  Just to give me something to lay on.  I'm too big to sit on the fender.

-Rob

Yup.  I think I've got a part of a piece of plywood that will bridge the fenders.  Failing that, I'll make one from a full sheet.  I don't want to balance on a 2x6.  I'm no gymnast.  I'd fall in.

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

You might be surprised.  I am 6'1 and a big boy.  I've got a pic or two of me doing that for some sort of top end work for my truck.  I was more sitting on the core support and feet were straddling the engine, though.

NOHOME said:

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

Would need to define "Cheap".

 

All my rides are sports cars, so not really something I have looked into except when making fun of my buddies with F150s. I do that a lot.

You comfortable on a trapeze?

 

Pete

At that point couldn't you just replace the hood prop rod with a stripper pole?

I just climb in the engine bay, it was easier before I got fat but still works 

After I bought the Power Wagon, I tried using a step ladder to get in the engine bay. After I almost fell off the damn thing a number of times, I went out and got a platform ladder.

It folds flat and is height adjustable, and I can use it to get right into the engine bay if needed.

A ladder on either side of the truck and a 2x12 or whatever dimensional lumber you have around, spanning the engine compartment and placed on the steps of the ladders. Climb up, crawl across and lay on the lumber to access the area you need to work. It's easy and can be done by yourself with no help needed. Similar to this.
 

Pete Gossett said:

NOHOME said:

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

Would need to define "Cheap".

 

All my rides are sports cars, so not really something I have looked into except when making fun of my buddies with F150s. I do that a lot.

You comfortable on a trapeze?

 

Pete

At that point couldn't you just replace the hood prop rod with a stripper pole?

As nice as that sounds, the 1985 Silverado is equipped with fancy spring-loaded hood hinges.

Heck, the hood prolly weighs 200 pounds.

scaffolding 

In reply to Tony Sestito :

Wide enough base to prevent it from tipping?