How should I package a set of cast iron cyclinder heads?

[Jeff7181]

Obviously I can't just stick them in a cardboard box with a bunch of packing penuts... do they make special heavy duty cardboard boxes for things like this?

Seems like it would cost a fortune to ship them UPS or something... any recommendations on what carrier to use? I'd be shipping from a residence to another residence, or possibly a business.

 

[Evadman]

Make some square supports out of wood. Protect all 360°. Wrap heads in bubble wrap after coating them with some light oil. Place heads in supports, screw closed. Put in box. (lowes/HD/Grocery store box. Usually free if you ask right) Fill box with void fill. (preferably packing peanuts). Ship.

 

[NutBucket]

Yeah, gotta use some wood to ship that sucker.

I was appaled when I recieved a valve cover that was only put into a cardboard box. Its a cast piece so one impact and it would have been history.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Yeah, gotta use some wood to ship that sucker.

I was appaled when I recieved a valve cover that was only put into a cardboard box. Its a cast piece so one impact and it would have been history.

Well valve covers are fairly easy to package... as long as they have enough padding they'd be fine... a cylinder head on the other hand weighs about 10 times more =) I'd be worried about the box getting beat up and the heavy head ripping through the box as the asshats at UPS throw things around and drop things.

 

[dartworth]

Foam-in-Place

 

[DOSfan]

1/2" plywood and 2x4's is what I would recomend.

I wish there was an easy way to scetch on the internet....

Take your measurements, and figure out your cut list. You need to make square frames with the 2x4's to attach the plywood to, and then nail the pieces together.

(If you can give me the dimensions of the pieces, I can make a list for you.)

Spray the heads with an rust proofing oil (Rust Prevent 500 is what I have always used on the job - my work is using something new, that is supposedly cheaper now. I can get the name if you wish.), wrap in VCI (Volitile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper, and at least cover in VCI plastic (regular plastic will do) to prevent worst case scenerio of sitting out in the rain damage to them. Brace in with 2x4 pieces.

Of course, this may be too much for the "home user," but this is how I would do it if I had to ship them. Rough guess: If the heads weigh 50 pounds a piece (and there is two of them) I would say the total package weight will be around 150lbs. If the set weighs 50lbs, then the total package weight would be around 80 or 90lbs.

That is a great deal of shipping cost right there......

Are you sure you want to ship them?

 

[Black88GTA]

All of these suggestions are good for packing them...but I would look into shipping each one seperately. It may work out that it's cheaper to ship each one in its own package, as I think UPS/Fedex charges a premium on packages over a certain # of pounds. Just something to think about.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Instapak Quick. Quite amazing material. Received several extremely heavy items packed with such, and all arrived safe, and securely packed.

Flash animation of packaging process.

Good luck.

 

[homestarmy]

I shipped a DOHC cylinder head and a set of springs, total about 50 lbs for I think $30xx ish through FedEx ground, they tend to be cheapest.

 

[Ornery]

Use lag screws to fasten them to a small skid, and put the skid into a larger box. I received a small engine packaged that way. My 55lb monitor was only $18.00 to ship via ground.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Use lag screws to fasten them to a small skid, and put the skid into a larger box. I received a small engine packaged that way. My 55lb monitor was only $18.00 to ship via ground.

UPS Ground? FedEx Ground? What about DHL... I hear they're cheaper than both since they're newer...

*EDIT* I set them on an old bathroom scale that I found in the basement and they each weigh exactly 50 lbs... lol. Pretty good estimate I made

Best rate I can find is about $40 ground... and the heads themselves aren't worth a whole lot more than that even though it's getting more and more difficult to find these. They're a set of small block Olds #7 heads from a 1971 350 if anyone's interested
Maybe I'll put them on eBay as available for pickup only.

 

[Ornery]

My 55lb. monitor came FedEx ground for only $18.00, from MA 02127 to OH 44060. Not sure why it should have to cost more than that.

Edit: Duh, I see that you said they're 50lbs each, so I guess $40.00 is fair enough... my God, that's heavy!

 

[amdskip]

My dad saves any boxes he gets heads in. They are special and are super thick cardboard. Ship them in seperate boxes.