Can anyone help?

[Jake G 4 0]

Can you take the front slam panel off to get the engine out on trolley jacks? or can you only get the engine out via crane. As I have had a stab at getting the slam panel off and I cant see it would come out of the chasis legs?

Cheers.

[breadman]

The slam panel is spot welded in and I can't see why you'd want to take it off just to get the engine out?
The engine either comes out from the top (easiest way) or you jack the car right up high and lower it out underneath.

[scotsjohn]

If you open the front wings out you can get at the spot welds and drill them out ; replace with pop rivets. I did it because I was renewing the panel and wings but it does make access to the engine a lot easier and if i remember rightly, Paul Hayes uses this method for his ritual disembowelments of his G.

[ereeiz]

If you get two mates to help (one either side) you can easily lift the chassis over the engine, or get them to lift it then you pull the engine out (stick it on something on wheels, ie trolley jacks, crate with pump truck, crawler board, skateboard, etc).

[hayesey]

Yes when I was rebuilding my car I replaced the front panel and rivitted it on so it's easy to remove to get the engine out.  But if you take the front off barring the slam panel and grill rail then its not hard to drop the engine down onto something ( skateboard, big jack, and an old tyre) and slide it out on it's back.  Can get the car high enough with a normal trolley jack.

[Jake G 4 0]

Thanks for the advice lads I think lifting the car up and sliding It out would be the best way as I'm not to keen on drilling and pop riviting my G.

Should be starting the rebuild soon will post pictures.

Jake.

[86C]

I can't remember the last time I changed a Polo engine using a crane

As already said, get the car as high as possible on axle stands, unbolt the bumper, radiator and it's support panel, and anti roll bar and you'll have plenty of room to drop the engine down and out on a large trolley jack.

[djtez]

I've done all three ways and to be fair all have there benefits but with lack of equipment the easier option would be from the bottom. But you better hope you own high lifting jacks!
Renting an Crain may only cost £30? I would think