Video: Austrian F-body Fan Builds Chevy 305 Coffee Table

Cynics will say this is the best use for a GM 305ci V8; but that debate aside, here’s another gearhead’s version of an engine-block coffee table.

This is from Vienna, Austria, and built by a self-confessed F-body fan who found a 5.0-liter engine in a scrapyard and tore it down to the shortblock. The video follows many of the steps from the build and supplies the obligatory soundtrack that is immediately muted.

The builder promises no welding or other major machine work is necessary, but the short angular-sectioned legs on the steel base remain a mystery. There’s a shot of the rectangular tubing being cut to length, then all of a sudden each of the four sections have legs. Whether or not he got some help from a welder and grinder will go unsolved.

Our builder was also fascinated with the crankshaft, so he positioned wooden spacers between the pan rails and the base so there was enough clearance to rotate the crank and have a mirror positioned under the block for viewing.

Much of the video focuses on hand cleaning the block, including steel-brushing the carbon deposits off the piston tops. Some might prefer disassembling the short block and hot tanking it before applying a nice coat of bright Chevy orange paint. But this project was done at home without major tools. Also, the rolling cutting board that is dressed with felt is a little cheesy. The design of the steel base is quite nice. We’d rather plug up the ends and install swivel casters for easy maneuverability. Finally, a used round glass top is clear-siliconed on top of the block.

Engine furniture is always cool, so get to work on yours!

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
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