Daniel-Barker.com

An engine block table is the perfect centerpiece for any car enthusiast's home, combining functionality with a touch of automotive history. Each table tells a story, especially when crafted from an engine that holds sentimental or historical value.

This design is built on the classic air-cooled VW Beetle engine, a timeless icon of automotive engineering. The table boasts a straightforward and minimalist design that requires minimal tools, no welding, and only a few additional parts. Best of all, the assembly uses the existing fixing holes in the engine block, ensuring that the crankcase can be restored to working condition if desired.

The engine had found its way into a beach buggy but eventually low oil pressure caused it to overheat and cease up. The crank journals had worn beyond salvage which meant it wasnt suitable for being rebuilt. Not wanting to scrap this iconic engine block I proceeded to design a solution by which it could be made into a coffee table and give it a new lease of life.

Key features:

• Classic Aircooled VW Beetle engine block.
• Compact design, small footprint, and light enough tomove easily.
• No welding or advanced fabrication skills needed.
• Adjustable feet and suction cups for easy leveling on any surface.

To see the process behind creating this table, continue reading the following sections.

3D Scanning

The design process began by 3D scanning the engine block to generate precise digital geometry. The scan provided a model that served as the foundation for the design phase and capture details and dimensions of the block and fixing locations which i'd be interfacing the brackets with, ensuring that the final table design would fit seamlessly.

Design

Using Solidworks software, a few concept design were created to establish the best orientation of the crank case. I settled on a vertical orientation for the block, paired with a circular glass top positioned concentrically with the crankshaft journal. This arrangement offered both aesthetic appeal and functional stability.
Off-the-shelf mounting feet were screwed into the original gearbox bolt holes on the bell housing flange, allowing the table to be easily leveled. Metal brackets pick up on existing threaded holes and extend upwards to provide support for the glass top.

Build

The first step was to make the brackets to hold the table top. Starting with angled steel for ease of fabrication, the brackets where cut to length and folded to the required shape. After spray painting matte black, rivnuts were fitted to the top flange, enabling the glass table top to be securely mounted with suction cups.

Rubber mounting feet were bolted into the holes where the gearbox bolts would have been. These threaded feet allow for fine adjustments, ensuring the table remains level on uneven surfaces.

Lastly, the crankcase was stripped of all its hardware and sent for vapor blasting to remove over 50 years of accumulated dirt and grease. Once cleaned, the table was reassembled using all-new stainless steel fasteners, providing a sleek finish.