Long overdue update:
Several issues can and will crop up when doing a project like this and the main issue I've run into is coordinating all the work I have had to source out to others. Unfortunately outsourcing work also outsources some control, you then have to constantly adjust to others schedules and availabilities.....
Parts:
I decided to use a popular "One stop" source for all my parts and this was good for discounts sake but not so good for getting the parts when "I" needed them. Several items, namely oversize rings, getting a new cam ground, new oil pump etc., has cost me an entire month of waiting..... A month! I guess I shouldn't complain as atleast I'm getting good quality parts at good prices but a month!!!!!! When I was told a couple weeks at best!
I don't want to say I was getting the run-around on my once a week queries but lets say I lost confidence in when I could expect delivery...
Did I say a month!
ahem, but finally the parts have started arriving.....
Machine work:
The head and block work has been done for 3 weeks now with the exception of fitting the cam & bearings, which I needed the new parts for.
I don't have the correct tools to install and if necessary ream out the new cam bearings so I set it up for the machinist to do it while he had the block still at his shop. Well after a month of waiting he ran out of room and of course he also wanted paid for the work he's already done, and I can't blame him, so I went and picked up the head and block and paid him last Tuesday.
Total machine work price - $350.00
Well wouldn't you know it, the cam and cam bearings arrived Thursday so I'll be setting up a time and load up the block and carry it back over to him. I'll be taking the old cam as well as the brand new shiney 3/4 cam w/all new bearings, gear etc., and he'll install the bearings, press-off (or bust off) the old cam gear to get the spacer, put it together and fit the new cam.
I could do this but he has the tools and I don't......
A little field trip in the 49 carrying it's new powerplant tain't bad anyways...
I'm off the last week of Oct so I'll add this to the honey-do's...
With that mini-rant done, being the optimist that I am, I am glad that I can still find skilled craftsmen and new parts sources for an engine that's over 60 yrs old.....
Oh and btw, the new oil pump is still on back order, but at least it isn't holding me back for now.....
The shop became haunted this past Sat night which also put this project on hold, but that was a fun distraction
Hopefully the engine won't be haunted
Dave
