Clevite CB416P
We're taking this bearing, sizing the rod to this bearing, and then we can cut the crank to fit whatever we need it to. The worst than can happen is that it works.
Our NAPA DC here had a machine shop back in the 70's and 80's. Guy who worked there for years was telling me that they did re-babbiting and did what we're going to do. He remembered that there was a tractor bearing, (as you said above), that was an almost exact fit. He thought it was either a John Deere or a Massey.
And let's not fool ourselves on a restore. If you are not aware that several thousand dollars (or more) can be/will be spent on doing this, you had best leave it alone. But you save where you can save. Trying what we're trying is way cheaper than re-babbiting.
I'm in kind of a unique situation in that I have access to a machine shop and a machinists that has 20+ years of doing engines. He did all our oval track small block stuff years ago, so I kinda trust him.
As I told someone recently, it would kinda foolish to have the truck sitting here, no motor, just to look at. I can spend however much time trying to find a good useable 216 block (unlikely), or I can use what I have, as long as it works and functions correctly. If the rod bearing deal we're doing works, then the next guy can do it. If it doesn't work, I add that to the list of stuff that I know doesn't work.
Old time racer told me this years ago, he had legal pads full of stuff that did not work, but he did have half a page of stuff, that did work.
Mike
