Hey neighbor. A 235 was made from 1950 to 1962. Beginning 1954, the engine design change a lot for the better. 50 to 53 valve covers are held by 2 bolts in the middle. 54 to 62 are by two screws on each side. 54 to 62 are the years we like. I bought a "running" 1957 235 locally (Lake Norman) for $75. The guy got tired of having it in his basement. The engine had the typical rust build-up inside at the rear water jackets typical of old 216 and 235 engines. With water in the block, opened the rear petcock and nothing came out. Too much rust and probably radiator stop leak. With poor coolant flow the engine overheats causing head warpage. I cleaned out the rust/gunk and put on another head and head gasket. She's good to go. Like Forest Gump says, "life is like a box of chocolates.....". If the seller can't give you good information on the condition of the engine, bid low. If you buy it and the engine is in bad shape, at least you have parts. If the seller really knows his stuff, he will give you detail such as results of a WOT compression test.
Last edited by buoymaker; 03/19/2021 5:10 PM.
