SO I BOUGHT A TRUCK OF A MAN, HE SWEARS IT ONLY HAS 35K MILES ON IT... LOOKS LIKE IT MAY BE TRUE BASED ON HOW CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK IS. HE DID ALOT ALREADY ON THE TRUCK TO RESTORE IT BUT THEN LOST INTEREST AND LEFT THE HOOD AND FRONT FENDERS OFF, AND LEFT THE TRUCK OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN, AND PUT A PLASTIC BAG OVER THE CARB. THE PLASTIC BAG DETERIORATED, AND WATER GOT INSIDE THE ENGINE AND HAS RUSTED OUT MY CYLINDER WALLS.
I CALLED AN ENGINE REBUILDER WHO QUOTED ME 3K OR MORE TO REBUILD IT FOR ME... SEEMS KIND OF HIGH. MY QUESTION WOULD BE DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A REPUTABLE ENGINE REBUILDER NEAR PHEONIX, LAS VEGAS OR LAS ANGELES WHO COULD AT LEAST HONE MY CYLINDERS AND MAYBE INSTALL NEW PISTONS AND RINGS IF REQUIRED IN MY ENGINE JUST TO GET THE THING RUNNING DECENT FOR AROUND 1K? OR AM I DREAMING? I JUST THINK I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET IT REBUILT FOR AROUND THAT... MAYBE IM DELUSIONAL?
GMCustom - as one other individual posted, it is customary to type on these forums in the format taught in English class. When you use all caps, you are going to "turn off" some of those who might give you the best answers. Just a hint.
As to your question: please understand that a "reputable engine builder" IS a reputable engine builder because he/she does quality work. Honing cylinders and installing only rings and maybe pistons is NOT doing quality work.
Yet it still may be possible for you to get this engine running for less than 1K dollars. Enroll in an adult education class in a local tech school in an engine building course. The school will have hones, micrometers, magnafluxing capability; and hopefully an instructor that can guide you through doing all of the work yourself. If water got into the engine, you will, in addition to honing cylinders, AT LEAST polish both the camshaft lobes and the crankshaft journals, and install new bearings. Not doing this is a recipe for very quick failure. Yet if you are willing to undertake the job yourself (tech school) you can do the labor, and simply be out the time (a semester) and the cost of minimal parts (assuming that the engine can be repaired in this manner). Minimal parts would include engine gasket set, rings, seals, bearings, oil pump, water pump (or kit); and tuneup components (points, plugs, condenser, coil, distributor cap, wires, hoses, oil, filter(s), probably a carb kit, etc.).
Take the above list and do some shopping. Determine what you will spend on parts. Check adult education costs at your local tech school. Now you have at least an idea of minimum costs.
The adult education class is also beneficial in you will gain knowledge, and possibly make friends with similiar interest.
My 2 cents (maybe a wee bit more than 2 cents ☺).
Jon.
