The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1955 listings for 235

Had crank turned and need .010 oversize main bearings. No big deal except can't find any in stock, presumably because it's the size most in demand.

Long story short, discovered many suppliers list the needed part number starting 1956 and they're excluding 1955 even though late-'55 is the same as '56 and beyond, as far as main bearings are concerned. Am I right?

That's why I wasn't finding them. My engine is late 1955 (locator dowel on lower cap half of bearing; edge tang on upper block half of bearing as pictured below).

So for three days been thinking the build would linger forever in "out of stock" pergatory, but since I found a cam yesterday and bearings today, looks like it may be all I need. (Need shim set too but those can be cut from stock if absolutely necessary.)

Yes, those are the second series 55 bearings. Also, they DO NOT need shims- - - -they either work or they don't, no shimmimg allowed. If the top bearing shell doesn't have a dowel, the bearing is installed without shimming for adjusting clearance being an option. If the hole in the block is accurate and you've got a properly reground crankshaft, shimming shouldn't be needed.
Jerry

Good to know. Many of the listings for those bearings call for shims.

The reason for the switch to the tang at the parting line for the upper bearing is that it's much easier to change main bearings that way. The bearings with the upper dowel pin make it necessary to lower the crankshaft more than half an inch to get the upper shell out. That requires removing the timing cover and all the main bearing caps at once. The ones with the tab at the parting line only need the crank to be lowered a few thousandths to release the squeeze on the upper bearing shell, and a cotter pin inserted into the oil hole in the crankshaft to roll them out.
Jerry

And knowing where to get the parts would be nice too.

Got new main bearings today from Rock Auto. They look good. Sealed Power 960M10. Listed for 1956 truck w/235.