The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Modding a '55 block w/ dowel bearings to accept tanged bearings

So if you've seen my other post regarding my '55 bearing problem, this is a follow up. In that thread it was mentioned that a block using doweled bearings could be modified by adding the notch to accept the tangs that are used on later '56-'63 blocks, the 690M-10's.

Anyone have info, pics, anything on that. Seems like it may be my only option at this point. Thanks!

Since the upper bearings with either dowels or tabs have the same outside diameter, it's a simple matter of using a narrow grinding stone on a Dremel tool to make notches in the block for the tabs to fit. Just be sure to get the slots positioned correctly- - - - -"Measure twice- - - -cut once"! Drop me a PM and I can probably walk you through the procedure with a phone call. You'll need to have the block stripped down completely to be able to do a good cleanup after grinding on it. I've also filed the notches into blocks, using a 1/8" square tool and die maker's needle file.

www.ebay.com/itm/177987239469?

Jerry

There are several listings on Ebay for the tang-style bearings, .010" undersize, at a pretty wide range of prices. Shop carefully!

www.ebay.com/itm/203613474956?

Jerry

I would mill them.

Using a Louisville Slugger to swat a fly!
Jerry

I don't have a mill, so I used a Dremel with a small cutoff wheel. Took me all of 15 minutes. It would take at least that time to set up a mill to do the same.

Glad I don't have a Louisville slugger but I do have a dremmel : ) Was in touch with Jerry, he gave me a good explanation of what needs to be done. Waiting for the bearings to show up. Once surgury is completed will update the patients status.

As parts continue to dry up for these old engines, if we want to keep them running it's becoming more and more necessary to adapt "close but not quite right" bits and pieces to them. There will always be the folks who bow down and worship their "numbers-correct" factory parts manuals and insist that nothing else is suitable, but for more practical people, finding something that can be tweaked a little and still get the job done will be a good option.
Jerry

If the block is dowel pin and the bearings are notched, then couldn't the new bearings be drilled with a hole to match the old ones? Then just remove the notch from the new bearing. Or is it more trouble to do that than to simply notch the block?

Better minds will follow up but from my didcussion with HRL, AKA Jerry, notching the block is a better option. Got my new bearings today but i'm going to be away from home for a couple of weeks. Once I get back I'll be back at it and will update my progress.