The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 main bearings source

Well, I appear to be stuck. I can’t find a source for main bearings for my 1954 235 overhaul. They are the dowel type. .010” or .020” under hasn’t been determined yet. We wanted to see if the bearings were even available before grinding. The machine shop ran into a dead end as did Chevys of the 40’s.

Any suggestions or anyone have a set? I’m willing to modify to the other type of bearing like “Hotrod Lincoln” talks about on the forum, but I don’t have enough history on the site to allow a PM to him. I don’t know enough to know if that mod is even possible.

Darn it! It was going pretty smoothly until this hiccup. No cracks, never been bored. Ran great before teardown, just high oil consumption. Basically just worn out.

Thanks for any info!

I just submitted a post about searching for main bearings (down type) for my 235 overhaul. The message is waiting for moderator screening. I can’t find them anywhere. I don’t have enough posting history to PM a member or I would go right to Jerry (Hotrod Lincoln) and inquire about modifying to the non-dowl bearings. Any info or help sourcing main bearings would be greatly appreciated!

Becker, we'll ok your posts as soon as I can. You've got 2 down. 2 more to go. Make them soon and I'll jump on them.

Modifying for tab type bearings is pretty easy. A dremel tool can make pretty quick work of grinding a notch in the block and bearing caps. Don't know if the later 235 bearings are available to fit the 1954 235's though. Good luck on your search.

Try The Filling Station. I just purchased some 30 under for my 1954 235. They are pricey, but what are we to do.

Good Luck
Shade Baby

Shade Baby, thanks for the lead! At least now I know I can get them, even if I just have to send mine and get them ‘restored’ and ‘resized’. And, no, I didn’t know that was a thing. Daniel said it’s no problem. I’ll do a follow-up to add to the 235 knowledge base when I have a solution.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/28127153663557966

Here is a set in New Mexico. They are 2 under.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/257759197007

A set on eBay 30 under.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2044569979579359

Cocoa Florida, 10 under

The simplest, and least expensive option is to grind divots into the block webs to use the late 55-61 main bearings. Every other dimension is the same- - - -inside and outside diameter, width, oil hole placement, thrust bearing width, etc. Even the lower bearing shells have the same dowels included. The only reason for the upper bearing modification is to make it easier to change main bearings with the crankshaft in the engine. Make about 2 more posts and you'll have access to the private message option.
Jerry

If you will look at the Parts for Sale listings you will see the listing for “Cleaning Out the Shed “, under it you will see where I have listed the ‘55-‘62 main bearings in standard size.