After losing oil pressure and finding big chunks missing from my main bearings, I pulled my '54 235 and had it professionally rebuilt. $1295
and 5 weeks later, they had it back to me all redone, top to botom. Bored .080 over (block was already .060 over), put in a 261 cam, hardened valve seats, everything.
While it was out, I basically did a frame-up resoration from the cab forward...at least as much as I could do in the 5 weeks it was gone anyway. The truck ('50 1/2 ton now with a '54 cab) is now mostly back together; one more good day of work and it will be driveable (I'm hoping
).
Here's the kicker: I'm leaving for college on Saturday. (Yes, a good chunk of my graduation money went towards the engine;)) Not just a few hour journey either; I live in NW Wisconsin, and I'm going to MIT. Won't be home until Christmas. The truck won't be done until later Wednesday IF everything goes well :rolleyes: .
Just like all the rest of you I'm sure, I want to get this fresh motor running and cruise in that truck as much as I can before I go! Now, do I run the engine for 2 days then leave it for probably the entire winter, or should I not run it at all, and wait to start it for the 1st time when I come home from college next year? I'm afraid if I only drive it for 2 days and leave it for 9 months that it won't break in properly and the inside will rust during storage. What do you think?
Another option is to have one of my friends who is staying around drive it occasionally until winter comes. That will let it run more before storage. I just don't know if I want them driving it and stuff without me around...
What's your input guys? And yes, I will post pictures as soon as I can.
Carl
