The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop I need a pot-knot on my head

I need a pot-knot on my head big enough to tow a trailer with.

This is embarassing. I have had my first 235 in a machine shop in Plano, Texas for 8 years. The guy is so slow. I go in and he says he is working on it. But it is never done.

So, about a month ago I bought a second 235 from 'the brothers' in Leonard, Texas (good guys) and took it to 'Plano Machine Shop.' They methodically took it apart, found that there were not cracks and will have this one done in 2-3 weeks. Zoom Zoom.

I do not care to trash the first guy. He has become a friend but time is time.

It is my fault.

I need a pot-knot on my head big enough to tow a trailer.

On my behalf. In the last 8 years I have cared for my wife that eventually lost her fight with cancer. And have raised our little boy to now being a wonderful 14 year old young man. I am proud of myself for what has transpired. I may not have had the time to put the engine in. My travels have also sapped me of a lot of money. Collecting dust in his shop or in my garage is the same. I just don't believe this is good business.

Thanks for listening. I have this off my chest. Now you can belittle me.

NO BELITTLEMENT from me, you did the right thing on the motor.
Matter a fact I personally after 8 yrs would go retrieve that motor and store it for parts in the future or take it to the 2 week turn guy (if or when $ allowed) for a rebuild an either keep it as a spare or sell it to recoupe some of your $$.
and a Salute to you for bein a good Dad to your Son Im sure you have had tough times.
Tim

Thanks Tim. I have been covering this for a long time in fear of being laughed at.

Silver lining.

I need both engines. In these last years I have purchased 2 trucks. The 55 2nd and the 53. They both need engines. So. Manny, Moe, and Jack (actually Archie, Marty, and Zack) at Plano Machine Shop are 'chomping at the bit' to go pick-up/finish the other 235 down at the first guy's shop. They know him and are not suprised at my story. They are good guys and the machinist is a Model A (or T) guy. He is fun to talk to. They want to do the right thing and are methodical (professional).

I told them "when this one is done - go get the other." They smiled. Very cool.

Thanks again. This site is a wonderful relief and full of great people/information/ideas/inspiration.

Please don't be so hard on yourself, Dennis, you sound like one helluva guy. We are your surrogate family. Get it all off your chest - that's what we're here for. I think the majority of folks at stovebolt would agree that your desire to restore the trucks is worthy of respect. I feel your openness and honesty is, too. Turn on the music, forget about life, and get lost in your trucks. I'm pulling for you.

Hi Oldbluetruck
Sorry to hear of your lost. I was very moved by the way you handled things. Its a real good thing that you have a great hobby and a son to spend time with. Wish I lived closer I would make time to come and meet you and even help you with your project. I agree with all the bolters that have responded. Hopefully your son and yourself can share a wonderfull hobby.
Good luck.

Dennis:
It sounds to me like you have used some good judgment with your wife, your son and your motor, in that order. Now you need to start taking pictures so you will have a record of all your work. Some day your son will want to tell his son how the two of you restored that old truck.

I have great admiration for you taking care of your wife through the "great struggle".

Working on a project such as the truck will be a life long memory for you and your son. I am doing the same, my 12 year old son and I and am about 3/4 finished with an all original, '53 Jimmy 1/2 ton short bed. Keep up the good work, in life and your project.

About the motor, I would honestly go pick it up before parts are lost, bring it home, box it up and hold on to it. Those old parts are becoming "DRAGONS TEETH" to find.

Tim in CA