The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Southern Bolters NC sources for sandblasting and engine rebuilding

Hello,

Well, last Wednesday my 1941 g506 military 4x4 finally made it's journey from the desert region of Utah. I have spent the last couple of days inspecting my "new find". Since the truck is relatively complete with the exception of a small block engine and SM420, I am planning on restoration. The only exception is that I will be installing a 1954 235.

Here is the question. Who does reliable sand blasting and engine machine work in the Asheville, NC vicinity? I have heard good and bad stories about some machine shops in Asheville and wonder if I should travel farther away for this work. Someone with experience with 235's would be a plus. As for the sandblasting, I have come up with a big zero. None in the phonebook and no good leads.

Your collective advise is needed.

ps I have been too busy cleaning and wrenching to bother much with posting items, so no pictures yet. What is the process for image posting?

Thanks

Paul

Paul,

Image posting.

http://www.stovebolt.com/forum/manual/pictures.html

Paul, there ia a guy in Forrest City which is not to far from you that will come to your house and do the blasting. Early summer he came to my neighbor's house and blasted his 50 GMC. Everything was in pieces except the cab was still on the chassis. This guy has done it for many years and has a big rig set up on the back of his truck and a pallet of sand!!

I'll get his name and number and get back to you.
Alvin

David and Alvin,

Thanks for the information, and I would like to get the number for the guy in Forest City. How did he recover all of the sand/paint? I think I would rather bring it to him.

Any reputable engine rebuilders?

Will try to make time for photos.

Paul

Paul, I sent James an email for the guys number and he said he'd find it for me so sit tight for a day.

Actually, he did NOT recover any of the sand. Believe it or not there was a good breeze blowing that day so there was very little on the ground. No complaints from anyone as it was blowing to the back of his property.

Thanks,

I am not ready right now, just planning. My wallet needs to recover from the transporter shock first.

Want to develop a "source list" of machinists and metal workers.

Paul

hey Paul, I live here in Asheville. I have run into the same issue with finding engine work, but One of my father's oldest has a sandblasting business I'll get his number and message you. At the very least it would be a local option. I've been contemplating doing the same.

shakey73,

Where did you go for machinist work? I have good and bad about Ingrams. I spoke with them, they said they rebuild 2-3 235's a year. Shop was kind of messy and unorganized. Still searching.

Look forward to the sandblasting source.

What kind of truck do you own?

Paul

Paul,

You might want to consider soda blasting rather than sand blasting. Much easier on the metal and no loose silica dust floating around. I know there are some good soda blasters in NC who specialize in automobiles. They will come to you, or you go to them. The only thing is, you will need to paint it immediately after blasting.

I'm NOT endorsing the folks at the link below, just found 'em on google so you have a place to start researching.

lake norman soda blasting

Good luck!

Kurt

...don't give up on me Paul. My neighbor can't find the guys name but I know a body shop that he does work for and can check there....maybe tomorrow. Sorry for inconviencing you.

Thanks guys, no worry about the time lag as I stated before I am in the planning stage now. I am happily spending all of my money on brakes and axle seals right now. Want to make this truck stop before I start!

Would like to see what is out there in my "universe".

I still have not gotten any positive feedback on reputable engine rebuilders. Is there anyone out there?

Paul

hey Paul, I haven't had any machining work done just mechanical work that is over my head. I've got a 52 3100 with a 235 and 4 speed. Also called our family friend who does blasting and kinda filled him in that you were in the planning stage. He said he would be glad to talk to about what you need when you're ready. Anyway I'm sending you a PM with his information. Hope it helps.

Paul,
I bought a 235 from a guy back in 2005 from Huntersville N.C
outside Charlotte. He specialized in 235-236 ci engines.
If you are interested let me know and I will get you his name and
telephone number. He rebuilt, repaired both stock and modified
engines.

cvett,

I have heard rumor about the guy in Huntersville. Would be worth a phone call. I have a sister down near there, would give me a good reason to pay a visit. Contact information would be appreciated.

Paul

Paul,
His name is Troy Robertson and the number I had
was 704-875-2783. As I said I bought my 235 back in
2005 so I don't know if he is still in business or not
but doesn't hurt to give it a try.

Paul,
Troy Robertson is well known in the "Inliners International" community. There are a few members in your area that may be able to help U locally. I haven't been a member in a while so these guys may not be active or available.

Buddy Boone, Waynesville, 828-452-5562 - Brian Holan, Tryon, 828-859-9955 - Buddy Tallant, Ashville, 828-251-0333.

Charlotte Auto Fair is coming up and I believe Troy Robertson sets up in the Green Field and usually has a running engine on a stand as well as in line parts.


Good luck.

hey Paul, just offering two hands if you need them at all. I look for any opportunity to learn and get experience. I can turn a wrench and follow directions pretty well. Anyway if you need any help just message me I can send you my number.

Thanks guys, great leads! I will interview them and see how it goes. I am not familiar with "inliners international". I would feel better having someone familiar with stovebolts do the job. Seems that machinists are a dying breed. "Having" to go to the Charlotte swap meet isn't such a bad thing.

Inliners is another forum like ours. I found Stovebolt on a thread on they're forum. I think they talk about all old inline sixes. A guy led me inliners.com when I was researching my engine.

Kurt, about your soda blasting comment, I was talking to a paint and body guy today who said he won't do soda blasting again, as he has had problems with the soda remaining in cracks and crevices, and eventually bleeding into the paint or filler, and causing bubbling! No personal experience here, just wanted to pass along his comments. Had not heard about this before.

...its been stated here sometime ago that some companies will not guarantee paint that is painted where soda has been used......