The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 69 Chevy straight six project help

I have a 69 Chevy straight 6 that was given to our Boy Scout troop so the boys could tear it apart as part of the Auto Maintenance merit badge. The boys tore it down and the motor looks good with only one cylinder that has a couple scratches. Now here is my dilemma, do I give it an old school hone job, put a new set of rings and bearings in it and try to get it running and sell it, or just junk it? Problem is I don't really want to spend money on something that I won't be able to get my money back out of, since I will have to foot the bill for this if I can't find anyone to donate parts and maybe some shop labor. Is there anyone out there that still buys these motors? I kinda think it would be cool for the boys to put it back together and hear it run, but on the other hand, I don't want to waste parts on something that I may end up having to scrap in the end. Any thoughts?

In '69,there were two different straight 6's available. Both the 250 and the 292,are still sought after,by some "rodders",and restorers. Depending on the amount of work needed to restore your engine's performance,(most all engine parts are still readily available through "jobbers",such as L.M.C.,and Jim Carter),and since most of your labor is "Free",it doesn't sound like you'll have much to invest. What shape is the head in? Carbon deposits,worn valve-guides,weak springs? The head should be chemically "Boiled" and magnafluxed,to check for cracks. It should also be checked with a straight-edge,to check for excessive warpage. When I had my head re-built,I had the shop install hardened "seats",to accept un-leaded gasoline,which,i believe was un-heard of back in'69. You may not make much of a profit from your engine once it's re-built,but you should be able to, at the VERY least,break-even. It all depends on how much work it'll take to make it RELIABLE. The more you put into it though,(Keep your documents)!,the more you can expect to get,price-wise. BUT,the BEST part,would be the feeling those boys would get,by bringing an old engine "back-to-life"! Now,that,in my opinion,is priceless! Hope this helps. Happy Holidays!!

Welcome Stangnutz
First, welcome to the Stovebolt forums.
Second, I commend you for working with the Scouts. Putting the engine back together and getting it running will make their experience that much more enriching.
Third, there is demand for these motors. You can probably sell it. An old school hone, ring and gasket job won't cost much and you can probably get your money back, especially since it was donated... But seriously you won't make any money (profit) on it.

Have fun with it! But, remember: Safety First!!

If it was mine, I would clean it and put it back together with original parts and new gaskets. Its the minimal amount needed to make them happy and show how it does. Just sell it as is when the time comes. If it was running, it will run again, hopefully!

Joe

I agree as it is a learning project for the boys. Reuse all the hard parts that are in decent condition and replace only broken rings, excessively worn bearings, etc. Then you can sell it for less and have a great show and tell project for the badges. Oh..one other thing, take lots of pictures as a scrapbook project and also for the prospective new owner. Time spent with the scouts is worth more than anyone's money.

Have you checked with local machine shops to see if one would donate their time to show the boys how to machine a block and head for rebuild? If the block only needs cleaning and honing, they may do the work on the head for you just for cost on any parts.
When done you might get with a local car club and see if they would let you auction it off for a fundraiser at one of their events.
When I was in school we fixed up a donated Pontiac station wagon for our VICA club. Most all of the parts were donated, or bought by us at cost. We sold the finished project to pay for several members to go to the VICA nationals.

I haven't had a chance to call around, that's on my list of things to do now that you all have helped me to prove to my wife that I'm not crazy for wanting to do this. Thanks for your responses.

BTW, how do I tell if it's a 230 or 250, the pistons are flattop with valve reliefs in them if that helps.