VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1925 Chevy head

Here's a closeup

Not a good photo but you can see the repair inside the exhaust port

I hope you don't mind telling us "how much".

Start a pool..I say 150.00

$390 for both

$390 for both is a very reasonable price. A good head can cost over $ 500 if you can find one.

At that price I could pull a couple out of my stack to be put back in service. Shipping would eat me up. Gotta see what prices are available around here.

I'm glad to know that there is someone out there that can fix these cracks and share it with the rest of the group. All the people that I contacted that specialized in this type of repair said they would not touch it or guarantee it. I don't think Frank advertises although he has gotten work from Texas which I saw when I was there.

Well done indeed and I am envious.
Looks like the stitching method was used which involves drilling and tapping overlapping plugs until the crack is filled its entire length, and was once a common method on cast iron heads.
Luckily the crack inside the port appears to have been up the back face only, therefore was accessible. This crack eventually continues across the top face too, as all the heads I collected were, and these cannot be got at. Some even crack further around either side of the port and nearly out of sight. But having caught yours before that stage then hopefully you will have a serviceable head for quite a while.
Thanks for posting the most helpful pictures. I will now keep my eyes out for a head that is similarly cracked knowing that your method will fix it.

I have been told that some people have cut out sections of a head to get access to cracks that are not otherwise accessible. Once the crack is repaired the removed section is welded back into place. Don't know if this fella does that or not.

I did just that about a month ago. I cut an access window (approx. 2 1/2" square) in the top of the head above the exhaust port. I stitched the vertical part of the crack from inside the exhaust port and the rest through my access window. I replaced my access window using the same system starting in the corners woking towards the middle. Approximately 60 tapered plugs were used.

RustyRelic, The crack inside does go across the top as well. He repaired it. I asked him how he did it. Frank said jokingly, if I tell you I'd have to kill you. Apparently, it's a secret. He can cut out sections and replace them. He can also recreate missing sections. I saw his work and it's amazing what he can do.

Ahhhhhh! Now you tell me! Did I dispose of all those heads for nothing?
Quick, lets all deluge the gentleman with cracked heads before he retires. I think he could corner the market.
I certainly take my hat off to him. You are lucky to have his services.https://vccachat.org/images/icons/default/Clapping.gif
You have certainly got me thinking. Thank you.

I already warned him that he might start receiving a bunch of calls wanting to fix early 4 cylinder Chevy heads. He is also getting his son involved. I would imagine he will take over once Frank retires. Here's his card in case you want his information.