VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 overhauling engine

My 1928 capitol stake bed 1 ton truck has not run for 35 plus years.
I would like to pull the engine this winter and overhaul it.

I would like to do this project myself if possbile. where would I get an overhaul kit for the engine.
I have basic mechanical skills. Is this a chore that I don't want to take on?

Paul

The gasket set is available from several suppliers that advertise in the G&D or hobby publications. Hard parts are also available as are machine shops that will rebabbitt bearings. The rebuild should be within the ability of a person with basic mechanic skills.

I advise you to get a reprint of the repair manual and join the Vintage Chevrolet Club so you can use the services of the Technical Advisors. Of course there is the advise you get from this site that is paid for by VCCA members. Without their support there would not be a ChatII.

Paul,

Be prepared for a costly rebuild if you are going to replace the bearings.

You first will need to find someone that can pour the babbit for the bearings then someone to line bore the bearings to fit the crank.

Both of these chores are still available but it is costly and finding someone near you that has experience and is still working(or alive)can be an issue.

The problem that you may face is if you use someone that incorrectly pours the babbit it will prematurely fail (this happen to me with a large SoCal machine shop.

You may want to just tear your motor apart and check on the condition of the main and rod bearings. You may find that you are lucky and you only need to remove some shims.

Whatever you do enjoy the time with your truck and happy motoring when you get it back on the road.

When i was doing my research for people that did babbit work I either found this list or it was given to me. This is from a FORD site so you would have to check if they can handle chevrolets

http://www.modelatrader.com/partsdirectory/alignbab.html

PJS,
An inspection of your engine is certainly in order but I would not automatically assume that you need a complete rebuild. I have started many engines after years of rest and found them to be in good condition and ready to go back to work.
I would drop the pan for an inspection of the bearings and sludge cleaning. This should give you a notion of the condition of the rest of your engine.
Good Luck.

Mike