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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 39
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 39 |
I Have a 1932 Chevrolet with the original 194ci straight 6. I removed the head to have a valve job done and do some other maintenance. I took it to my machine shop and they have determined that the head has some cracks. There are 2 valve ports that have very small fractures on the seats and a couple of the chambers have small fractures in the top corners leading to the spark chamber.
Have any of you run into this? I have seen that these heads are prone to cracking and it is pretty common. I have looked for a "new" head but can not locate one. Is this the end for this motor? Do I swap for something else? If I swap what direction should I go?
Just want to get your thoughts on this. I am a little defeated at the moment and looking for guidance.
As always - THANK YOU!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2 |
call "Indy Heads" in indianapolis ind. they are online. repairing cracked heads their specialty. took them a BBC for repairs recently. Very Impressive operation. mike mccagh
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,374 Likes: 30
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,374 Likes: 30 |
find a shop that is qualified and skilled at welding, as Mike noted above.
depending on the location and depth of cracks, a weld repair can be done, then machined if required.
the 29-32 heads are known to a degree for cracking.
went through this ordeal on my 29,thought it was a cracked head, but was only warped. also had a complete valve job done. and as you know finding a replacement head is no small task !!
AACA - VCCA - Stovebolt - ChevyTalk
Love the Antique Chevrolet's from 1928-1932
The Beauty, Simplicity, History, and the Stories they Tell
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 47
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 47 |
Buddo,Lock-N-Stitch Inc.
Repair of cracked and damaged cast iron.
Crack repair tools and supplys.
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Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 300
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 300 |
I have a 1930 head with guaranteed no cracks. It has been magni fluxed 3 times by three different builders.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
I don't know of anyone that is doing head welding but have seen them pinned or "stitched" as it's referred to. it's not cheap but is a good method if done properly.
Steve D
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 197
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 197 |
Or look for a '33 head and get a set of 33 push rods which are slightly longer.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14 |
I don't know of anyone that is doing head welding but have seen them pinned or "stitched" as it's referred to. it's not cheap but is a good method if done properly. Actually steve, the guy in ma does stitching for a very fair price. Actually I found him cheap. I think his name is Frank. He’s considered the best.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
I have heard of him and did speak with him at one time but have lost his contact info. so if you could send it to me I would appreciate it. Most shops I know will get around 5-6 hundred to repair two or three small cracks and then the normal rate for rebuilding so it can run around $1000. I suppose that's cheap if nothing is available.
Steve D
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14 |
He charged $200 to repair about a total of 4” on a block for me. I thought that was cheap compared to what we pay for things these days. Took less than two weeks too. I’ll look for his info.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,896 Likes: 28
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,896 Likes: 28 |
Metal Stitching- Frank Casey, 508-865-6613. Phone only. Great guy.
Dave
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14 |
That’s him. Does incredible work. Thanks Dave.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
Much appreciated Dave . I have copied the post for future reference.
Steve D
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 75
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 75 |
The casting and cooling technology back in that period of time was something to be desired. I had a few heads that I had attempted to get repaired. Stitching is the most effective with cast iron, especially near water jackets and valve seat areas,
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