Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

[Michael H.]

I really think it would be a great idea if someone would consider building an engine display for one of the next major NCRS events. (Florida?) Some of the most confusing aspects of the chassis build seem to be the actual appearance of a typical engine as delivered to the plant, compared to what it looked like moments before it was installed in a chassis. One engine could be assembled and shown in the exact configuration it would have been in as removed from the rack at St Louis and the 2nd engine could be completely dressed, ready for installation. It would certainly answer a lot of questions that people have about what was painted and what was not, and just exactly what that paint is supposed to look like. Wonder if a big block would be more fun to do than a small block? In either case, it would have to be a pre 66, if a small block, so the exhaust manifolds could be paint entirely. I suppose now that I've opened my big mouth, everyone will expect me to do this but I'd rather just watch and see the finished product. (I'm old now)

Michael

[Joe R.]

Re: Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

Michael,

You are certainly older BUT not any wiser! Now YOU have to do it! A big block would be nice! But a fuel injected 65 would be nice also!

Looking forward to seeing your project next January at Old Town.

JR

[Craig S.]

Re: Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

JR - how about one of each, just to compare nuances between Tonawanda and Flint? Craig

[Michael H.]

Re: Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

Gee, thanks JR. I knew I was getting myself in trouble as I was peckin at the keys on this deal. Actually, I originally considered a pair of FI engines but that would require finding TWO FI units that look like new, no small task. Also, because the majority of cars/engines are carbureted, I think more people would be able to relate to it as probably 95% of the cars are that way.

I think something with an aluminum intake manifold would be better than an iron manifold because there a lot of questions about how the silver paint was applied to the manifold/head area on 63-6?.

Same deal on a bog block though, with an aluminum manifold. Just as much confusion about how the manifold was masked/shielded.

Ideas?????

[Dennis C.]

You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse *NM*

[Mike M.]

Re: Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

Every cause needs a champion. Looks like you're it.
One of the members had a restored small block on a stand at the meet here a couple of weeks ago. Fully functional, drew a crowd every time he fired it up.
H. a. N. D.

[Michael H.]

Re: You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse

Thanks Dennis. I've been toying with this for the last 20 years but never had time to do anything about it. The last engine I painted was the one that went into the 12 mile 67 L88 and that came out looking quite factory. Problem is, I no longer have any of the equipment needed to duplicate the typical factory finish, or lack there of. Need to think about this for a day or two and see what comes up. Also, hopefully, some dedicated volunteers will surface?

[mike mccagh]

Re: You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse

i can loan ya a restored 57 4360 and a restored 780 fuel unit. all you gotta do is get the two bottom ends to fla in jan. mike

[Joe R.]

Re: You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse

Michael,

Well, I still have a quart of that paint used on the L-88 and the 396. You are welcome to it. It still shakes in the can so it must be good. Got valve covers and a water pump sooooooooooooooo!

If you have the time the parts can be found. I think the paint is the key for the BB and that is already here.

Regards,

JR

[Patrick H.]

Re: You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse

Would one of those hard foam "pretend" blocks be useful so that the display would be easier to move? Just a thought.

Patrick

[Michael H.]

Re: You guys are on to something great. Anonimouse

Thanks Mike. Nice offer. I'm still undecided at this point on what era engine would be best but I'm leaning toward 63-67, only because I know little about the C1 cars. Could be interesting though. Still working out a lot of details to see if this is a possibility. Thanks again

Michael

[Michael H.]

Hurdles...

Well, so far, I can't think of any reason why this project can't be done successfully. However, I can't think of any way it can be done easily. So far, I've concluded that whoever does this has to be close to a facility where the engines can be prepared properly. I initially thought that would leave me out but I may have come up with a plan. There's a Corvette shop not too far from here that MAY be on the list of possibilities. That's hurdle #1.

Next would be, coming up with a pair of like engines for the before/after display. If that's unlikely, there could be an alternate plan. Use one engine instead of two and display it on Friday the way it would look as delivered to the St Louis plant. Then add all the components that would have been installed on the engine line and display it fully assembled on Saturday. This wouldn't be nearly as effective but it would be a lot easier than trying to find a pair of engines.

Ultimately, the best way would be to find someone that is currently restoring a car and would just happen to have a fresh rebuilt unpainted engine that could be used for this project.

I'm still leaning toward a 63-65 small block of at least 350 HP. Something with an aluminum intake manifold would be important as many of the questions asked about restoration are about these engines and the way they are painted. However, a 65-67 big block would also be interesting.

As far as bolt on components are concerned, I would guess that many of the major reproduction parts mfg's would be more than willing to loan or donate their product to the project as there is no better form of advertising. Some sort of billboard display behind the engine(s) could list the names of those involved. Great free advertisong!

We would also need the help of John Hinckley as there are several areas on the paint operation that are not 100% clear. (was the starter mounting surface actually shielded or masked, or was it just bare because it wasn't in a direct line of fire? etc etc) John was at the Flint plant around that time so he would have much needed info.

Still just a thought, nothing definite at this point.

Michael

[Barbara S.]

Re: Engine Display @ Next NCRS Meet...

What a great idea! It sure would help me with my '67 restoration.
Tony

[Terry M.]

Re: Hurdles...

While you are considering a billboard display, please put what year(s) you are replicating in big numbers. One of the greatest problems I note is that restorers fail to realize painting and assembly processes changed over the years, and rather than research for the year they are working on some folks will duplicate by rote someone else's example.

[Michael H.]

Re: Hurdles...

Excellent point, thanks Terry. The mental picture of the motor would remain long after the details of the motor are forgotten. This is getting more complicated by the hour.