62 cracked block repair needed

[Bob T.]

i recently took a 62 block in for rebuild to find out the motor i had recieved has a cracked block about 3" in each direction from one of the frost plugs running front to back. i was told this could be repaired by a welding process that would not be noticable? would like to repair the block if it makes sense to do so. can anyone tell me where to have this done and what the process is to repair the block.

thanks for the help

[Joe L.]

Re: 62 cracked block repair needed

Bob------

I prefer "pinning" to any sort of welding repair for cast iron. Pinning is a labor-intensive process in which special, threaded, tapered "pins" are installed by drilling and tapping along the crack line. After each pin is installed, the next hole is drilled in such a way that it overlaps the existing pin. After completion of the repair, the protruding pins are ground down flush with the surrounding surface. Generally, the repair will be virtually indiscernable after the block is painted.

There are specialty shops throughout the country that do this sort of work. Usually, it's only practical for an expensive casting or an irreplaceable casting. That's because the work involved is, as I mentioned, very labor intensive. It will likely cost $300-500 to repair a 3" crack line.

I like this method much more than cast iron welding. Welding a cast iron block needs to be done under very controlled conditions. Even then, problems can ensue with proximal areas subsequently cracking. I just don't like a weld repair for cast iron.

The only shop that I know of that's expert at pinning is American Cylinder Head Repair in Oakland, CA. However, there are others in other parts of the country.

[Dick W.]

Re: 62 cracked block repair needed

I am assuming that you are in WI Bob. I would contact Tom Hincz, his is listed in the contacts section of this web site. Tom has restored many antique vehicles over the years, and probably could put you in touch with someone in your area. If you were in NC, I would recommend Key's Block in Greensboro, NC. They have been repairing cracked blocks and heads for dang nigh 50 years, maybe even more.

[Mike M.]

Re: 62 cracked block repair needed

unless its the original 62 vette block, i'd look for another "870". mike

[Verle R.]

Re: 62 cracked block repair needed

A method that has not been mentioned is brazing. You don't have to worry about too much heat causing cracks in the cast iron and it seals well.

Verle

[Clem Z.]

cast iron can be welded with stainless steel

rod. i had a race block that was cracked on both sides in the tappet chamber because someone forgot to drain it over the winter. i welder told me he could fix it with stainless weld and it worked.

[Verle R.]

Re: cast iron can be welded with stainless steel

I have had blocks repaired with both stainless rod and brazing.
I would choose brazing for area of low stress and stainless welding for higher stress. The outside water jacket could safely be brazed.

Verle

[Mark #28455]

Muggy Weld

Go to the web site, they show you how it's done.
Mark