C1 hardened head washers

[Paul J.]

My '61 heads have a couple slightly crushed bolt bosses that I am going to put hardened washers under the nuts. Is it a good idea to put washers under all the bolts? The machinist thought I should because they were so old but maybe he just wanted to sell me the washers. What are your thoughts?

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 hardened head washers

Paul------

I STRONGLY recommend that you follow the machinist's advice. I am a BIG believer in the use of hardened washers on head bolts, ESPECIALLY when there is any damage to the head bolt head seat. This sort of damage is VERY common on older engines primarily as a result of Chevrolet's failure to use hardened washers or flanged head bolts in the first place.

Yes, the washers are not original and you'll probably get "dinged" if they're detected in judging, but so be it.

Also, I don't think that the machinist is just trying to sell you the hardened washers. These things don't cost all that much, so there's really not a lot of money for him to make off of them.

[Paul J.]

C1 conversion to auto adjusting brakes

Thanks Joe
I already bought them so I will definetly use them now. I just have to get my valves to seal now (previous post re: lapping valves).