Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

[Keith R.]

I was excited to receive the new '58 to '60 Judging Guide/Technical Information Manual and started to go through it right away. When I got to the mechanical section, I was taken aback by a paragraph that states that Flint blocks can be distinguished from a Tonawanda block by a square plug in the front of the block inboard of the stamp pad. This was the first time that I had heard this as I had been using the old JG/TIM as a restoration guide for over a decade and this was not mentioned previously. So, I went out to the garage and saw that my block has a hex head screw in this position vs. a square plug which gave me a scare as a wrong block is a BIG 350 point deduction. I thought that I had been meticulous in my restoration by ensuring that I had a correct block. Next, I got out the mirror to double-check the casting date which is "L129". According to the new JG/TIM then, I have a Flint block as the Tonawanda blocks had two year numbers. So, my question is: will I receive a point deduction because I have a hex head plug vs. a square head plug? Should I attempt to find a square head plug and replace the hex head one?

[Mike M.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

PM me your snail mail address and I'll send u the correct plug, on the cuff. mike

[Keith R.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

PM me your snail mail address and I'll send u the correct plug, on the cuff. mike

Thanks Mike - will do!

PS. Thanks for all the good instruction at the Dallas Judging Retreat. I appreciate all your sage advice.

[Keith R.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

Here are some photos so that it's clear what I am referring to.

[Michael J.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

#14 knows his stuff........

[Brian M.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

I'd leave that plug where it is. JMHO

[Mike M.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

Brian: why? mike

[Brian M.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

Why not? It could be opening a can of worms. What kind of deduct is that plug?

[Duke W.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

I believe that's an oil gallery plug. If the engine was ever rebuilt the original was likely removed for hot tanking and replaced with a new plug with a different head configuration.

Duke

[Roy S.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

I could be all wet here, but I believe the flint blocks had a square head plug when produced, the Tonawanda blocks have no plug!!!! they are if I'm not mistaken not drilled and tapped for this plug. I would assume the deduct would therefore be minor for a hex plug, the important thing is that the block is drilled and tapped.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

I think this actually brings up an interesting point. The block casing configuration falls under the category of a standard deduction. Therefore, a partial deduction is not a possibility.

However, Roy is correct, a Tonawanda block would not have the tapping at all. This was only on Flint blocks. This item is checked to confirm the correct configuration for a Flint block.

In my opinion, I would not be looking to take a deduction for the incorrect type of plug. I would just make a note on the judging sheet.

Dennis

[Keith R.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

PM'd you with my snail mail address Mike. Thanks for your help.

[Keith R.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

So Dennis, are you saying that I may incur a 350 point deduction during judging because the case configuration is not correct?

I think this actually brings up an interesting point. The block casing configuration falls under the category of a standard deduction. Therefore, a partial deduction is not a possibility.

However, Roy is correct, a Tonawanda block would not have the tapping at all. This was only on Flint blocks. This item is checked to confirm the correct configuration for a Flint block.

In my opinion, I would not be looking to take a deduction for the incorrect type of plug. I would just make a note on the judging sheet.

Dennis

[Don H.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

I think what Dennis is saying is he would take no deduction no matter what plug he saw in the hole. Just so long as there is a hole.
He would write a note saying "Plug S/B square, not hex" in the notes box for that scoring line. Your case configuration IS typical of Flint production.
Only your plug is non-typical.

[Keith R.]

Re: Had a Big scare from the New '58-'62 JG/TIM

Thanks Don. I reread his comments and I agree that is what he is saying.

I think what Dennis is saying is he would take no deduction no matter what plug he saw in the hole. Just so long as there is a hole.
He would write a note saying "Plug S/B square, not hex" in the notes box for that scoring line. Your case configuration IS typical of Flint production.
Only your plug is non-typical.