'59 back to square one

["Dave & Tracy" <dave-tracy.sherratt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Dave & Tracy

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 7:59 AM

Subject: Re: IML: '59 back to square one

Just out of interest can a badly worn Distributor shaft cause some of the rough engine idle problems. ? If the Cams on the Distributor are pitted as well etc.

Dave.

----- Original Message -----

From: A. Foster

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 6:32 AM

Subject: Re: IML: '59 back to square one

Bill;

 You are right to take your car someplace else, that mechanic is full of bunk. Never have I heard of replacing a crankshaft as being a standard part of a rebuild, especially in an engine with a forged steel crank. The only exception to this would be if the crank broke or had been run with a dry bearing so long that it wore down one of the journals to the point where it couldn't be reground.

 As for rebuild parts your nearest stop should be the auto parts store. The 413 is an RB engine, other then pistons and rings there are so many parts that it has in common with 383's and 440's that it isn't funny. For new pistons, if needed, talk to Egge machine and order a set of new rings to match.

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts.

----- Original Message -----

From: Imperial59crown@xxxxxxx

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 9:06 PM

Subject: IML: '59 back to square one

Just got the pleasant news today from the mechanic I brought my Imperial to for the engine rebuild, that his cost alone on the rebuild was going to be around $4,000.00, and that I would end up paying around $6,000.00. I told him for six thousand I could go buy another '59 and swap engines, and that I would be there to pick up the car tomorrow. He was telling me he was going to put in brand new pistons, a new crank shaft, new valves with stainless steel seals for non leaded gas, and all kinds of crap, but the truth is when I got the car back how would I know if all of this stuff was in there? Fortunately the car is in an area where there are literally hundreds of mechanics, so I'm sure I will find someone to do it at a reasonable price. If the going price for a new V-8 rebuild is around $2,500.00, why are they trying to soak me on my old '59, which is much easier to work on? I certainly don't look rich when I go there, on the contrary with my casual shorts and old tattered t shirt, I look just slightly better than some bum off the street. I guess I shouldn't be bringing it to shops which specialize in antique automobiles. I will keep you posted on the outcome of my quest to get my '59 back on the streets again. For an engine which is so straight forward and easy to get at that even I have done minor repairs on it, you would think a mechanic would jump at the chance to work on it, and not charge an arm and a leg. The engine on my Nissan is so crammed into the engine compartment that I don't think I have ever seen a spark plug in there. Oh well, life goes on!

 

Bill '59 Crown