Gramma's Car: the new project!

[mockingbird812]

a magnet would be attracted to the supposed copper-plated (steel) washer.

[Plowman]

G.M. still has the copper brake line washers,if you wan't new ones. Paul

[SS427]

I have had the same problems as well and just cut one open. The ones I buy are solid copper but are also less then half the thickness of the OEM ones. I have not been able to find a suitable replacement that resembles the originals in thickness.

[VintageMusclecar]

What are the 3 dimensions of the OEM washer?

[njsteve]

Started the assembly process with the boy yesterday. Had him insert the main bearings, apply the Lubriplate and then we installed the crankshaft. Most entertaining to see a 50-pound kid try to pull 100 pounds on a torque wrench. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] (I helped eventually).

He actually figured out that the decimal math he recently learned in school is actually useful in everyday life! I had him measure the main bearing oil clearence with Plastigage and compare it to the little paper chart. I then had him check the ring end gaps in the bores and crankshaft endplay with the feeler gauges. I had him compare the numbers to the specs in the book. He was quite impressed with his application of school math to engine building. He can't wait to tell his friends at school that decimals aren't a totally dumb thing.



We started with the piston/rods tonight, hopefully we'll get them all in tomorrow.

[mockingbird812]

Nice job Steve. Love the progress reports. Great father/son project! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

[SS427]

Very nice of you to include your son on this project as well as teach him at the same time Steve. I can assure you that what he learns helping you in this was will stay with him a lot longer than had he learned it elsewhere and also due to the fact that you made it fun for him. What I would give to be able to have a son and teach him things like that! Hats off to you sir! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

[Norwood]

Steve, if you start on a project for your son now, you just might finish it by the time he gets his license. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img] I think a Formula SD would make a perfect first car.

[olredalert]

-----Craig,,,Why should Steve finish it??? Train the kid right and then let him loose (with a bit of supervision). From everything I have seen, Steves son could probably make us all proud without much prodding.......Bill S

[njsteve]

Yesterday, both the daughter and the son got involved in installing the rest of the pistons. They argued over who got to do more, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] so I let each one of them install two pistons, and torque the rod bolts.