Reply To: Just because the car looks great doesn’t mean it’s ready to tour…..

[Jim Palmer]

Fortunately, my machine shop has been around for a number of years and has experience rebuilding motors with poured bearings. As noted in my original post the cost of replacement parts is excessive (your water pump cost comparison is a good one)if they are available and out of sight if a replacement has to be hand crafted. Given the expense of an engine rebuild, I am loathe to undertake such a project anymore and will focus my search on cars where there is good evidence of engine reliability. This pretty much rules out auctions. Of course there are still risks that all will not be well even with a lot of due diligence. I speak from past experience and could write a book on what not to do when restoring old cars and trucks. My worst encounter was engaging a well known (and allegedly respected) classic engine re-builder who had the talent and experience required to do the job. His named was always uttered in hushed, reverent tones by classic car club members who considered it a privilege that they the unworthy had been allowed to kiss his ring or fondle the hem of his garment. He always had a large backlog of pending work and was quick to inform potential customers how fortunate they would be if he chose to undertake their project and quickly noted his work was expensive. I felt blessed when after two years of seeking his help, my rebuild was accepted. Two more years passed before I was informed the work had been completed and I had two weeks to come pick up the engine. Fast forwarding to five years later and living in another state, I proceeded to install the motor only to learn that very little of the work (documented with detailed receipts)had been performed. Shortly thereafter I sold the car and motor in disgust.The moral of this tale: you don’t always get what you pay for.