Engine Turning

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I recently took off the aluminum timing cover on my ’29 eight to do some inspection.

It is a pretty rough casting by modern standards- surface shrinkage cracks and general surface irregularity.

I decided to wet-sand and buff it out. The end-product was much more attractive and suiting the general quality of the car. I decided to go a little further.

I’d always been fascinated by the process of engine turning and thought that I would “give it a go”. The process was done on a number of cars at the factory or afterward in the Classic period. I was very pleased with my results, but stopped at the second row to think some more on how I should proceed. The attached photo doesn’t do it justice.

I would like to hear some opinions on this- the judging rules don’t specifically say it’s a no-no. I will stay with the engine turning on the timing cover regardless-I think it looks very nice. Was engine-turning ever done at the factory on request?

I am very tempted to do more under the hood-the aluminum fan,the water manifold, and the tappet covers. The underhood plating was all nickel originally on my car. I think that nickel will make a better result than chrome anyway.

I’ve seen the Duesenberg SJ NY auto show car with vitually everything engine-turned, down to the voltage regulator cover.

Would engine-turning things be pretty cool, or just acceptable, or just a show of my gauche taste and/ or poor judgement?

Gregg Hotson

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Alright on Duesy’s, Cords, and Auburns, but on the Patrician of the highways it looks “corney”. An attempt to ‘rod’ the car. A waste of time and money. Rechrome the appropriate parts, but don’t overchrome. Spend your time and money on excellent paint, excellent upholstry, correct parts, and an engine that runs well.

[Author nameAuthor names are only available to PAS members.]

Hi Greg,

The evidence of your patience is remarkable.

We all restore our cars to our own tastes. However, in the point judging arena I believe you would lose some points in the Authenticity category. While I’ve never judged in CCCA, I believe you would experience similar deductions at a Grand Classic.

Happy Motoring,

Rick

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