59ab block question
 

Is a 59AB block bored 80 over, that does not seem cracked, but with a 20/20 crank worth hanging on to, or is it just junk ? It will need either bored further or re-sleeved to standard, the crank will also need to be turned further.

Thank u, Dave

Re: 59ab block question
 

Have bored several blocks to 3 3/8 . .020/.020 is that where the crank is now or when it will be turned? I ran a .030/.030 crank in a high winding drag eng. No ill effects.

Re: 59ab block question
 

20/20 is where the crank is now.

Re: 59ab block question
 

Have the cylinder walls sonic checked....shoot for at least 0.100" wall thickness. Make sure they measure at several locations around the cylinder and at the top, middle, and bottom of wall. Cheap test to see if boring it will work.

Re: 59ab block question
 

Should be real good
Enjoy

Re: 59ab block question
 

It is junk. Leaving for Carmel in the morning.

I have a 59 block with 30 over 3 5/16 and a Merc crank.

Tim

Re: 59ab block question
 

Bore it to 3 3/8. You'll love it !!

Re: 59ab block question
 

In my best Clint Eastwood voice : "Are ya' feelin' lucky? Well, are ya'"

Re: 59ab block question
 

Thanks guys, guess I will clean it up & put it in the shed for a future project.

Re: 59ab block question
 

The only thing that a person has to be careful of is whether it's a 239 block or a 221 block. Ford made a 41A 221 block side by side with the 59A 239 blocks and they tend to have the 59 on the back bell. The 41A 221 blocks do have characteristics of the pre-war blocks but that 59 on the back can fool you sometimes. Knowing 221 characteristics can help but a sonic cylinder wall thickness test is good insurance.

Grinding a crank depends on whether anyone supplied the oversize bearings it has to go down to. A good crank grinder knows how to properly radius the journals so it will work with the larger number undersizes on the journals.

Re: 59ab block question
 

Keep all of it. Even with the crank at 30/30 it may polish out nicely. I had a crank that was standard and the bearing journals polished up and remained standard when it went back together.

Re: 59ab block question
 

Never saw a 59 block that wouldn't go to 3 5/16 abd Egge makes an exelent 3 ring piston for this. Block as is worth $300 plus as is