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Old 01-26-2015, 01:56 PM   #1
dfoster
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Default Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

Im looking for a reputable machine shop that has experience with flathead machine work. I'm rebuilding a 59 ab & an 8ba. Does someone have an experience or resource their willing to share? 2-3 hours in any direction is OK. All feed back is appreciated.
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Old 01-26-2015, 10:50 PM   #2
Shadetree
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Default Re: Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

Check out this machine shop. I have heard good comments about them but have never used their services.

http://givensmachineshop.com/
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Old 01-27-2015, 02:39 PM   #3
GOSFAST
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Default Re: Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

Hi "d", whichever shop you choose I can give you a tip or two about a few questions you should ask before making a final decision. I would have no problem if any of my own customer's inquired about them here.

1-Are they willing to remove the crank plugs for cleaning and tapping and drilling for pipe plugs?

2-Are they able to install valve seats if required?

3-Are they able to balance the rotating ass'y?

4-Are they able to measure all clearances precisely using bore gauges? This includes cam brg's, rod brg's, and main brg clearances? (Ability to grind the crank goes without saying)

5-Do they use a deck-mounted boring bar or bore from the mains (preferred)? Do they use a block-plate for finish honing?

6-Are they able to do any and all rod work, from resizing to installing new pin bushings?

7-Are they familiar with machining for the 95% filtration system? (Even if you don't choose to have it done)

Not that you will need all these procedures, but it's nice to know how familiar they are with the "Flatties".

On a side note I would want to use bronze-lined guides/stainless valves without fail AND also some "moly" piston rings for quick seating.

(Add) Make certain the castings (blocks) get pressure-tested, and the lifter bores get drilled if using adjustable valve train, BOTH these are mandatory here.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would also ask if they could pin the heads to the block like the SBC's, makes for much longer head gasket life! This isn't mandatory, just a little extra "insurance".

Last edited by GOSFAST; 01-27-2015 at 02:43 PM. Reason: Add info
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Old 01-27-2015, 07:27 PM   #4
KiWinUS
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Default Re: Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

Great advice Gary
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Old 01-27-2015, 07:57 PM   #5
The Hot Rod Grille
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Default Re: Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

Another vote for Givens Machine Shop!
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Old 01-27-2015, 11:28 PM   #6
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Default Re: Machine Shop for Flatheads near Charleston, WV

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I have all my engine machine work done at Fowler Engines in Columbus, Ohio. He has done a lot of flathead work - and has the necessary tooling/fixtures to do the valve jobs the way they should be done. Can and does all the things that Gary is talking about and his machine work is super precision. He is not a 'low buck' operation - but you seriously get what you pay for! I have three flatheads in his shop at the moment and more on the way. If you need to discuss anything flathead related, just PM me -- be happy to introduce you to Jeff Fowler and the gang.

Take care,
B&S
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