Tod's engine block

[Ray in La Mesa]

Has anyone heard what is happening with Tod's A block casting project? Haven't seen any info lately.

[Tod]

It is still moving ahead, along with several other projects.


Tod

[Russ/40]

Not much encouragement for the hopefull.

[BillEbob]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

Not much encouragement for the hopefull.

Ain’t THAT the truth❗️

[rotorwrench]

It takes a lot of equipment to control your own product in the foundry and machining of something as complex as an engine block. I'm encouraged that someone who knows what he is doing has even made an attempt to do what would be impossible to many.

Ford Motor Company started out by making their own patterns and taking them to outside foundries but they had the same problem with that. They couldn't completely control the process and production was spotty at best since they had to compete with other foundry customers. It wasn't till they built a plant at Highland Park that they had their own foundry and a complete machine shop all in one place.

I think Tod is going through his own process and it takes what it takes. Until then all we can do is encourage him to do what we would never be able to do.

[Tod]

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Originally Posted by rotorwrench

It takes a lot of equipment to control your own product in the foundry and machining of something as complex as an engine block. I'm encouraged that someone who knows what he is doing has even made an attempt to do what would be impossible to many.

Ford Motor Company started out by making their own patterns and taking them to outside foundries but they had the same problem with that. They couldn't completely control the process and production was spotty at best since they had to compete with other foundry customers. It wasn't till they built a plant at Highland Park that they had their own foundry and a complete machine shop all in one place.

I think Tod is going through his own process and it takes what it takes. Until then all we can do is encourage him to do what we would never be able to do.

Thanks for the understanding. I am working on blocks, a new B head (which should see castings within a week or so), Thomas heads, intakes, and the new OHV head (also almost ready to cast), on top of my daily Snyder's work. We were pushed way behind by foundry delays so things are moving slowly thanks to full work loads everywhere.


Tip of the iceberg.



Tod

[daveymc29]

Thanks for the update Tod. Always good to hear from you and know someone will be solving the problem of the block shortage. I know you can do it.

[Dodge]

Good on you Tod. Thanks for keeping us posted. When you get a chance post any pictures you have on the OHV head if you can.
Patiently waiting, quality takes time.

Dodge

[Tod]

Originally Posted by Dodge

Good on you Tod. Thanks for keeping us posted. When you get a chance post any pictures you have on the OHV head if you can.
Patiently waiting, quality takes time.

Dodge

I will, good or bad. I am probably only a week or so from having the OHV sampled. B head molds should be ready for me to pick up today and bring back to the shop to test fit cores in. Those heads will be cast very soon.



The OHV pattern needs a final coat of paint on the cope side and then it can be molded. I have 3 sets of cores for the OHV, which will all be made in aluminum before I move on to iron.


Of even greater interest to me is the direction of the A blocks. I have cores for making at least 2 sample 5 main blocks and I am developing a new molding strategy for the blocks that will make even better looking castings.


Tod

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Tod

I will, good or bad. I am probably only a week or so from having the OHV sampled. B head molds should be ready for me to pick up today and bring back to the shop to test fit cores in. Those heads will be cast very soon.



The OHV pattern needs a final coat of paint on the cope side and then it can be molded. I have 3 sets of cores for the OHV, which will all be made in aluminum before I move on to iron.


Of even greater interest to me is the direction of the A blocks. I have cores for making at least 2 sample 5 main blocks and I am developing a new molding strategy for the blocks that will make even better looking castings.


Tod

Hey Tod,
An Aluminum OHV Head (copy/clone) of my broken Schofield , would look good on my 3 main aluminum block that you are working !

[Tod]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Hey Tod,
An Aluminum OHV Head (copy/clone) of my broken Schofield , would look good on my 3 main aluminum block that you are working !

Yep. When I get one of the castings made I will set it on your block and take a picture.


Tod