New Motor, Have a Cigar!

[Brobrian]

I know the forum is mostly for tech stuff, but I want to share my fun.
Back in November my dad gave me a motor he'd gotten off a pump or a combine from Grand dad's farm over 30 years ago. He'd had it rebuilt and kept it in his shed all this time. This past week I finally pulled the tired motor from my '31 PU and put the "new" one in. I've had plenty of good advice from the pros on this forum.
I started it yesterday for the first time and it ran beautifully! After running it for an hour or so and taking a short jaunt around the neighborhood, I reset the carb, re-torqued the head put it to bed.
Today I went for a longer drive. It took our town's steepest hill in third gear, and ran perfectly the whole way (30 miles). The temp at the top of the radiator was 160 when I checked it.

[Joe K]

Bravo for you! Nothing feels better than finally seeing payback from a prior investment.

Now do the arithmetic. How old was Dad when he had the motor rebuilt?

Maybe time for you to "pay it forward?"

Yup. A little expensive - but you're going to keep the car aren't you? And likely the cost to you will be similar to Dad when he went that way? Well, all factors including inflation.

Dunno. You decide.

Meanwhile, take a puff for me. It's not a 100 year shay. You rebuild this and rebuild that - whatever is necessary to keep it in good repair and keep it moving.

Sitting is what kills.

Same holds for people too I hear.

Joe K

[Mike V. Florida]

Feels good when things go right!

[Brobrian]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Feels good when things go right!

Yup, and it is also pretty rare that things go this well.
I know some guys on this forum do this all the time, but I haven't pulled a motor since 1975. I was intimidated. Turned out great though, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Called my dad just after it fired up. He was thrilled. The farm is gone, Grand dad long dead. I think Dad wanted this motor to be powering my truck more that I did.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

woo hoo!! Its such a great feeling when things go right. congratulations. Its pretty warm in SoCal right now. Maybe a cold one would go well with that cigar.

[Russell in Tulsa]

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Congats on the work. Bet it feels great you were able to share with your dad, and he with you.

[roccaas]

[inex01]

Originally Posted by Brobrian

I know the forum is mostly for tech stuff, but I want to share my fun.
Back in November my dad gave me a motor he'd gotten off a pump or a combine from Grand dad's farm over 30 years ago. He'd had it rebuilt and kept it in his shed all this time. This past week I finally pulled the tired motor from my '31 PU and put the "new" one in. I've had plenty of good advice from the pros on this forum.
I started it yesterday for the first time and it ran beautifully! After running it for an hour or so and taking a short jaunt around the neighborhood, I reset the carb, re-torqued the head put it to bed.
Today I went for a longer drive. It took our town's steepest hill in third gear, and ran perfectly the whole way (30 miles). The temp at the top of the radiator was 160 when I checked it.

Congratulations! and am sure your Grand Dad is looking down and also smiling

[cradlescyth]

Family ! It's Great!

[Great Lakes Greg]

Good catch. Also, torque the head cold.

[Terry,NJ]

Sounds like you lucked out! Only thing you needed was someone to do the work! LOL
Terry

[bobpo1]

Clean looking job too...!!
Congrats...

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Bro Brian,
Wish I could call Chief & Gregg, 411 sed they must have an "UNLISTED" PHONE #!
Bill W.

[Brobrian]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Bro Brian,
Wish I could call Chief & Gregg, 411 sed they must have an "UNLISTED" PHONE #!
Bill W.

Maybe you can't tell them, Bill, but perhaps someone will give you the call one day. Maybe they already do. You seem unselfish with your advice and maybe with your resources too. I don't know.
I once met an old man who spotted me working on my coupe in the driveway. He walked up, introduced himself and ascertained that I needed a new manifold. He came back later that day with a good used replacement. We became friends. I helped him with his house and he advised me on my car and occasionally would sell me a part he knew I needed. I called Mr. Doyle, much like I do my dad, whenever I had Model A stuff to talk about. I imagine all younger Model A owners need mentors. Mr. Doyle didn't live long from the time I met him, but his wife said he appreciated the friendship, as did I. I still have his picture on my dresser.