The Ford Barn

Andy · 03-14-2026, 02:18 PM

I need a flathead engine rebuilder in central Texas

rotorwrench · 03-14-2026, 04:33 PM

I'd measure everything to see if it's the cam journals or the bearings. The cam journal could be polished. I'd hesitate lapping the bearings unless yellow time saver might work. The fact that that it turns at all seems to indicate that it's not real far off target. Some bearings choke a bit when driving them in. Is this a older floater rod set up or no? The crank could also be polished.

We do need a rebuilder around here.

Planojc · 03-15-2026, 10:16 AM

Try Rex Rods in Johnson City.

rotorwrench · 03-15-2026, 01:31 PM

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I generally like to work with a shop that is closer to San Antonio. I know of Keith Tardel by his reputation but it's a fair drive to get up that way for me. I'd certainly go there before traveling up to DFW or Bryan/College station. I don't know if he does babbitt work though. That would be nice to know. Babbitt work is an art that is getting harder to source as time goes by. At least Keith is a flathead guy.

03-14-2026, 02:18 PM	#1
Andy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kerrville, Tx Posts: 2,917	Need flathead rebuilder in central Texas I need a flathead engine rebuilder in central Texas Last edited by Andy; 03-15-2026 at 07:05 AM.

03-14-2026, 04:33 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,006	Re: Need flathead rebuilder in central Texas I'd measure everything to see if it's the cam journals or the bearings. The cam journal could be polished. I'd hesitate lapping the bearings unless yellow time saver might work. The fact that that it turns at all seems to indicate that it's not real far off target. Some bearings choke a bit when driving them in. Is this a older floater rod set up or no? The crank could also be polished. We do need a rebuilder around here.

03-15-2026, 10:16 AM	#3
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 1,121	Re: Need flathead rebuilder in central Texas Try Rex Rods in Johnson City.

03-15-2026, 01:31 PM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,006	Re: Need flathead rebuilder in central Texas Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I generally like to work with a shop that is closer to San Antonio. I know of Keith Tardel by his reputation but it's a fair drive to get up that way for me. I'd certainly go there before traveling up to DFW or Bryan/College station. I don't know if he does babbitt work though. That would be nice to know. Babbitt work is an art that is getting harder to source as time goes by. At least Keith is a flathead guy.