'74 Sleekcraft Rebel restoration

[proshadetree]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Scarce Heck I have never seen one live and in color. But I want one your looks beast.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

So is the steering wheel hard or kind of spongy?

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

So is the steering wheel hard or kind of spongy?

It is about the feel of the vinyl coating on tool handles.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Interesting, I need to get a new one....everyone on here seems to like to ***** about the one I have! LOL. By the way I sent you a PM, not sure if you got it.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Interesting, I need to get a new one....everyone on here seems to like to ***** about the one I have! LOL. By the way I sent you a PM, not sure if you got it.

I did not get a PM from you.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Ugh. Pulled the motor to fix a small oil leak and found a cracked block. Not sure what my next move will be. :facepalm:

(Clickable Thumb)

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

that sucks! Sorry to hear that.....

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Thanks bobby. I have been doing a little reading on the lock and stitch repair method. I think I am going to attempt to repair this myself using this method. Seems pretty straight forward.

There is a pretty good pictorial on a block repair at the end of this page.
http://www.r-f.com/lock_n_stitch_repair.asp

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

I have only heard about the stitching method but that tutorial was very informative and seems to a sound repair! Whats a kit like that run$ and or do you have to select certain size pins for crack size?

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Not sure on the kit price. They are only open M-F. I am going to call them on Monday. I will be sure to post up what I find out.

Here is a link to their website.
http://www.locknstitch.com/

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Cool, I'm interested to hear what you find out! My Grandpa ran a diesel ford tractor for years on a JB welded crack on the water jacket!

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

Cool, I'm interested to hear what you find out! My Grandpa ran a diesel ford tractor for years on a JB welded crack on the water jacket!

JB weld is the other alternative I am considering. If the stitching kit is too expensive, that will be the fix I go with. I have talked to several jet boat guys that have done the JB Weld fix and have years of service from the repair with no issues. I'm sure the JB Weld will be the cheaper alternative but I think it would be a good learning experience to stitch it.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

I have seen cast iron ground back and mig welded in non structural areas. I just did a set of manifolds for a sbc. Fast quick and easy. I wouldnt try to weld a starter ear back on but that crack looks to be cake. Low heat with the mig will prevent the crack from advancing.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

I have seen cast iron ground back and mig welded in non structural areas. I just did a set of manifolds for a sbc. Fast quick and easy. I wouldnt try to weld a starter ear back on but that crack looks to be cake. Low heat with the mig will prevent the crack from advancing.

That was my first thought but I have heard too many horror stories about welding cast. If it was a redialy available SBC I might try it. Pontiac blocks are getting pretty scarce these days and parts are not cheap. I'd rather not risk welding it.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

I like the stiching idea. So can you do it or do you have to send them the block?

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

I like the stiching idea. So can you do it or do you have to send them the block?

Judging from their home page I believe it can be a DIY repair.

from locknstitch.com
"We can fix it or you can fix it; either way, we can help"

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

After lots of research and a few phone calls, I decide to go with the stitching pins. I talked to Gary (the owner) at length about his product and the repair I need to make. I am convinced this is the way I want to go. It is a little pricey. I spent $125 for all the materials needed for the repair. That got me 25 stitching pins, 2 drill bits, tap, tapping fluid and pin sealant. Gary says that will be more than enough pins to repair a crack of this length. If I ever need to make another one of these repairs all I will need is more pins. They are ~$35 per 25. I know this seems like overkill for this repair. I look at it as a chance to learn a new technique and considering what I have already spent on this boat $125 is a drop in the bucket.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

If 125$ fixes it, I would say that is a steal! Think what finding a new block and rebuilding it would set you back! I'm interested to see how it goes.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

If 125$ fixes it, I would say that is a steal! Think what finding a new block and rebuilding it would set you back! I'm interested to see how it goes.

My thoughts exactly. I'll post up the results with pictures of the process.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Stripping paint

Re: Stripping paint

The package showed up today even though FexEx tracking said next Monday. Everything looks to be very high quality. It was all packaged very well. The fluid bottles have foil seals. The tap says "Made in USA". These are all quality pieces. The product information and instructions are very complete and informative. The how to DVD preps you very well for the process.

(Clickable thumbs)




The bits and tap are very sharp and work very well. The process is pretty basic. I started by using a sharpie to mark the crack and the ends of the crack so I could see it easier. Drill a hole starting about the width of one lock past the end of the crack. Tap the hole. Coat the pin with sealant and screw it in until it snaps. Grind the pin down to a little above the surface of the block. Drill the next hole overlapping the previous pin anywhere between 10% and 80%. Tap the hole, apply sealant, screw the next pin in until it snaps, grind it down. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat....

The only thing that is a little tricky is the pins are longer than the block is thick. This makes it it little harder to drill the holes after the first one. You need to keep the drill straight and cut into the previous pin past the thickness of the block so you can tap the next hole straight and get the next pin in straight. It's not that hard Just takes a little patience.

I got 4 or 5 pins in tonight and stopped to eat dinner. I'll finish it up tomorrow.









This is a no brainier. If you can drill and tap a hole you can perform this repair with this method. I am convinced I made the right choice. While other cheaper methods may have worked, I will have 100% confidence that this block when I am done. Not to mention I am supporting an American company with American made products.

I'll post more pics and info when I finish the process tomorrow.

Two Big thumbs up to Lock-N-Stitch.