Subject: RE: Converts - THANK YOU
Author: John Ulrich
Date: Mar 13, 2003, 10:02 AM
Post ID: 1712233868
Ian Adkins wrote:
| Correct me if I am wrong but a rough number for a decent restoration (doing> a lot of the assembly yourself) runs about $2500-$3000. |
Wow..that would be one heck of a deal!!!
I believe it prudent to look at least $2,000 for the drivetrain alone,
as I look over a number of invoices with the ink still warm.
A nikasil cylinder/piston kit is a must if not done yet ($500). A 30+
year old chrome cylinder is just waiting to shed it's chrome. Chrome +
bearings = a lot of scratched surfaces including a junked oil
pump...price a new one for a heart pulpatation, pray for a used one to
be found that's not all scored up by chrome. To bypass this step you
risk your engine block's cam bearings which are nonreplaceable
(read...find another block).
The two crank bearings will set you back a quick $300+ if chrome has
tore them up. Don't forget rod bearing and crank polishing if things
are worn. Your rear main seal gasket is going to be as hard as a rock.
Don't forget to have the heads looked after..
Reseal the tranny or oil will seep in the clutch plates.
Heading out to the rear you may need a universal joint. The rear end
gears are needing to be checked for missing teeth. Lack of a cush drive
tends to snap'em off.....not good to have your rear end lock up on a
highway. New teeth,bearings and shims will take another $500+.
Sure your dropping some $$$ but I think most of us are looking at long
term ownership. "Pay me now or pay me more later" I believe applies.
Do it right to begin with and have nothing to do for the next 30 years.
Plus it's soooo much fun... I'm told you look forward to do it again!!!
I'm hooked!
Later,
JU