There are several ways to...
There are several ways to do a breakerless distributor conversion. This Ford K-289 dual-point distributor has a Motorcraft/Duraspark II retrofit. A remote module rounds out this approach. The spark timing curve is critical when setting up a distributor. Ignition tuning will be a useful part of our lesson plans!
Every vintage truck needs mechanical help. Often a frame-off restoration includes engine, transmission, steering system, brake, suspension, axle, and electrical work. Subletting these chores, a time-and-materials proposition, can be costly. Moreover, what's the point to a classic truck project if you can't perform the work or maintain the finished product yourself?
CLASSIC TRUCKS devotes extensive coverage to hands-on restoration and upgrade work. Whether your goal is a collectible truck headed back to factory condition or a build up of the ultimate street truck, CLASSIC TRUCKS is your go-to source for information. Safe to say, each of us started our hobby or professional work without a wit of mechanical, welding, or fabrication sense. In addition to the skills, space, and tools needed for a frame-off restoration, builders rely on professional manuals and quality "how-to" articles for guidance.
Up The Learning Curve
My teachers and mentors were professionals who shared their wisdom generously. Today, school boards argue whether to cut physical education, the music program, or shop classes. Four decades ago, when I attended high school, Mr. Gray's quality shop classes were a requirement. In what was then a manufacturing-based American society, he imparted skills that led to entry-level welding jobs, including field and off-road equipment repairs. Years later, after professionalizing my mechanical and welding skills, I taught and wrote curriculum at the adult education level, frequently paraphrasing Mr. Gray's pearls.
Older truck engines have mechanical...
Older truck engines have mechanical lifters. These 318A Mopar items are now obsolete. Can lifters be recycled? If they still fit their block bores properly, the answer is, "Yes!" Bases must be resurfaced, and this takes special equipment to achieve a convex shape. Did you know that the flat tappet-to-cam lobe contact area is the highest load point in an engine?
During my high school years, I worked after school at a full-service gas station. In the heyday of muscle cars, we routinely serviced and tuned today's "classics." A Chevron-trained, lube room tech was well versed in chassis and powertrain requirements. Such a ground school led to adult careers at professional mechanics, automotive parts sales, and machine shop work.
As a journey-level truck mechanic, I maintained a fleet that included '47-64 Chevrolet and GMC trucks, '48-64 Ford F-series models, plus a few vintage Dodge and International Harvester trucks. During off hours, I tuned muscle cars and built Jeep 4x4s. My daily driver and powertrain test bed, a '55 Ford F-100 pickup, started with its original V-8. I replaced the Y-block with a potent Pontiac V-8 before eventually lightening the front end with the installation of a high-performance small-block Chevy.
Who would have guessed that rugged utility trucks could one day become collectibles or slick-handling street trucks? From preventive care and tuning to unit repair and overhaul, I knew these models inside and out. Later, that exposure reflected in my magazine tech columns and books like the Jeep Owner's Bible, Ford F-Series Pickup Owner's Bible, Chevrolet & GMC Light Truck Owner's Bible and a pair of in-depth Jeep rebuilders' manuals.
Do you recognize this valvetrain...
Do you recognize this valvetrain layout? It's the original 318A poly spherical design. 1959 to early '67 model Dodge trucks featured the poly head. A compromise between the true hemispherical and wedge head designs, poly spherical combustion chambers improve performance. As you can see, assembly is more complex--we'll have to talk about that.
Night School
For automotive work, the outcome is always predictable: Done right, the machine works properly; done wrong, the machine fails to perform. While quality metalwork and paint produce eye candy, dependable and safe performance is far less visible. Professional level mechanical work begins with understanding service fundamentals. Hands-on skill will follow.
Raising a family, pursuing a career, or surviving a recession takes a lot of energy. So, when do we find time for learning? There's a wealth of "stuff" online--some is valuable, some not. By comparison, trade schools and colleges, the traditional resources for training, take time, flexible schedules, and funding.
Night schools serve working, busy folks. For years, adult ed and community college courses like welding, engine rebuilding, tuning, and chassis work have been popular. Yet most of us have limited time, scarcely enough for the project in the garage! Scheduling a semester of school seems all but impossible.
 Why prime a newly rebuilt...  Why prime a newly rebuilt engine? Because 95 percent of all crankshaft bearing wear is at engine startup! There are several methods for priming the lubrication system plus ways to coat critical parts during engine assembly. During break-in, today's number one concern is camshaft-to-lifter run-in--not piston ring seating or bearings. |  This poly-head 318 was built...  This poly-head 318 was built to '57-58 Plymouth Fury standards. The dual four-barrel intake manifold is a stock Fury type. The original WCFB carburetors in matching numbers are now worth a small fortune. Cost-effective Edelbrock replacement carburetors work nicely for this Mopar street truck application. We'll talk about carburetor selection and sizing. |  Ever wonder what the original...  Ever wonder what the original Hemi looked like? In our lesson plan, the differences between classic truck engines will be discussed. This is actually a 392, used in '57-58 Chryslers. Once sought after for dragsters and street rods, these powerplants are now rare. We'll discuss various street truck options, comparing earlier engines with later designs. |