Bought My first Project car! 1956 Humber!
- Thread starter Mattwizz3
- Start date
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
He means American style large cars, mate. Cadillacs, Lincolns, big Buicks, Fords, Mercuries, and their ilk. Usually with big V8 engines. It is my understanding Ford, Holden, and similar are much like our old American mid size cars where you are.
zman
Super Member
WOW, I see from the background in those pictures, that down-under actually looks like a civilized nation.....what a suprize
I would be kinda bummed going all the way down there and seeing mobil gas stations and 7 elevens. I suppose there is even dominoes pizza and such.
Hey Nice looking project Matt.. I would definitely get the old engine up to snuff, It will make it complete and the car will treat you right for it.
Doc Zinger
Well-Known Member
Looks like an interesting project. As you see from all the posts everyone has a suggestion as to how the build should go. That's ok , good to get as many ideas/info at the start of the process, but for me when I built my '79 Cadillac CDV it helped to have arrive at a consistant theme for the build.
This helped with parts planning, repairs/mods and any type of work to be done on the car. With a theme whatever it is, you don't fall pray to every suggestion that comes along on doing this or why don't you do that. It even helps when you are the one that might get a new brainstorm, my original theme kept the project online and helped to prevent a mis mash of different styles/periods that might have looked ok today but down the road could look kinda lame.
This helped with parts planning, repairs/mods and any type of work to be done on the car. With a theme whatever it is, you don't fall pray to every suggestion that comes along on doing this or why don't you do that. It even helps when you are the one that might get a new brainstorm, my original theme kept the project online and helped to prevent a mis mash of different styles/periods that might have looked ok today but down the road could look kinda lame.
Mattwizz3
Web-er-web user...
Well, the the ball is now rolling. Getting a head gasket wasn't much work, the first place I called had them, they also had an entire gasket set. I got them to put aside the set for me and I'm picking it up tomorrow. They said they had more parts for the car too, so I guess I'll have to start a list and start ticking it off.
Other than seeing if the engine would fire we haven't done much so far. Got the spare tire a new tube and put it on the front so we could get it off its rim then pulled out the radiator to make getting into the engine easier. While the wheel was off I inspected the brake hoses... I was expecting cracked up dried out hoses but instead because they were lined with cloth they are like little bags of black goo, brake hoses are also something I already know where to get.
So my plan is to get the engine/trans and brakes going, so she can move herself, seat belts will be fitted and then we will strip the interior and panels so we can get cosmetics sorted. Its just easier to work on a car that you can move hence the engine and brakes getting done first. At the moment we will focus on the head gasket and everything associated to the engine like the rotted hoses, filters, fuel lines etc. Radiator will go to my local radiator place to be re-built and cleaned out. Then new brake hoses, cylinders shoes and possibly drums. Although if the lot needs to be replaced I might see about how difficult it is for disks to go on the front, as I am planning on driving the HELL out of this car and good brakes are a nice thing to have when your in a heavy car. Especially since I live in a very hilly area.
So thats the news so far, work will probably start in a week!
Other than seeing if the engine would fire we haven't done much so far. Got the spare tire a new tube and put it on the front so we could get it off its rim then pulled out the radiator to make getting into the engine easier. While the wheel was off I inspected the brake hoses... I was expecting cracked up dried out hoses but instead because they were lined with cloth they are like little bags of black goo, brake hoses are also something I already know where to get.
So my plan is to get the engine/trans and brakes going, so she can move herself, seat belts will be fitted and then we will strip the interior and panels so we can get cosmetics sorted. Its just easier to work on a car that you can move hence the engine and brakes getting done first. At the moment we will focus on the head gasket and everything associated to the engine like the rotted hoses, filters, fuel lines etc. Radiator will go to my local radiator place to be re-built and cleaned out. Then new brake hoses, cylinders shoes and possibly drums. Although if the lot needs to be replaced I might see about how difficult it is for disks to go on the front, as I am planning on driving the HELL out of this car and good brakes are a nice thing to have when your in a heavy car. Especially since I live in a very hilly area.
So thats the news so far, work will probably start in a week!
:lmao:
:lmao:
Excellent. :thmbsp:
Four doors make great race cars. If you get your doors blown off you have another set!
:lmao:
Mattwizz3
Web-er-web user...
The Journey begins!
Well, today we got stuck into the engine. This is the first time I have ever done something more advanced than changing spark plugs and the first time my mate has done more than topping up oil. So the plan was to take it easy and by the end of the day have the head off.
Amazingly, everything went well. I thought this engine had an over head cam but turns out its actually a push rod engine. So opening it up and seeing what was under the rocker cover was spectacular and a surprise!
We removed the manifolds which was a pain in the ass and pulled out the rockers so we could get to the the nuts holding the head down and left it at that. The head came free and is ready to lift off, but were leaving it for tomorrow when we are organised and ready to start cleaning and checking everything else.
We have put all the nuts and bolts in bags and labeled what they belong to, so far there is quite a collection. We have taken lots of photos along the way so shouldnt be too bad putting her back together.
So its going well so far! and Enjoying it quite alot.
Well, today we got stuck into the engine. This is the first time I have ever done something more advanced than changing spark plugs and the first time my mate has done more than topping up oil. So the plan was to take it easy and by the end of the day have the head off.
Amazingly, everything went well. I thought this engine had an over head cam but turns out its actually a push rod engine. So opening it up and seeing what was under the rocker cover was spectacular and a surprise!
We removed the manifolds which was a pain in the ass and pulled out the rockers so we could get to the the nuts holding the head down and left it at that. The head came free and is ready to lift off, but were leaving it for tomorrow when we are organised and ready to start cleaning and checking everything else.
We have put all the nuts and bolts in bags and labeled what they belong to, so far there is quite a collection. We have taken lots of photos along the way so shouldnt be too bad putting her back together.
So its going well so far! and Enjoying it quite alot.
squirrelnest
Lunatic Member
Wow....what a project....keep us posted with pics as to the progress....
electroking
a- v- karma member
OHC was quite exotic in the mid-fifties. I trust you will find it has timing gears,
rather than a chain. However, I would not go too far inside an engine without a
proper service manual. Good luck!
rather than a chain. However, I would not go too far inside an engine without a
proper service manual. Good luck!
Sandy G
Retired Member
What he said...That motor looks kinda like a 1st cousin to a Chevy "Stovebolt" six, which is what a LOT of budding mechanics here in America cut their teeth on... Pretty simple & straightforward, but its STILL a MUST to have a shop manual to fall back on "Just In Case"...
Mattwizz3
Web-er-web user...
Update!
Well we got the head off the other week and everything underneath seems to be in nice condition. The head gasket was blown between the number 6 cylinder and a coolant passageway.
We took the head to a local place and unfortunately it fails a pressure test because the valves don't seal properly. So they are cleaning it up and inspecting it for cracks and will let us know whats going on with it, hopefully it isn't totally shot! A new head would be tricky to find. The engine block looks good though, and the cylinder walls are like new.
I have a quick question, whats sort of preparation do you need to do to the mating surfaces for the engine block and head gasket and what should I watch for?
BUGGER, too late.... what have I done! They all seem to be the same length? I didnt even think of that when I removed them:sigh:
Well the interior is all out too, the floors are 99.5% rust free, just a bit in the boot which dosent go through and a few pinholes in the spare wheel well. We discovered that its not an 2 speed semi-auto but a fully fledged column shift manual which is good news because it will be much better to drive but TERRIBLE because its a damn column shift... 4 on the floor would have been better. So I gotta learn to drive again. So, now were just waiting for the head to be ready and working on cleaning up everything else.
Well we got the head off the other week and everything underneath seems to be in nice condition. The head gasket was blown between the number 6 cylinder and a coolant passageway.
We took the head to a local place and unfortunately it fails a pressure test because the valves don't seal properly. So they are cleaning it up and inspecting it for cracks and will let us know whats going on with it, hopefully it isn't totally shot! A new head would be tricky to find. The engine block looks good though, and the cylinder walls are like new.
I have a quick question, whats sort of preparation do you need to do to the mating surfaces for the engine block and head gasket and what should I watch for?
When you pull the push rods, organize them in order so they go back in the same location. Been there.
Good luck with the Humber, we're waiting for the action shots and a 1/4 mile time.
BUGGER, too late.... what have I done! They all seem to be the same length? I didnt even think of that when I removed them:sigh:
Well the interior is all out too, the floors are 99.5% rust free, just a bit in the boot which dosent go through and a few pinholes in the spare wheel well. We discovered that its not an 2 speed semi-auto but a fully fledged column shift manual which is good news because it will be much better to drive but TERRIBLE because its a damn column shift... 4 on the floor would have been better. So I gotta learn to drive again. So, now were just waiting for the head to be ready and working on cleaning up everything else.
Not all that surprised about the valves not sealing great, assuming there's no cracks it should be a simple matter to lap them in and get them to seal again.
The mating surfaces need to be smooth, clean, and flat. Smooth and clean are usually fairly easy and can be done by eye, flatness will require a straightedge and some feeler gauges. If the head is still good see if the shop working on it will check for flatness, it should be basically free if they're already working on it. The trickier part is going to be determining what is "flat enough" without a service manual. Worse comes to worse if you can find a manual for any straight 6 of roughly the same vintage it should get you in the ballpark.
Of course the above advice assumes no cracks in the block, look VERY closely at the thinest sections of the cylinder walls (i.e. between the cylinders and between the cylinders and any nearby coolant/oil passages).
Good luck!
Doc Zinger
Well-Known Member
As long as the head is already in the machine shop I would have them surface it and also do a full valve job not a lap job. Seats and guides most likely need work, the springs also will need to be checked and most likely replaced.
Have the shop make sure the valves and seats are appropriate for unleaded gas. If not, they can install new seats and valves without much trouble.
Mattwizz3
Web-er-web user...
Well its taken long enough but a couple of days ago I called the shop and they told me the exhaust valves were burnt and ruined and all 6 would need to be replaced. I tracked down some new ones.... and $192 later I delivered the valves myself. They showed me the old ones and sure enough they were pretty screwed and there wasn't enough left of them to re-face them. I just finished talking to the boss on the phone and I've decided to go ahead and get the valve seats converted for unleaded. 2 of the exhaust valves are going to need to be modified as I couldnt get 6 exact matches. Looking forward to getting it all done!
Its going to be a total beast!
Its going to be a total beast!