An update to the search of a 356 block......

After many months of searching, I was able to find a replacement block that fit the criteria of being very early 1940.........casting date of 06 29 39 with a serial number of C500140. It was in great shape with the exception of a scored cylinder wall.
After the block was chemically stripped, magnafluxed, it was determined that a simple sleeve would repair the score and the balance of cylinders were bored .030 over to fit a new set of pistons.

Today I was able to partially disassemble the original motor and will finally be able to continue with the project.

One question that I have is the removal of the plugs in the oil galley. I would be much more comfortable removing them and provide a through cleaning of the channels prior to the rebuild.

Any recommendations on removal? Heat? They appear to be very very tight as I was unable to budge them with a punch and hammer. Amy input would be greatly appreciated.

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Howard,
Thank you for the input and the link.....I read through the bulletin and it appears to be a very involved and a major ordeal.

I'm looking for a swap that will involve very few mods as I will continue to search for an early "40's " block.

Any experience or input would be appreciated.
Regards,

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate the input.
Dave, sorry for the confusion....I reread my post and I was confused!
I'm just looking for a suitable replacement (without a lot of modifications) that I can drive reliably.
I got hung up on complete originality, but after thinking about, I decided it wouldn't really matter.

Since I am having little luck finding a replacement block that would keep it in the same time period, I thought I would head in a different direction.
Since the restoration will be a touring driver, I thought about going with a later year motor that has various improvements.

I know in '41 the valve train was improved, but my question is at what is the latest year that will swap without major modifications? How many years post-war can I look for a replacement motor?
I've lost about 6 months on my rebuild trying to find an early '40 motor, so I'm exploring other options?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

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Thanks Guys for the response..........I'm concerned about the repair holding up under expansion and contraction.
If it leaks, there will be anti-freeze into the intake.

I'm convinced that someone drilled through the water pump mounting hole and into the chamber of the intake.
I drilled it out , tapped for a set screw and sealed it with JB Weld............

I'm just not confident with it holding up.

Still looking...running out of leads

Unfortunately, it's time...........
For sale is my 1937 Convertible Coupe. The car is in great shape after completing a complete body off restoration about 5 years ago.
I am believed to be the 4th owner as history is told that the car was purchased and delivered to a gentleman in Wash. DC.
It was purchased in the early 60's from the original owner who was the chauffeur the the Speaker of the House, William Bankhead from the state of AL. His daughter, Tulula Bankhead was well known in the theater circles.

$78,500 For additional details, please feel free to contact me
sapuckette@gmail.com
Below is a link for additional photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RyHD3AL4PC9qrreT6

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Steve,
Thanks for asking.........
There are three issues that I have concerns about. Two of them have to do with my idiosyncrasies, but the third one really concerns me. I've attached photos of the three areas.

The first one is some type of block repair with brass. The second one appears to have patched a leaking water jacket.
They do not concern me currently as the engine ran fine when I pulled it out.

However, the third one gives me concern, When I started cleaning out the water jackets, I noticed a small amount of water in the intake chamber of #1. A small pinhole internal to the water jacket was leaking into the intake side. It is odd because it was directly in line with one the water pump bolts.
Anyway, I drilled it out and tapped 5/16 -24 hole and plugged it with a set screw and sealed the threads with JB Weld.

I'm going to continue to work on the motor, but I'm very concerned it's not going hold up.

Regards,

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I promise that it does get used almost daily!

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A potential issue with the existing motor has me in search of a replacement block.

I'm looking for an early 1940 356 Block. The closer to "C500051" the better................


Thanks again,

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