I sent a set of outers for DL's 69 to Restoration Specialties to reproduce. Hoping for a good product, will let everyone know how it goes.
No. I usually just get what I can find, and never have an issue. But none of the ones I have ever gotten have the little 90 degree turn at the back edge of the door. BUT Rich Johns showed me how to make that turn on a generic set....so I'll be doing that on my 70-72 sets from now on.
Made some further progress. Top installed from doner car, plus doors and windows. Adjusting the 4 windows is quite the process. But all is good now. On to the interior.
A bit more progress. New TA front cover arrived, so back to engine work. New oil pump dialed in with TA booster plate and TA's shim kit - 60psi sitting on the stand. Mated back to TH350 and back in its home after 6mos on the stand.
Sharing news of a setback on the restoration. Did the test fire over the weekend. Lots of knocking in the engine. Thought maybe I got the timing way off or fuel mixture too lean. Spent a few minutes double checking timing and fuel mixture. No change. Shut it down. Less than 5mins run time. I have built more than a few engines in my time, but have never experienced this before. Immediately I start reviewing the build steps over and over in my head, questioning what I did wrong. Also thinking about the fact that I had to interrupt the build because of parts being on backorder. The assembled short block sat covered on the stand in the corner of the shop for over 3mos waiting on backordered parts. Did I missing something from the time I stopped until I was able to re-start? So frustrating. Pulled the engine yesterday and disassembled it today. Found the problem and confirmed it with a call to TA. They sent me pistons for a 340 instead of a 350. This was causing the knocking because of the 0.050in extra slop in the bore. And, because of the extra piston to wall clearance, two pistons had the upper oil ring roll out of their groove. Luckily the run time was so short there is no damage to the bores, only some very light scuffing. To be clear, I am not upset with TA. They do a lot to support the Buick community, and I do appreciate it. Plus, mistakes happen. That's life. What was surprising, and frankly a little disappointing, was their unwillingness to help out with any break on the price of the new/correct pistons. I surely wasn't expecting to get them for free. I understand I own at least 50% responsibility for not checking/measuring the pistons before installing them. But to take the position they hold no responsibility at all was surprising - and expensive for me. I've already spent ~$4k with TA on this restoration (I say 'this restoration' because another is coming right behind it - details to come in the next few wks). Now I am spending another $450 on pistons, $65 on rings, block headed back to the machine shop for a quick re-hone & clean, and cost to have the new pistons hung on the rods. Looks like at least another few wks before getting back to where I was on Sunday. Geez, what a week. PS - it seems I have a very slightly used set of 340 pistons available, in case anyone needs them
Like-wise - weird issue! At least the problem is minimal, obvious and "easy" to fix. Its when you can't figure out the problem that drives ya nuts! Good luck!
Yes, I checked each of the ring gaps in the bore. TA sent me the correct 350 rings. In fact, everything on the invoice was for a 350 (intake, front cover, headers, etc). It was only the pistons that got shipped incorrectly.
Wow seems like they should have at least thrown you a bone then. I have never miced pistons prior to install before, guess I learned something yet again on this forum.
I feel your pain, but we don’t live in a perfect world where everyone gets everything perfectly 100% of the time. Checking parts ordered against parts received is ultimately your responsibility sadly. We have all experienced this lesson at one time or another. Also I’ll point out that there’s a big difference between an Engine builder and a person that can bolt parts together, the Builder checks everything, the other just assembles. I’m the latter, and knowing what I am, I at the very least read invoices and check numbers and compatibility before I turn a wrench.
