Take a look at this repaired Bell housing

Hello I've stumbled across a b o p manual aluminum bell housing. The poster says that it appears to be professionally repaired but what do you guys think. Is this something you would pass on?

You know me just trying to save a buck but for 75 bucks I don't want this to turn into a nightmare, I would like this part just to have it for future projects.

 

loos like a type of lump welding to me.

 

I can't imagine why anyone would take the time to fix that. Like Jason said, they're too cheap not to just get another one. But if you want to know if it's good, pick it up with one finger and flick it with another like ringing a bell. If it rings, it's good. If it doesn't it's still cracked somewhere.

 

Whoever welded that does not have much experience or knowledge in welding aluminum. A nice aluminum welded seam should look like a stack of dimes on edge, as my aluminum welding guy says.
I wouldn't buy it, you'll probably be sorry later if you do.


Keith

 

Thanks Jason, Stewart, Goldie, and Keith. You guys really saved my pocket today. Sorry for the late reply but I had a full day.

I have seen those welds you speak of Keith that look like stacked up dimes. This looks more like that fire cracker the snake lol.

So I'll pass on this and at least I learned something today.

Goldie, that's a great logical tip.

 

That was probably done with a spool gun on a Mig. Sort of tough to get the same "stack o dimes" look that is achieved with a Tig. However it will probably work with no problems. If I'd done the repair , would have taken the time to clean it up and make it look somewhat presentable

 

How does one know if it will connect flush with the engine when doing a repair like this? Would they have to butt weld or tack it down while on the engine still?

 

All the more reason to be cautious about buying items like this. I am a bargain hunter myself and always on the lookout for a great deal, but I tend to pass on deals that look like that bell housing does. Seems like I get burnt more times than not when buying stuff like that.


Keith

 

the mating surface sitting flat on the concrete. I dont see any warpage in the pictures I'd clean it up and run it. use it as a bargaining chip and get it down to 50.00

 

Ronnie,
I just sold one,but I might have another. Mine aren’t damaged. I just need to make sure I don’t sell the one from my own car.

 

Thanks everybody. Keith I've also been burned one to many times.
Brizz I like the way you think

Brian, keep me updated Bud

 

There's others out there.
The only way to tell what's up would be to mount it to a block and indicate the bore and the face from the crank.
Not sure if I'd set it on concrete but a machine bed (mill, lathe, grinder) or inspection granite would do.
No way I'd take a chance just based on losing inspection time.
Even if it checked out fine would you trust a good hard powershift or deal with a clutch/ trans operation problem?

 

Your right. Like always, thanks for your input

 

I bought a Pontiac bell housing for $35. If you’re looking to save money and don’t care about numbers (or running a Pontiac part).

 

I didn’t get any bolts and it was painted Pontiac blue so I had to get all that off which was a pain. You might of won

 

The 581 was used on a variety of BOP cars.

 

Yeah, that welding job is pretty bad.