What should I expect to pay for this service? Also, will the pistons need to be pulled for the big end to be done?

 

To recondition the rods the pistons need to be removed.

 

Thanks. Would you happen to have a ballpark figure of what that should set me back

 

I looked at my last eigine I had worked on, and it was all added to a lump sum, of a lot of different things done to the block, which was $400, which was quite a bit of work, so I think the rod resizing was a small amount, like less than $100, more like $75?

 

A $100 seams to be the going rate. That is what I charge.

Gene

 

The question is... Why would you have the rods reconditioned and not bore the block, line hone the mains, true the deck, and recondition the crank?

 

Excellent question. Chris, carefully consider all your options.

Apparently things are more expensive here in Fl. The going rate here is $15.00 per rod to recondition and $5.00 per rod to press the piston on and off. By the time you buy new bolts you're over $200.00.

Now do you see why I'm such an advocate for using aftermarket parts?

 

That seems like a fair price for R&R P's,cleaning & recon. Actually $5.00 to R&R P's is on the low side.

No (quality) engine rebuild would be complete with out this procedure.

 

All the block and crank work has been done. I bought the pistons pressed on rods from someone that wanted higher compression pistons and h beam rods. They pistons are in excellent condition, appears the motor may not have even been broken in. Since the bolts look original and the condition of the rod is something I cannot eyeball, I want to make sure of it before installation.

 

Oh...

 

Hey csouth; You can have a machine shop check the rods with the p's on. As far as the bolts go, if you are going to replace them please do not attempt this with out reconditioning them(rods). Too many times people do this with out reallizing the consequences.

 

Thanks. I will have them checked before I have the work done. I would hate to pay for something that is not necessary.

 

Clarification time. I think you guys are confusing "resizing" with "reconditioning". There is absolutely no reason that you can not replace the rod bolts and resize the big end of the rods to fit your crank journal with the pistons on. Done it many times, no biggie. Cost should be $100 +/- Now, to "recondition", shot peen, resize, etc, yes, the pistons need to come off. Plus, there is is the issue of balancing, in which case the rods and pistons need to be separated.

 

You are right Cap'n. I guess it just seems like wasted time to me to have the crank end of a connecting rod "resized" without have the entire rod "reconditioned."

 

64Rocket, Do you personally know of a good Olds-knowledgable machine shop in the Central Texas area? I have a '71 455 that I'll be installing in my '62 Ford pick-up. I'd really like to send my block, heads and rotating assy. to a good shop, one of the few greats that I see on the site, like yourself, but checking on shipping prices has changed my mind. Even prior to leaving and going over-seas f/ 6 years, returning recently, I wasn't aware of any Olds "masters" machine shops around here. Any suggestions would be seriously appreciated. Thanks in advance.