Lichtmann

Hi everyone

It has been a while since i introduced myself in the newbie thread.

I´m now rebuilding my 58 371 engine.
When i got the car the engine paint was in a good condition. But i wonder that there were no "oldsmobile rocket" letters on the valve covers.
The engine obviously has gone through a rebuild once, since every piston and rod has a number stamp.

Did every 58 371 had these valve cover letters by default?
The car was assembled in South Gate, CA. Does this make a difference in labeling or any other changes?

Tedd Thompson

I don't know about a 58 but all 54-56's had them stenciled on them from the factory. I had a 57 years ago but for the life of me can't remember if they were there or not. Some one here who has a 371 should be able to answer your question.....Tedd

pete324rocket

Numbers on the bearing caps sounds familiar, don't recall pistons though. Most rebuilders are more likely to peen the numbers of dots to represent a number rather than having their own stamp number set.

Lichtmann

Tedd

I thought about getting these stickers from Dr. Decal
http://www.drdecal.com/viewitem.php?productid=606

Stenciled means it was actually paint?

If so it might be best, cause closest to original style, if i order just one sticker and make an it inverted template for painting?


Pete

I bought the car with no known history. Pistons, rods and the area of the block where the pan bolts on are stamped with cylinder NUMBERS!

The brackets oft the rocker arm shaft was marked with dots like you describe. Seems there were more people/ shops involved over the time.
Thanks for the hint.
I´m excited of the upcoming storys the car will tell

pete324rocket

Personally, I would make the effort and hand paint mine. I lucked out and had a big can of industrial yellow on the shelf(1956 letters) and with the green to fix up the mistakes later,it looked correct-would a sticker be too perfect? Picture is from the Fusick catalog....

Tedd Thompson

Ya, but his engine will be gold and he will not have anything to trace over. Mine were hand painted over the old letters also using One Shot lettering enamel #130 which is a match to the old color but I don't think that would be the color they would use on a gold engine....Just thinking....Tedd

citcapp

Lichtmann

pete

"would a sticker be too perfect?"
thought about that too. But to be honest i like perfection. And i can live without paint drips and pours like it came from the factory. This grade of originality is not on my mind.
I´m just worried that the stickers may have a gloss that i don´t like. They are made of Vinyl and you may see that. Nobody except a geek will ever care again if its painted or glued. But me.

Not sure if i like to get them from fusick. I read another thread on this board where everybody praised the quality of marks dr. decal sticker work. They are a little more expensive but maybe fusick also get them there. Who knows.


citcapp

This is how it should look like in the near future.
Exept mine is now painted with the VHT sp404 gold enamel.
The Picture above cought my attention some months ago. Here you got a "Golden Rocket".
This is just a joke cause of the nickname of the engines, right?

Lichtmann

Hi

Found out that the check valve located in line before the vacuum canister and the brake booster is leaking a little.
See picture.
The steel line goes to the carb and the rubber hose to the booster and canister.
When i suck at the steel end air passes trough as it should.
But when i blow in you can hear a little bit of air passing through the valve into the rubber hose.

I didn´t open it yet cause i don´t know what i´ve got to expet inside. Don´t want to have springs flying trough the room.

I can´t find a nos replacement.
Is it possible to just put in another check valve in the rubber line?
So i could use the original steel line and the valve for the look and let the new valve do the job right.

Does anybody of you have experience with that?
Any recommendations for valves?

What specifications besides flange diameter do i have to pay attention?
I think it should handle a vacuum up to 25-30" hg
Anything else?