Anyone recommend an engine builder in Bristol/N. Somerset?

[Drew400]

Hi all,

Now that I have a big pile of cleaned and new parts, I'm wondering if I have bitten off more than I can chew.

Originally, I was thinking about putting it all back together, but talk on this forum of new bearings, plastiguage, etc. makes me wonder if my hand needs holding by someone who's done it before.

Can you recommend anyone who can help me? I don't want to ship all my parts to a workshop and then pick up a shiny completed unit. Much of the fun is doing it ones-self and learning in the process (as pretty much everyone on this forum will understand). That said, I don't want to make some elementary mistake that ruins the whole thing for lack of half an ounce of experience!

Views/suggestions (for Bristol/North Somerset area) much appreciated.

Cheers, D.

[Trigger]

Don't worry Drew, we are here to hold you hand. Well give you all the advise you need. I have been building Honda engines for some 26 years now. So get your camera out and take some pic's. Then post them and we will advise.
 

[Clem2112]

Cash ,  enthusiasm, time...... All,that you need.
Plus a list of good suppliers for paint and plating etc....

[Trigger]

Paint is cheap. Loads of money is vapour blasting the engine but, it is a top finish.

[JamesH]

Trig, quick question about vapour blasting..a) who do you use and b) is it safe on bearing surfaces in heads (cam journal area)?

[Trigger]

I use T&L engineering. Most people do not realize that all the corrosion needs to be removed first. This can be done by soda blasting the engine first. Vapour blasting is basically aqua blasting with a media mixed in. It is no good on journal areas but, if you soda blast first then reassemble the casings and plug before vapour it turns out OK. 

[JamesH]

Thanks Trig, good to know. So do T&L do both the soda and vapour blasting.?

[Trigger]

Yes, they start off with putting the engine in the steam cleaner. Than strip, before another steam clean. Soda blast then vapour.
Very nice finish

[K2-K6]

It's always good to start any engine strip with a proper steam clean.....it makes sense to me to clean all the crap off before you even begin to take it apart and if you are doing it yourself you can crack all the external bolts and screws while it's hot to help you get them started.

[Bryanj]

Given ther correct notice and a following wind I can rebuild the engine for you (2 miles from junction 12 M5) but i cannot get involved in blasting/cleaning/painting

[Drew400]

Hi all and thank you for your words of comfort.

I've done some top-end work and general repairs but it's the bottom-end that gives me concern. That said, armed with your support and answers to as yet unasked questions, I'm sure that I can get this old girl runmning again. She's run pretty sweetly for the past three years but losing oil from all quarters and covered in (40) years of grime.

As the photos below attest, I'm past the cleaning stage (thanks to Griff's Reality Motor Works' vapour skills and a brilliant young painter who specialises in classic Aston Martins(!) at Somerset/start-up/artisan rates... anyone interested, let me know).

I'll upload more stuff as I progress.

Cheers,

D.

[JamesH]

Wow that paint looks awesome. Def interested in his details.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Plus 1 with James looks great nice work.What did that cost?
Cheers
Bitsa

[AshimotoK0]

Plus 1 with James looks great nice work.What did that cost?
Cheers
Bitsa

Plus 1 from me too on the painter !

Cheers ... AshD

[Trigger]

That is what i call a good vapour finish. The tank and panels look spot on Drew.