How To: 1944 Chev HUW restoration

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Without a heated garage winter slows things down.

However I'm happy to report the 216 engine is undergoing an expert (no, more than expert) overhaul and so far there has been nothing but good news. A company called the Filling Station in Lebanon Oregon had been magnificent in providing parts...highly recommended.

The plan is to assemble the complete engine on a test stand and run it before putting it in the HUW.

A nice inside job was rebuilding the correct Carter W-1 carburetor. What are the chances that I remember where all these parts go and I don't have one or two left over? That seems to be the way...

Note also the Carter marketing on the cover: CAR bure TER ...very clever!!!

[David Dunlop]

Nice to see work proceeding, Bruce.

Well done and stay warm!

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

The HUW's 216 is being overhauled by a master mechanic friend. His work is impeccable and much appreciated!!! A big shout out to the Filling Station in Lebanon, Oregon that was able to provide gaskets, rings and a bunch of other parts. Highly recommended.

[Bob Carriere]

Nice job Bruce...... did you get it machined for inserts or done in babbitt?

Sad to say there are no rebuilder shops left in the Ottawa area anymore.... now some will claim to do it all but it is usually just the re-assembly as most of the dirty work ( cleaning, magflux and machining) is sent to GTA or Mtl.....and guess who pays for the shipping!!!! So scary stories about not getting back exactly the same parts......like rod caps restamped with new numbers.

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

Sad to say there are no rebuilder shops left in the Ottawa area anymore....

Same here, it is a fast disappearing skill set and the situation will only get worse as EV's take over.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

Same here, it is a fast disappearing skill set and the situation will only get worse as EV's take over.

Agreed, just wait until they ban gas engines and gas itself. Even if gas is around for the clunkers it will be ethanol and many $$$$ per litre.

[Bob Carriere]

Proprietory "Coleman" naphta can at CTC.....3.7 liters.... not even a full gal. sells for 29.95,,,, I plan on eating my wieners cold next summer!!!

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

Nice job Bruce...... did you get it machined for inserts or done in babbitt?

Sad to say there are no rebuilder shops left in the Ottawa area anymore.... now some will claim to do it all but it is usually just the re-assembly as most of the dirty work ( cleaning, magflux and machining) is sent to GTA or Mtl.....and guess who pays for the shipping!!!! So scary stories about not getting back exactly the same parts......like rod caps restamped with new numbers.

Original babbit (my second block is machined for inserts, that was Plan B), fiber timing gears (here's hoping for the best) and the head was rebuilt with all new guides. My master mechanic numbered everything (even the lifters) so everything will go back where it came from. One of the rocker arm bushings was loose (how??? why???) but that's an easy replacement from my 216 spares shelf. The engine is a CMP one and obviously re-done at some point (there's gobs of red silicone gasket sealer...they must have used a case of the stuff) but the engine is stock size and has virtually no wear. Just tar in the crank case and a broken oil scraper.

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

The HUW's 216 is being overhauled by a master mechanic friend. His work is impeccable and much appreciated!!! A big shout out to the Filling Station in Lebanon, Oregon that was able to provide gaskets, rings and a bunch of other parts. Highly recommended.

Are you fitting a Aluminium timing gear ? I have been told these Al. gears are noisy but at least they are reliable unlike the original fibre timing gears Been two cases of a CCKW stripping it's timing gear during the Corowa MV event , one of these breakdowns occurred during the return trip home in 1980.

The valve guides in these 216 need to be in good shape, the engine will sound noisy and will not run smoothly if the guides are worn. Don't ask me how I know this ! Lesson learnt.