Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Hi All,
Was wondering what folks are using for pouring Model A Main Caps. I have been using the Wilson pouring fixture for the block and adapted for the caps but seems a bit clunky, there must be a better way for pouring caps. Thinking separate fixture? It is also difficult to tell (because you can't see) when the proper temperature for the tinned forged caps have been reached.
Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks, Steve

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Steve, we are using the Storm Vulcan ICF casting fixture for main caps and connecting rods but that set-up might be too expensive and cumbersome for the quantity of caps you are likely going to do simply because it is for production work.


I may have some surplus mandrels that I can sell if you are interested. PM me your e-mail address if you are interested and I will send some pix of what I have.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

That is unusually generous.

During my son's scouting days, one of the other adult leaders had a business down in Seabrook making industrial "chain" - the sort that various mechanical machines use, particularly automated vending machines. You know the one, you put in your money and push the button and the selector automatically goes to the location on an x-y grid and receives the product you bought and delivers it to the pickup door. A scout "This is your father's business world" field trip brought us to his door.

While we were there this mechanical engineer is scanning the equipment: much of his tooling was developed during the "flat belt era" of machinery and at least one machine was over 125 years old. All very interesting, antiques in their own right, and remarkable that they could still earn the owner a pretty good living.

Another thing I saw were "pallets" on the sideline shelving of the shop, each containing a similar machine perhaps only differing in details to what he had running at the moment on the shop floor.

"So what do you do with all the machines up on the sidelines - do they make a different size link or something of particular use but no current demand?"

"No" he says, "Those are my competitors machines I bought when he decided to retire. There are very few producers of mechanical chain in this market and I protect my market niche by buying up machines which otherwise might be used to compete against me."

One assumes they were bought for relatively small money compared to what it would be to develop such a machine from new, plus someone retiring isn't necessarily all that interested in a tremendous profit from such machines - they've already made the money.

And perhaps the seller supported someone else with which whom he had some empathy.

Good luck with the deal. Yes, it probably supports the hobby in the big picture. One of the downsides of specialization in today's world is that once the market need for that specialization is past - the information on what it takes to make that specialization work passes too. Maybe forever.

And that is too bad. Humanity shouldn't have to reinvent the wheel continually.

Joe K

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

I made some molds that I use for the caps. I included some pictures along with the double lipped ladle that I use to pour both sides of the rear main mold cap and all the mains on the block. They may not look professional but they work just fine.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Interesting setup, do you have to pack the fixture with Mold Pac to prevent the babbitt from leaking out between the cap and fixture? I can see how it would be easier to heat and monitor the cap temp for pouring.

Steve

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

There is minimal leakage. Just requires a little cleanup. I usually do a couple dozen small caps at a time. Once set up, it is quite efficient but hot. Noticed that I am out of caps and summer is here. Think I’ll finish rebuilding the front end on my pickup. Installed new king pins in 1964. Can’t believe they’re worn out.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Inferior quality?

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Another option;
https://www.modeltfordclubofamerica....tt+mold#p26438
Gene French makes a mold for the caps.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Must be Vintique:)

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Bought them from Montgomery Wards. Good quality, just suffering from neglect.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Steve,have you talked to Rick Laplant in Amesbury? He might come up with something for you.I had a Gene French rig,and I had a box of molds and dams for A,B,and V8's.i traded the whole pile to Warrens Vintage Fords in Acton Maine.He sold it all to a young fellow that felt he might want to try pouring.He started reading and doing his homework,and decided it was not something he really wanted to be doing.I can't remember the guys name,but there are people on here that know him,maybe somebody will chime in.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

Keith,
Yes I know Rick well, he bought out Rick Knights Model A equipment. I know Rick pours his motors standing on end. Rick Knights father was a machinist and developed those tools.

My block is poured and ready to line bore, just hunting for a better solution for the main caps before I start boring and fitting the crank.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

John,
How did you make the mandrel? Steel, aluminum? cut in half..
Steve

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

It is 1.5” aluminum rod. Cut off center to account for the saw kerf. Still maintained the diameter. In Wichita we have “The Yard Store” which deals in a lot of aircraft surplus, thus a lot of aluminum.

Re: Model A Main Bearing Cap Molds
 

I pour the rear main caps with the same mold that I use for the block, I believe it is a home made version of the Kwik Way. Simple Aluminum mandrel, center section milled down to 1/2 diameter, shaft collar on each end to form end thrust, plate on top to pour thru, pins thru bolt holes to align, 1 bolt to hold it together. Works well, easy to handle and heat. Front and center caps I use a "Hub City High speed Babbitting Fixture" I traded for a few years ago, I can pour up a years worth of caps in a couple hours. Don't use it for the rears as it is not very handy to do the end thrusts.


Mark