Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I have seen and have interest in a '31 engine that was supposedly rebuilt and in a crate since 2001. Not that much of a bargain at asking price of $3,000 but it still interest me. The seller says to have inherited the engine from his dad and knows nothing of the rebuilder Terry Chapman.My question is this a well known and reputable name in the Model A engine field ? I do not know even where he is or was mayby Ohio or West Virginia. Thank You.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

My opinion: $3,000 for an unknown engine is a pretty high risk even if Mr. Chapman was a reputable engine builder. You can have a short-block engine built with virtually everything new in it for around $2500.00. (Added later: Plus you would have a warranty and if you rebuilt your engine, you know the history of it.)
Just saying....
Good Day!
Dave in MN

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I think this is pretty much what I have been thinking also.I have a good but worn engine that has never had a rebuild in its 90 years but the engine in question is close to me and already rebabbited.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

Not to be negative but it sounds somewhat like a pig in a poke without any details, paperwork, or guarantee. It might be good but who knows? You wouldn't need to spend much more for a fresh build from a known person and have a guarantee on the work. Well, maybe I am being negative.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

it might sound negative to some folks, but I agree with Flathead.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I've heard stories about Lubriplate assembly lube hardening into basically glue if you just leave the engine for years. At the very least you'd want to remove the oil pan and head to inspect the condition of the moving parts.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

The white Lubriplate grease was designed for use on brake parts, and it will harden after sitting awhile. If I were to buy that engine I would insist that I get to dissemble and inspect it before paying. Just sitting that long should not affect the babbitt in a negative way. The price is reasonable, IMO.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I would not be interested. Much rather put my money and time
Having a motor rebuilt with components I am confident in.
Next question.... are you more interested in a stock motor
or a Touring motor?
Gil. NoCal

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

offer 1500. and buy it as a lottery ticket- if you want to gamble.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I have two engines that were built 50 years ago. Both look like they were put together yesterday inside.
Another engine I bought was in a crate from the 40s,I dropped that in my truck without doing anything to it. Runs like a top! I would pull the head and pan on that one for sale to inspect it. $1500 would be top dollar.
Wick

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

Be wary of mouse nests or insect nests in the water jackets if the engine was stored with the water pipes open. And then to clean out that mess you have to pull the head off.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I would have the head off either before I buy it or shortly after as I have a head I would want to use anyway. The reason I asked or posted this about Terry Chapman was mayby someone would know about him and his use of babbit. Babbit to me is the big thing,55 years ago I was able to drive my '30 roadster to an old Ford mechanics garage just 15 miles away and he pulled the engine,rebabbited,reuilt everything and it ran like a fine watch. Two years ago when I had current engine out no one or at least the flathead Ford rebuilder I have used within 30 miles from me would even look at a babbited engine let alone clean the block because of the babbit.I run the engine that is really a low mileage never rebuilt engine but really screwed up not having at least a valve job done on it before I put it back in car. It runs okay but valves are noisy and it looses a lot of speed on hills. It is not a '31 engine also it is a '29 but also not a big deal. At 75 years old I don't know how many more winters I have to pull and put in another engine.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

I've seen that, the oil migrates out of the lubriplate and leaves the clay behind.

FWIW, I have a glass jar of lubriplate that's been sitting on the shelf for over 40 years, the oil is at the top and the clay is at the bottom. It doesn't take that long to separate.

Re: Terry Chapman Model A engine rebuilder.
 

There was a story in the current issue of Antique Automobile (AACA's publication ) about a 35 Ford that was restored a few years ago. Its engine was rebuilt by Terry Chapman. I think it was in Virginia.