Who can pour new Babbitts in the PNW?

[OldGold360]

I am looking for someone in the PNW that does Babbitt work. Does anybody know anyone?

Thanks

[ursus]

Originally Posted by OldGold360

I am looking for someone in the PNW that does Babbitt work. Does anybody know anyone?

Thanks

Good question! Bill Barlow in Bend, Oregon was the go-to guy for many of us but he has since transferred his tools and expertise on to a son or grandson but that person has been reportedly too busy with work and family to get things going again.

[CarlG]

Bill Barlow was our "Go-To" guy as well.

[Tacoma Bob]

The last I heard, was a fellow north of Seattle on the I-5 corridor. I have no contact information.

[jgriffin]

If you are in the Spokane Wa area I have only found one guy. Rick Carnegie with Strong Engine. Sending a motor there next week!

[1930artdeco]

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I believe there is someone near Vancouver BC, but I will have to verify.

Mike

[OldGold360]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. I’m half tempted to try pouring these myself. I have a lot of metalworking and machining experience. It seems right up my alley.

[stevests]

Can't be in a hurry if it's going to Spokane !

[rotorwrench]

There is some special tooling needed to properly form the babbitt, to cut the oil grooves, and to resize the end product due to shrinkage. After that, a person needs the proper machine equipment to cut the bore properly in relation with the camshaft to fit the crankshaft that's going in there. It helps a to have a lot of previous experience any time a person attempts things of this nature. It's a complicated process for sure.

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

There is some special tooling needed to properly form the babbitt, to cut the oil grooves, and to resize the end product due to shrinkage. After that, a person needs the proper machine equipment to cut the bore properly in relation with the camshaft to fit the crankshaft that's going in there. It helps a to have a lot of previous experience any time a person attempts things of this nature. It's a complicated process for sure.

Of course it’s complicated… but not impossible.

[rotorwrench]

I don't know where impossible came from? Folks have been doing it for well over a century. Those that learn how to do this procedure well, learn from those that are good at it. I was only suggesting that a person needs the proper equipment and knowledge as well as the skill set. A poor job of it won't last.

[40 Deluxe]

As of a few years ago i was told that a shop in Nampa or Caldwell, Idaho (not Iowa:}) poured Babbitt. I don't have a name but a search for machine shops online should find a shop who knows. Joe's Machine Shop in Boise (a very old shop) may know.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by OldGold360

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. I’m half tempted to try pouring these myself. I have a lot of metalworking and machining experience. It seems right up my alley.

It's not that hard once you get everything set up. My dad taught me when I was in high school on a 59 Ford Anglia I had. We had a big adjustable reamer that we finished it with. https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.a...o_ford_prefect

[ursus]

I just dug up a business card that I got from a guy named Tom Godish at the Portland Swap Meet a few years ago. He seemed pretty knowledgeable about Model A Fords and said he was pouring babbitt mains and doing general engine work. His business name is Model A Ford Works. Does anybody have experience with him?

[41plym]

I've dealt with Tom a couple of times.
Seems like a good guy.

[OldGold360]

Rick at Strong Engine in Spokane said he can do the Babbitts. Thanks

[stevests]

Did you inquire as to how long is the lead time ?

[OldGold360]

No, I didn’t ask. It’ll probably take me a month or two before I can make it to Spokane. It’s about a 5.5 hour trip for me. I’m tempted to just do it myself.

[ursus]

Alan Schurman had his "Iron Ranch" somewhere around Ridgefield, WA. until his passing a few years ago. He was a mechanical wizard, had a massive collection of old stuff, did babbitting and machine work. I wonder who took possession of his babbitting equipment?

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by ursus

Alan Schurman had his "Iron Ranch" somewhere around Ridgefield, WA. until his passing a few years ago. He was a mechanical wizard, had a massive collection of old stuff, did babbitting and machine work. I wonder who took possession of his babbitting equipment?

Ridgefield is about an hour from me. Hopefully his tooling got into good hands.