by Donnie Hurt | Jul 14, 2025 | BLOCK WORK
When I’m boring a block, I draw a little line on the micrometer with a felt tip, once it’s set. This way I can see at a glance that I haven’t inadvertently loosened the lock screw and/or changed the setting. You don’t really have to focus in on...
by Donnie Hurt | Jul 14, 2025 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
In order to correctly locate and drill a small block Chevy block for an O.E. cam thrust plate, we made a jig from an aluminum leaf spring bushing. It locates in the cam bearing bore, and the top is machined for the I.D. of the thrust plate. It works like a charm! Rich...
by Donnie Hurt | Jul 7, 2025 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
When I’m balancing a crank and need to add Mallory-metal, I chuck a marker or paint pen into the drill and peck a mark on the counterweight. Once I remove the crank to go to the mill to drill through the side, I have a nice reference for where to center the hole. Big...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 18, 2025 | TOOLING
You can use a magnetic base from a dial indicator stand to hold your work while grinding parts like thin cover plates on a disc sander. It saves your fingertips. Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 18, 2025 | ASSEMBLY
Here’s a tip on painting around installed plugs on a fresh bare block. I use old paper tubes. I split them longways, cut to the desired length, and made a slit to overlap with the required I.D. of what I want to mask. In the cam tunnel, I use a paint can lid. Big Don...
