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Hot Rods Rocket Help

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by modagger, Jan 10, 2022.

  1. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    Greetings Oh Fount of Knowledge!

    I’m searching for my next project and I’ve found one that piques my interest. I have a concern that I need guidance on.

    The owner has had it for ten years, the previous owner had it for five. I’m told that the engine and transmission were “new”. Now I’m going out on a limb here and assuming that “new” means rebuilt.

    The present owner has never had it running and told me the carbs have never had gas in them. He says that it is approximately 192 hp. 3C510004-D1EC-4B6C-ABCA-F757A8A0EE00.png

    So, my concern is: should I be concerned about it sitting for at least five, possibly more years without being run?

    Thanks in advance for the avalanche of worthy schooling to come.

    be well
    Jeff
     
    GordonC likes this.
  2. I'd go for it. Squirt some oil in the spark plugs holes and put a socket and breaker bar on the crank bolt. See if it is free, or doesn't take much effort to get it free.

    Other ideas?

    Maybe @Paul has suggestions.
     
    Just Gary and modagger like this.
  3. twenty8
    Joined: Apr 8, 2021
    Posts: 2,318

    twenty8
    Member

    Maybe..........
    If the intake and exhaust had been sealed I would be more optimistic.
    If not, a little oil in the plug holes regularly and the engine spun, either on the starter or by hand, makes a big difference during long storage periods.
    Is it a lemon??? You will just have to suck it and see................;)
     
    modagger likes this.
  4. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    The brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders are probably bad, and will need to be replaced. I know you said no gas in carbs, but if that info is wrong the carbs may need to be gone through. From the pictures the stock fuel pump is not plumbed up to the carbs or tank.
     
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  5. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    There are no wheel cylinders or master installed yet. So thankfully that’s not a concern.
     
  6. Can't help on the question, but I give you extra points for spelling piques correctly. :)
     
    ClayMart, Truck64, pprather and 2 others like this.
  7. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    :p
     
  8. twenty8
    Joined: Apr 8, 2021
    Posts: 2,318

    twenty8
    Member

    "Were new" a decade or more ago does not necessarily mean all is good now. How well was the engine sealed up for all that time? What climate/conditions was it stored in? I would be using it as a bargaining point for the sale price because it is you that will be taking all the risk. Also factor in for all hoses, belts, filters, etc to be replaced, and everything else to be gone through and checked, and possibly repaired or replaced. Best of luck with it, and I hope it works in your favour.
     
    modagger likes this.
  9. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    It is a “project” and I don’t mind, actually look forward to doing whatever is necessary to complete it, but I am leery of getting into something with the “unknown” condition of the engine.
    We’ll see.
     
    pprather likes this.
  10. twenty8
    Joined: Apr 8, 2021
    Posts: 2,318

    twenty8
    Member

    I guess the price should be the decider. "Worst case scenario" is always a safe approach.
     
  11. GordonC
    Joined: Mar 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,141

    GordonC
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'd oil it up and get it to spin over. If it turns ok I might try to fire it up but it wouldn't take much to pull that down and check it out and put all new gaskets in if ok. I have seen that car in the classifieds and that to me is a pretty fair asking price for whats there.
     
    modagger likes this.
  12. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,382

    Paul
    Editor

    Looks like a very early 303, '49-'50
    No number on the head and wire dip stick.
    Of course that may not mean much.
    Are there receipts for the work done?
     
  13. I've never understood how a guy can bolt a fresh engine in a car, apparently ready to run with a little gas and a hot wire, and not want to start it. Makes no sense to me.
     
  14. leon bee
    Joined: Mar 15, 2017
    Posts: 798

    leon bee
    Member

    5 or 10 years ain't what it used to be. Based on that photo, buy it!
     
    modagger likes this.
  15. nochop
    Joined: Nov 13, 2005
    Posts: 3,818

    nochop
    Member
    from norcal

    Looks like it has a mag on it
     
  16. twenty8
    Joined: Apr 8, 2021
    Posts: 2,318

    twenty8
    Member

    I think it looks ok too, and would probably take the risk............ But without receipts or proof, it is just that.... a risk.
    Meh........sometimes you land in clover, sometimes you land in shit....;)
     
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  17. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,382

    Paul
    Editor

    Looks like a Mallory Double Life dual point two piece cap distributor to me.
    Also see a starter switch over.
    If the price was right I'd buy it.
     
  18. I wonder if that mechanical oil pressure gauge is a recent addition, it does have residual oil in the line.
    Advertised as "new"...receipts should be available, at least for the internal engine parts, and/or machine work.
     
    modagger likes this.
  19. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,061

    PhilA
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. Hydro Tech

    It was spun over at least once in it's history. It looks like it made oil pressure, gauging by the plastic line. It might not be totally rusty.

    Flip a coin if it makes it easier to decide, but you might want to pick the loaded coin.

    Edit: beaten by a fraction by @40FORDPU
     
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  20. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    There are receipts. It’s only about a three hour road trip for me one way so I’ll be going to take a look.
     
  21. nochop
    Joined: Nov 13, 2005
    Posts: 3,818

    nochop
    Member
    from norcal

    Cool, looks like a fresh start
     
  22. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I don't see what the problem is, unless he wants an outrageous price. I bought a '51 Mercury engine that had been sitting upside down in a mud puddle and brought it home. It turned over, so I put some MMO in it and stored it under the stairs in my shop for 15 years. I've been driving the car I put it in for 5 years now.

    That's a classic!
     
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  23. Paul
    Joined: Aug 29, 2002
    Posts: 16,382

    Paul
    Editor

    other clues to it being a '49-'50 is the idler pulley and early style fan and crank pullies
     
    modagger likes this.
  24. Early 303's produced around 135hp fwiw. Did he offer any info on what has been done to that engine?
    Those carb bases appear to be aluminum replacements.
    All things considered, I would be all over that project in a minute.
     
    GordonC likes this.
  25. modagger
    Joined: Jul 2, 2013
    Posts: 333

    modagger
    Member

    He’s got a sheaf of receipts but the only thing he’s given me is that it’s about 190 hp. Hopefully I’ll get the info I need when I go to see it.
     

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