I am trying to make the 235 I have in my 37 Chevy p/u look like a 216 and the only thing that gives it away is the small side cover so I picked up a 216 side cover last year and finally got around to cutting it up to fit the 235,first thing I done was cut out around the plugs so it would fit closer to the head. I also had to put in a outward dimple like on the 235 side cover so it would fit closer to the small cover and not stick out too far and had to cut out a little more around the distributor and road draft tube for more clearance,I am making it so it goes over the existing small side cover and since the middle bolts on the bottom of the 216 cover lines up with the 216 I will stud a couple of them and use them to hold it tight on the bottom and slip the top under the valve cover. I will also glue a gasket to the 216 cover so it wont rattle and will put screws in the holes that are not being used so it wont look too hokey,will need to weld some nuts to the back so I can bolt the coil bracket in the holes for the original coil. To the expert it will be noticed but I hope I can fool a couple of so called experts at the cruise ins.
I now have this 235 looking like a 216 as much as I can so I am finished with that part of making my 37 look like a shop truck,now its going to get a more period correct interior and then lettered.
You overestimate the ability of most people when it comes to identifying Chevrolet sixes. You probably could have painted a 292 the correct 1929-1950 Chevrolet grey and snuck it past 97% of them. You did a good job. I approve.
I had people wondering what it was before the 216 side cover and now I will have them scratching their heads,I do want to paint it the original color over a winter. I have been hiding the modifications to it and trying to retain a stock look,when I installed the T-5 I welded on a original shifter and put the E brake handle on the side of the trans and it will be getting a more stock looking interior with a little artistic license..
If you really want to fool them find a 235 high torque engine for a truck. They took the tall side cover. I use to race one in a 39 Chev stock class.
That is my plan But I'm not trying to fool anyone with mine I just want the majority of guys to look in and think or say that it still has the "old" six in it all dressed out. That looks nice Jeff but if you are going for that look I am like 33-Chevy in thinking you should have painted it the correct color for the year. That orange waves a big "something has been changed" flag. Most like 50% of the people who don't really study Chev sixes will look at it and think 230 or 250 and walk on to the next car.
I am new to the in-liners but I thought the 235 had the side valve cover bolts. how dod you get your center bolt valve cover bolted on. or did they build a 235 with center studs?
When I built the motor back in 90 I had no desire to look original and grabbed what paint I could find at the local parts store so it got orange,I am thinking about pulling the front sheetmetal over a winter and repainting the motor in the original color. It will be so much easier to paint the motor with the front clip off and could do a better job,yes it does look more like a 250 being orange but never had anyone think it was so far. I think there is still a noise in #2 cylinder and I think that is the cylinder that is sleeved so I am going to watch for a good 261 and run this one untill it breaks,if it blows the replacement motor will get painted up like original but if it keeps on running it will get painted when I get some time.
I thought about finding one and converting it to full oil pressure but I have a Y block to build for my 55 sunliner so a early 235 will be years down the road unless something happens to the 235 in it now.
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