Cobra's to the Coast (Sat.)

[LuvDaBlues]

Originally Posted by LuvDaBlues

We're up and running. But James broke a valve spring in the process. Will fix tomorrow AM, and be on the road again. We've pushed all activities back one day, except the transport pickup Saturday.

Note to one's self. When traveling out of town with these cars, take every single phone number that was "involved" with the car. I left the "big" folder at home, and that's how I was delayed.

"Monster" Mike was up half the night trying to match up the failed rocker photo with web site photo's. What a guy, even though it didn't work out. I owe you for that one.

The trail of phone calls numbered 9 not including Mike.

1) Keith Craft cell phone (interrupted his evening...... sorry dude)
2) Tony at KCM. Not their rocker, but will help look. (they only rebuilt the engine)
3, 4, 5) Dove, Harland-Sharp, Crane. Not there rockers, but one guessed Ford Power Parts, who is now out of business.
6) My Daughter, had to leave work to find the "big" book at home. (not a happy camper)
7) Original engine owner, who had a machinest work the heads, but died two years ago. (I thought I was up a creek, but he didn't change the rockers out..... phew!)
8) Tim at Genesis, who knows the rocker manufacturer. (Tim was the original engine builder)
9) Doug at Precision Oil Pumps, who worked for Ford Power Parts .............. BINGO!!

Turns out Doug acquired all the engineering and drawings after "FPP" closed their doors and was running his own shop. And he was 160 miles from where we were. ( What a coincidence ) Hence the "Gumball" to Clovis.

Reason rocker failed: Doug explained that design failed often due to not enough material around the shaft. (No kidding) So the new version is significantly thicker. Being a good guy, he handed over 3 rockers (not new ones because they wouldn't fit the old shaft support), a wad of spacer shims, and a set of new valve cover gaskets at no charge.

Yancey and I are heading to Hearst Castle and San Luis Obispo this morning with my newest hero, James and wife Penny (Gumball rally driver).

Nice guages!
Oh yeah,we first have to fix his car this morning.