Buick Straight 8 pistons and sandblasting our 1937 Ford Coupe | Redline Update #59

Thanks to our sponsor RockAuto.com. RockAuto.com is an auto parts retailer founded in 1999 by automotive engineers with two goals: Liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter (by listing all available parts, not just what one store stocks or one counter-person knows), and make auto parts affordable so vehicles of all ages can be kept reliable and fun to drive. Visit www.rockauto.com/?a=HG-YT-21Q3 to order auto parts online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and have them conveniently delivered to your door. Need help finding parts or placing an order? Visit our Help pages for further assistance! With a break in the weather, Davin gets our 1937 Ford Coupe out to the sandblasters. While the Ford is away, Davin's has plenty of other projects to fill his time at the garage. Most notable among those is working on our Buick Straight 8. The pistons from J E are finally here which means Davin can move forward on assembling the block. However, there's only so much time in the day and before Davin can get too far on the Buick it's time to pick up the Ford again.
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[@Damien.D]

In these times of virtuality, instantaneity, disposability, and in a world where the piston engine is a slowly dying breed, sacrificing displacement and cylinders one by one to the illegitimate new god of downsizing and electric hybridation, watching Davin patiently adjusting rings for a decades old straight 8 engine is a sight close to be qualified as mythological.

[@Hanzyscure]

I'm just curious about the weight difference between the old and new pistons ? Is the dome quench custom or original to the 4 cylinder factory design ? Is the whole rotating assembly rebalanced if the new pistons weigh less than the originals ? Will the factory carb,intake and exhaust be used ? It's great to see old iron being resurrected before the woke, green carbon footprint and electric generation takes over.

[@joebrown1382]

Can't wait to see paint on the 37 & hear the 8 jug running.

[@wtz650]

me too

[@984francis]

8 jug, that would be some kind of sow?

[@johnflechler2904]

Three things to remember when assembling an engine: #1 When all else fails, read the instructions. That is why there are shop manuals. #2 Spare the oil, spoil the job. #3 There is always enough time to do the job over, but not enough time to do it right the first time.

[@graham2631]

When l got started as a mechanic my boss (l worked on his tug as deckhand,cook and engineer) told me, "Don't waste your time at night studying do something useful like drink beer don't bother trying to remember everything it's written down for a reason and check it every time. One more thing,if you don't get it and you'll know if you don't do us all a favor and find something else to do." 35years later l still look every thing up. At present I'm a fleet mechanic for a concrete pump company l look after 12 trucks solo They all go out every morning. Been some long nights.....

[@RobSchofield]

The sheer attention to detail in this build is absolutely mesmerising: many years of experience feed this video. I wish I had the skills: too old, too late. Davin, this is like watching an artist compose a masterwork. Beautiful.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

I have always loved the Buick straight 8. I can't wait to see it up and running.

[@tylermartin5560]

I’ve been following the Buick straight 8 since it was first introduced

[@Mercmad]

You must be very old...

[@tylermartin5560]

Mercmad no since it was introduced on this channel

[@uhfnutbar1]

@@Mercmad that what i was thinking :)

[@jamyers1971]

Can't wait to hear that Str8 8!

[@b.p.3743]

Sorry Hagerty... but NASA called and they need Davin to come back and work for them 😉. Wow... Such meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship... Bravo!

[@Zeeos27]

I love this project, I have been following it for months, I already want to hear it going !! I didn't look for another video of that Buick, I want to hear this one! I love the methodical, clean and correct way of working that you have. And on the other hand that Ford coupe looks promising! Luck! Greetings from Argentina!

[@traddad9172]

37 is my favorite body style, hands down dream build

[@markk3652]

Fascinating to watch this engine prep for the build. Makes me appreciate the simplicity of the Ford flathead even more, no crazy timing chain procedures with those! That Chevy tow vehicle is a fine example of a northern Michigan truck by the way!

[@philtucker1224]

Straight eight looking beautiful! Moonshine legend.....

[@Paulster2]

I can unapologetically state, Davin, you have the coolest job EVER. Absolutely awesome to be hands on and restoring all these fine works of art.

[@smudger6461]

Good old fashion engine and motor building, this stuff is gold 👌 great work buddy..

[@daleolson7205]

It's the attention to the little things that makes a difference. I hadn't heard of cleaning up the ends of the piston rings, but it makes perfect sense.

[@hydroy1]

I always just used a red scotch bright pad after setting end gaps, a few licks, gives a smoother finish then a file.

[@paulstan9828]

So much fun watching and learning.

[@billmartin4602]

Timing gears on a flat head L6-226 Super Hurricane line up the same way as your Buick straight eight.

[@eritronc]

can't wait to see that straight 8 running!!! saludos

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. Glad to see and hear about how things are progressing!

[@stephengordon8968]

I wanta hear that thing run !

[@AshishKumar-om2fv]

Thankyou for sharing this update🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏miss a few episodes from barn finds🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jefftesting12345]

My Dad shipped out the last Buick straight 8 block from Drayton plains, MI GM part's when I was a kid. He marked the crate with his name and that it was the Last one.... Wish we had bought it...

[@freel213]

I so much enjoy your posts. The stop action build sequences are terrific. I even appreciate, begrudgingly mind you, the fact your putting a dodge engine in the '37 Ford racer...because thats really what they did back in the day.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Another good catch Davin with the timing chain, definitely something new to store in the back of my mind

[@richcountyratrodsjrod2329]

I working on inline 8 Pontiac motor. Supe great info. I'm really enjoying this channel. Thank u for sharing your knowledge.

[@21sasha21]

Ford Y-block has the same pattern of timing chain setting.

[@larryhutchens7593]

So does the 223 inline 6. The links are copper coated for ease of alignment.

[@uliwehner]

i love the "rusty steed".

[@SaintJohnGarage]

Man, what an artist!!!

[@deejayica]

Davin is my Hero!!!!

[@captaccordion]

Yes, I've seen that timing chain arrangement. Can't remember if it was on a Y block or a 50's Australian Holden motor - perhaps both. I can't remember what carburation you have in mind for the Buick, but straight 8's on a single carb always tend to run lean on the end cylinders.

[@gazza116]

holden 253 and 308 v8 since 1969 had this valve timing arrangement.

[@Mercmad]

In 1940 Buick introduced a twin carb set up, but as things turned out, it was decided that it wasn't so necessary as political events over took American manufacturing. Today those manifolds are sought after by Buick guys.

[@klaasbloem]

Thanks again David, love your videos!

[@davidflint2559]

Davin

[@mkw2555]

I love redline rebuilds !!!

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@Мистер_ЗМЗ]

Good job!

[@jonsmith4463]

Awesome love watching these

[@stex1985]

Interested to see if the Buick 8 retains its signature mellow exhaust note. Looking good!

[@jakemuscat5796]

Holden V8s here in Australia had that setup too. A trick for young players.

[@2strokepower803]

That timing is the same as on a ford y block. I had to count the links between the dots. Good thing to have a shop manual :)

[@sonyhk3824]

Nice job

[@caiovinicius3674]

I follow the channel here in Brazil

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

First time I ever rebuilt a Y block Ford I timed it dot to dot ( WRONG ) , it was very similar to the Buick . No marks on the chain you just have to count the links .

[@BrisketChef]

Devil is always in the details. Great work man!

[@1975paulo12]

Parece uma sala de cirurgia.... o cara é bruuuto! Parabens....

[@timheilman2089]

The door welds are just right.

[@AndreasHannoverSL]

What a beautiful work. Can only be better without music.

[@uhfnutbar1]

fully sleeved cant wait to see what the temp gauge reads :)

[@Trapper50cal]

Not gonna lie, does my heart good to see a fellow burb/tahoe driver :)

[@markfiddyment1948]

Our Aussie Holden V8 has a similar timing setup with the marks set 9 links apart.

[@jimclarke1108]

Cam timing on all Holden 308/253 V8s (Buick) are the same, the dots line up the middle of the marked links on the right hand side, 9 links apart,

[@ellieprice3396]

That concave piston top makes it easy to see why Buick called this engine their "fireball" eight.

[@matthewtroiano3024]

I ran into that with a 09 Kia Rio with the timing of the cams.

[@jackwright3050]

I have a 427 FE I would be more than happy to let y'all rebuild for me. Lol Y'all should build one.

[@steveo4048]

Some modern chryslers don't even have timing marks. They have jigs that position the cam and crank sprockets in a specific position (not TDC #1 cyl) then the the belt is slipped on and the tensioner released. Needless to say, there is a lot of faith required when setting up the timing in these engines.

[@hdfxrs9121]

My 4.2L Jeep has something similar with the timing chain, but you have to count the number of pins to match it up. No marks on the chain.

[@Oddman1980]

I've seen that timing setup (Painted links) a lot on motorcycles. I'm pretty sure my DR650 is that way. EDIT: Just checked, the Harley-Davidson Revolution-X engines use painted links too.

[@renandoaprilian5996]

don't forget make time lipse rebuild,,,that very amazing 😬😬😬

[@wildbill3006]

I really like the large grey metal work tables on casters that you have in your shop. Were those custom built by you or can they be purchased from someone?

[@blokeinacloak748]

Similar timing set up in Australian Holden V8. 9 links between dots on same side as this straight 8.

[@bullast2046]

“Pick up your new fav hat”.. immediately takes it off

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

What brand of ring file is that ? I like it .

[@ixlr8677]

good eye on tc. i think a y block marks were that way.

[@chavierlopezito51]

Desde Argentina ... Me gustaría que subas vídeos sin titulados . abrazo desde Buenos Aires

[@RigallDesign]

Beautiful new pistons for the Buick...the process made me ask myself, how did Buick assemble their engine in Flint? Were the machined tolerances manufactured in the rings and delivered to the assembly line ready to go?

[@Hanzyscure]

Yes

[@AcmeRacing]

What state are you in? In Maine we have annual safety inspections, and the holes in your Tahoe would fail it instantly.

[@FastBowtie388]

I haven't seen a close up of the new pistons. I've never seen a rod with a bolt that captures the pin. Are you using locks with the pinch rod also?

[@traviscassaday7666]

Any chance the straight 8 is going on a Dyno to see what the head work and pistons do for power?

[@bryaninwood683]

Holden v8 Down under is the same for cam timing catches heaps of people out

[@davecaron1213]

Still curious about the status of the car that beautiful straight eight is going into.

[@jinglebells1238]

How come you won't take care of the rust on your Chevy suburban?

[@hydroy1]

I was wondering about the straight 8 project car. Question ? why not Molly rings ? they hold up so much longer then old iron rings and give a better seal . True Molly rings take longer to seat but I feel the mollys are worth it . Also did you check with your Motors brand manual for setting timing chain ? I trust Motors if you can find one for a 1951 . I think that Buick was a 51 correct ?

[@chrisi2348]

11:50 that traffic light went red did it?

[@mxthunder2]

Should you have rotated the piston 90* and re squared rings? technically the rings may not have been perfectly square if there were only 2 flat spots on the bottom of the piston.

[@ShogunMura]

Oh hell yeah, I need a hat!

[@vettekid3326]

Shop truck not able to tow the trailer?

[@ericeverson5956]

Wheelock's for sand blasting?

[@rickciaburri2598]

Will the shorter pistons affect lubrication? Should the skirt of the piston pick up some oil?

[@poptartmcjelly7054]

0:17 putting the "rusty" in trusty.

[@markk3652]

That's a fine example of a Michigan truck right there!

[@cardadbods2007]

So what does that place charge for a car to be sand blasted? Is there a breakdown for prices? I want to see what other people might be paying to do the same thing at my local send blaster.

[@johnnybravo8841]

Can we please have more details on the pistons? Who made them? I wouldn't mind a set myself. Thanks.

[@ellieprice3396]

Somewhere in the video I think I heard "J.E." a well known piston manufacturer.

[@bigdog5405]

When modifying your engine to produce more power and torque, how do you determine if it well still met emission standards for the state it's registered in ?

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Pre 75 cars don't need smog checks.

[@adubbelde1]

Sure can tell you're in Michigan. Here In South Dakota, there are vehicles more than twice the age, maybe 3 times, that are rust free.

[@Hanzyscure]

Three times is a stretch.

[@adubbelde1]

@@Hanzyscure I see daily drivers all the time from the 50's and 60's. 70's and 80's are quite common.

[@Hanzyscure]

@@adubbelde1 Northeast coastline of Michigan with less than 100 days of annual sunshine. Lake effect random snow and rain showers from Lake Michigan. A few million more commuters traveling daily in southern Michigan causes premature decomposing of modern automobiles.

[@billyjohnson4011]

Does Davin have his own KZbin channel or is he only featured on Hagerty.

[@billypat3256]

how much does it usally cost to get you block bored and headed decked?

[@stoker029]

Очень круто!Привет из России 🇷🇺

[@haydnleonhardt4896]

Can you show us your chevelle davin

[@sebastianiodice3394]

Just out of curiosity, what kinda pistons are you using? They don't look like the original Buick style pistons

[@jodyholton7730]

I’d like to order this piston/rod combo for my 263. I’ve looked around for some info at JE Pistons with no luck, does anyone know the JE part number ?

[@i_inject_crayons9473]

Where did he get those pistons?

[@vw4x4]

Question: What is the total effect of shortening the piston and changing from a 4 ring piston to a 3 ring piston? Obviously more modern, but should all these older engine be changed over?

[@fila1445]

Lighter piston and that gives you more free revving engine and increases horse power in higher rpm range

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@fila1445 BUT, shorter skirt can mean more of a tendency to rock, shortening the life of the rings. And if you lighten the pistons, you should also lighten the crankshaft counter weights.

[@fila1445]

@@michaelbenardo5695 oh yeah of course, everything needs to be taken into concideration while doing rotating assembly ballancing

[@s_t_a_l_k_e_r_2_navi______420]

💪😎🤘

[@garthhowe297]

When you were installing the wrist pins, it looked like you were using a torque wrench... what was going on there?

[@biglightball]

I also noticed it and I'm also curious.

[@88SC]

Retained by a small - end pinch bolt, clamping down on the pin.

[@garthhowe297]

@@88SC Thanks, I had not heard of such a thing before.

[@88SC]

@@garthhowe297 I’m not 100% sure, but I think he showed that feature during tear down. Lots of early engines used the method.

[@jah2mon]

The chevy suburban needs just as much rust repair as the hot rod.

[@briansmith3534]

Are you using that straight 8 in the 37?

[@armstsho]

No, Their doing a 440 for the 37............

[@pinguifail4493]

Upload you about dodge d 150 1973 please i have one and need help

[@keithstudly6071]

Are those stock rods? Since you were redesigning the pistons it would have been good to to have used some rods about a half inch longer and improved the geometry.

[@Hanzyscure]

It will be fine.

[@keithstudly6071]

@@Hanzyscure If they are using non-stock rods, yeah you make the pistons to fit. But if you are looking for the best setup you would use longer rods and have the wrist pin closer to the top of the piston since you are changing the pistons anyway. It impressed me just how low the pin was placed in those pistons. One of the most interesting things about old engines is seeing the differences between it and newer designs. I'm wondering if rod length has as much effect on an old long stroke engine like this Buick as it does on larger bore and shorter stroke modern designs. We are already changing the compression ratio and going from four rings to three. Why not one more 'improvement'?

[@Hanzyscure]

@@keithstudly6071 Custom rods would slow down the project and add $ to the cost of a 3500 rpm engine.

[@keithstudly6071]

@@Hanzyscure custom valves, custom pistons, custom cams. I guess you have to draw the line at rods.

[@Mercmad]

Without paint, that is looking more like a '39 Standard Coupe .37's have a vastly different shape at the rear of the turret . 39 Standards used the same firewall as 38' Deluxes which maybe why it's called a 37?

[@hippynurd]

Did you say trusty steed, or rusty steed?

[@Hanzyscure]

Rusty is already in Trusty.

[@robertwatkins364]

Maybe I missed something somewhere, who made those pistons?

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

If you look at the box they were made by J & E . I don't think he ever mentioned their name .

[@Marshal_6]

"Stuff them in the hole..." PMSL!