Grinding The Crankshaft Main Journals - Changing The Wheel - '68 Firebird 350 Engine Rebuild - Pt 7

This is part two to grinding the crankshaft, which again shows quite a bit of the setup required behind the scenes in order to grind a crankshaft! Aside from a bit of setup changes, the main journals are really relatively simple compared to the rod journals.
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Forgot to add the Outro, oops.

[@billjacobs8035]

I'm in my late 60's and my father is long gone now. What I would have given to have a working relationship as you two are blessed with. Peace

[@genehart261]

The most valuable thing in this shop is the knowledge being passed from father to son...PRICELESS!

[@samrodian919]

Absolutely!

[@kz6fittycent]

Your dad's response to being cancelled was perfect. That grin said, "I really don't care."

[@s0lidgoat199]

“Looks like someone grinded some valves in it” lol hilarious if you know, you know

[@rotax636nut5]

I notice the cleanliness of the machine tools in this shop and that's always the first sign of a top class machine operator

[@DirtForester]

What a complex and complicated machine!! Your dad makes it look easy but I know it comes with thousands of hours of experience over the years. Kudos to him and to you for the great craftsmanship and content.

[@paulmace7910]

These two videos are my favorites. I don’t care how long they are, I’m interested in see ing how it’s done. Your Dad obviously understands the process well and is excellent at explaining. Thank you. More like this please.

[@jeremiahtsosie40jt]

Yes they are awesome

[@Texasknowhow]

The Engineer Perfectionist in me is getting a nice dose of happiness watching this series. Have you guys ever done a shop tour? Explaining all the machines in the shop would be a good series as well. Keep up the good videos!

[@kiplindsay8413]

Well, that was just plain awesome. I've been told that my dad was a crankshaft specialist back in the '50s and '60s. Working for drag racers, and racing teams. This video shows what kind of machinist skills you need to be a specialist. Thanks

[@Allworldsk1]

This is honestly like school for me. Thank you. I learn a lot every video. ☝🏻

[@donpiatt63]

I Love you guys videos, I’m 56, when I was in my early 30s I worked in a machine job that built a lot of race engines. They pretty much turned me loose on the stock stuff. Surfacing heads, single angle valve jobs. Disassembly and reassembly. I love watching the more technical stuff that I never did. Thanks for the videos.I would have loved to work with and learn from your dad.

[@stevenr5911]

It's always great watching a master at work. I am a machinist by trade and love building engines as a hobby but I have never been around crank grinding and always thought it would be fascinating to learn. Dad makes it seem so easy but as a machinist I completely understand how complicated and tedious it really must be but he just does it with ease and confidence.Thanks for the great videos.

[@tachy635]

This is the content I was looking for, excellent job. And your dad is an awesome machinist, my respects

[@ktriebol]

Watching this makes me want to have my crankshaft ground.

[@CAMCAM413]

I was always curious on how the crankshaft was ground. Good behind the scenes on this particular subject of grinding the crankshaft. Thanks.

[@samrodian919]

It's "Grind"and "Ground" no other adjectives are necessary

[@CAMCAM413]

@@samrodian919 thanks, I fixed the grammatical errors (I hope) 😬

[@akowned1]

Just saying.... my dad was like yours. Learn all you can. True pro's are a dying breed. Kudos to your pops. 🙏🙏

[@ABC-td4rg]

Pops is a maestro on the crank shaft grinder... Respect 🖖😔

[@leinadalan]

There is a lot of importance that is involved with that radius, filet, cheek etc. Be cool if he talked about that. When I went to school for automotive machinist, I ground a 400sbc to fit in a 350sbc. Machine was huge. Good old Kirk Betts, very knowledgeable teacher. I've sense bought a scat crank for my stroker, but still have the old rods and crank. Prob always keep it. Was a very fun education to learn. The first time I saw him straighten a crank with a chisel and 5lb mall I thought it was a joke!!

[@hunt3r_jd182]

The details in being so precise. Keep up the outstanding work guys

[@robertunderwood6788]

I had a grinder wheel disintegrate while I surfacing a bearing sleeve many years ago. Being so close to the machine and things happening so fast I did not see where the pieces flew to. I leaned to the left reaching for the power button as a chunk flew by where my head used to be. Lucky to be alive. Another machinist just happened to be watching me from a few feet away and saw that chunk fly by my head and it scared him so bad he took the rest of the day off. My boss told me to go home too. I haven’t thought about that in so long but it came back when he mentioned the suicide wheel, the one that broke on me was narrow also.

[@CC-ts2se]

I'll never complain about the cost to grind a crankshaft!!! Great video guys!

[@Barabbas7798]

The way you and your dad work together is awesome. I'm very envious

[@hojjatmashalah5020]

I worked on cars most of my life, assembled so many engines, but I never knew how much effort is needed to make just one part of the engine to be precise to run smooth and lasting.

[@rjb71591]

Came across you guys by accident… glad I did! Great videos! Awesome to see your dad and you hanging out together everyday! Your very lucky!

[@samrodian919]

Same for me two days ago!

[@fender14s]

I'll never question my machine shop's quotes again after seeing this.

[@samrodian919]

And do they do the job as well as this?

[@samrodian919]

I could watch you dad working that crank grinding machine for days on end. He is so methodical in his approach and he is teaching you as he goes even though you are not touching the machine. When you come to grind your first crank he will be there with you correcting any mistakes you may or may not make given the tutorials you have had already. Go find a trash crank on a Sunday and get your dad to put you through your paces. You can practice to your hearts content in 5 thou increments! Lol

[@johnlee8231]

Thx for showing the wheel change and chuck adjustments. Helped answer some of the questions left in my head from the last video. Nice work!

[@samrodian919]

Same for me, I was wondering the technical aspects of the process myself from the last video.

[@HOBrian2003]

I knew engine machining was time consuming, but holy crap!!

[@leandrosoaresgil567]

É qe nao pode ter erro 👍

[@gregsimon9061]

It’s always awesome to watch a true machinest especially when it’s your dad.

[@transmitterguy478]

I really enjoyed this series, especially this video, I learned so much, thanks, guys.

[@MikeB0001]

Gravity does get stronger each year...or so it seams!👍🏻👍🏻

[@robertdavis8010]

I enjoyed watching this, excellent job.

[@redneckswitwheels]

Seeing this for the first time since I am building a 400 and using these videos to help. My crank was used in a $200. Core. Before I ground it it was only out .0008. using stock rods with arp bolts, stock crank .010 / .010 and .060 flat top forged Pistons. Doing. 6x-4 heads with stainless valves. 1.65 roller rockers and a ram4 camshaft. This is goin in a 1985 El Camino with a th350 with a shift kit and the 7.5 stock rear I added 3.73s and a posi outta monte ss. This should get goin quickly

[@bobstride6838]

Boy, what a highly skilled guy! I found this absolutely fascinating. That would take some learning to do that job as well as your Dad. Great video, thank you

[@dalebarnett3106]

It's nice to see a true professional at work. A man like this is a gift to me and others who need perfect honest work done. Thank you for your service

[@Chatagorath]

I am so glad people are still doing stuff like this manually. I would trust any of my engine to you guys!

[@XPFTP]

look how clean his shop is damn .... he is a artist for sure. heart soul and love he puts into his work... damn not many left

[@albertgaspar627]

I used to work with a kid who's dad was a Marine sniper who retired into the aeronautical machining industry. Poor kid grew up with "everything has to be perfect or don't bother" shadow over him :) Got a chance to help him learn that life has a lot of grey area and that certain jobs we did were "good enough" to leave time for the tasks that really did need more attention...or he'd still be there getting everything done one way only.

[@potatolew4495]

Cleanliness is next to Godliness when it comes to engine assembly. I have been repairing / overhauling large marine diesel engines and transmissions for over 27 years. That saying is burned in my head from my mentor.

[@evangto]

I feel like a carpenter. HA!!!!! The skill in your shop is incredible. Love these videos. Learn everything you can from your dad. He's very talented!

[@Single_Phase]

Just got another job at a machine shop this week and they asked me to start grinding crankshafts, which I've never done, so this helped me out. I'm running a berco rtm 270 and it appears to be very similar to yours except it's wore out and the diamond to dress the wheel is practically gone.

[@PointlessMiracle]

Id say good luck! Hope you have someone to teach you and a few crankshafts to fuck up!

[@Single_Phase]

@@PointlessMiracle Yea they got a guy that retired to show me the ropes but I'm practicing on good crankshafts.

[@PointlessMiracle]

@@Single_Phase Cool! Im jealous!

[@samrodian919]

Then the management are fucking stingy and will blame you for any fuck ups instead of putting some investment into new small parts like the diamond dresser. I'd look for a better machine shop to work for real soon because if you are a good machinist you won't be happy working there.

[@Single_Phase]

@@samrodian919 Yea the owner is in his 80's and has blamed me for a few random things already. Hopefully, he retires soon and his son takes over. The newest piece of equiptment is 40 years old. Cleaning takes forever because we have vats, pressure washer (it's supposed to be a steam cleaner but doesn't heat the water), wire wheels, and a blast cabinet. I hope I can talk someone into getting better equiptment. Me and my coworker talked about trying to get them to upgrade.

[@thisoldjeepcj5]

Pleasure watching!

[@randalljames1]

what really sux is how fast a shop like this is becoming more and more rare.. I started in the auto repair biz in Denver in 1976.. That shop is still there (Emick auto service) on the same property and still family owned... I learned a lot in those early days...

[@88SC]

This is all good material, every little detail. I’ve always been curious how all the tasks of a crank grinding job are carried out.

[@TheIronMedic]

This is very awesome love to see the process of machine work

[@jsheavy3923]

I wish we had someone like u around me. Wow great content

[@zzach6146]

Your dads eyes and knowledge is priceless!!! Soak up all you can!

[@dougderby9454]

Was fortunate enough to have a machine shop I used for 22 years. They had been in business over 52 years in the same location. Crankshaft specialist worked there 39 years. He did hundreds of cranks for me. Owner passed on and family liquidated. Not fun trying to find a reputable shop and machinist.

[@bobolulu7615]

After looking at some of the measurement checks thats done here, I wonder how many so-called 'professional' machine shops go to the same trouble as seen here. From those seal surfaces to the mains, a couple of thou here and there might be ok for your shopping basket runner, but not for a decent performance engine. Bravo.

[@berniebass3575]

Very interesting,l enjoy learning from people who know there business.

[@Johnditit]

Love watching you guys work. Colorado is lucky to have you guys. Keep it coming!👍🛠

[@samrodian919]

I didn't know where they were based and as Jim explained that their water was very salty I just assumed that they were on either seaboard of the US, Not in the almost geographical centre lol why would the water have so much salt in it?

[@RalphRotten54]

Interesting to watch a master at work! Learned some things. Thanks!

[@gizmoquackerz]

this has to be the best Chanel i have found , so interesting to see you work

[@bigal878]

Great video and great workmanship Dad 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@jimhiscott2918]

I miss my Harding Lathe i bought for 20k in 1979. How i wish i had it now for my current build

[@QXZ9027MKII]

Much obliged Sir for sharing, God bless him with health & prosperity. Enjoyed every second scintillating indeed.

[@OlSgtLove]

Great video and I enjoy watching 👀......Your Dad is a very smart man ...love the cabinet he built for the stones...well thought out and built . Yall take care ...

[@k.kristianjonsson4814]

"Jim" checked the micrometer reading tree times. Yes, the instrument is sensitive and yes, i would send my crankshaft to this man. Old enough to know all the mistakes you have to avoid.

[@davegregg1512]

Once Again! OMG! I’m quite sure this is just another job for the Pro’s but for us laypeople, it’s just fascinating! Thanks so much!

[@joeyamador7961]

I thoroughly enjoy the longer videos! If I could do it all over again I would of been an automotive machinist!

[@oldwillie313]

I'm so impressed at the skill and care taken by you guys in doing the work. A local machine shop in St Clair Shores Mich rebuilt my 454 boat engine and I hope they are as good as you guys are. They are a father led family company also.

[@yourkidding69er]

the old Berco crank grinder. Spent many hours standing infront of that machine. Great video showing how the job is done.

[@einararnemjs3534]

These two videos are the best i’ve seen on the topic througout the internet, very informational and shows true craftmansship from your old man… hope your businesses are going great, greetings from norway!

[@theRoadLessTraveled761]

That's awesome. I've had to do alot of that in the machine shops I worked in. From changing wheel, to dressing the wheel, changing the corner radius per part, to ring testing our wheels. Loved it!!!

[@jiveturkey9993]

Sounds to me like you had a pretty damn important job. Changing them Wheels, dressing them out and putting the radiuses in them, man if that ain't done right they can't grind a crankshaft.

[@nickwall9613]

Great video guys, very educational and interesting to see these specialized processes 👌

[@cyranox90]

Thank you for sharing knowledge for us. Great video with great explanation

[@CorndogBrownie]

I kinda wish i could do a channel like this, with odd ball fixes and our productions stuff, but damn, seems like the amount of time for filming and setup would be more than the actual process. Awesome video either way, love from canada. Keep up the great work, gotta make machinists like me look better lol

[@muhammadaminz8653]

It takes a special person to grind the crankshaft..it not easy task to do..good job for explaining.

[@dirtyshirtrichter8647]

man that is a nice machine. im mad jealous! ive always wondered if it was standard practice to radius dress dry and it makes me feel way better seeing you do it that way!

[@pauljanssen2624]

Beautiful piece of machinery

[@henryarrington3446]

Looks like a BUNCH of ways I could screw that up. I’ll just keep watching your great vids. Lol.

[@graemescott1436]

Awesome man keep em coming!

[@BigFootStepping]

That hand is steady as a sniper

[@strokermaverick]

Great stuff, great stuff! I, love it!

[@Dabsfordays3]

Thank you for the content it's absolutely awesome as usual. It seems like most of the work is done setting up the machine the grinding and the actual Machining is only a quarter of the of the work. Will we get to hear this engine run after it's all put back together?

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brianrose2487]

Respect for sure!

[@king0cans]

Very nice work. People that care. Awesome

[@markperry4985]

Watching this brings back a ton of memories, I always like the Berco grinder better than the Storm.

[@edbarnes2364]

That is bloody interesting.

[@gazza116]

people should appreciate the work involved in grinding cranks.

[@lonnieclifton3883]

GOOD WORK YALL

[@bigears4014]

Someone who cares and takes their time is few and far between, your work seems consistently a1

[@railbart]

They don't make men like this anymore, he is so lucky to have a son willing to learn. You can't learn love and devotion in a classroom. True professionals here.

[@evankibbe590]

I had a crank ground in 81 in Lausanne and the shop really messed it up !!! They ground the maines .030 off center not good 😐 I really like the way you pay attention to the details 😌

[@Weihrauch88]

I did initially comment on how your wheels were dressed (being impatient), but then seen your owd fella doing it. Marvelous stuff!

[@1magnit]

Nice machine. I've got one too but much older and much more time consuming to change the setup.

[@diulilomola]

Your dial indicator or dial indicator can take close-up shots of concentricity tolerance There is also light pollution shooting, try to block the sun Thanks for the video

[@cpt_sweettooth]

Volleyball knee pads save my knees when I’m at work. I work for a tire company. Tell your pops!

[@albertpierce6263]

I think it's great you are taking over a trade that is almost lost. I'm a field machinest on heavy equipment. I grew up in a machine shop, nothing like your father has built. Keep it going, your dad and yourself are very informative. Do you build race engines?

[@michaelvtx1]

To cool grate job

[@willysnowman]

You can get a reverse osmosis device cheap to make very clean water. I have one for my mill. I think it is a BR4 for a couple of hundred. Works great!

[@ziggassedup]

I have a couple of mates with engine shops but never had time to watch....Thanks.

[@willthomsen7569]

Wow I never thought of that but of course you have to cut the stone to be right before you cut the crank to be right lol we’re talking thousandths here people

[@mofo264]

Im amazed by these machines n the skills necessary to use them. Its mind bottling. What does a lathe/mill like that even cost? All for minute alterations of unbelievably hard material. 🇺🇸

[@hectorortega9131]

Man,, I wish you guys could do my Fe Crank!..

[@mahirfredericks4013]

super scary stuff, id be indicating the od of the chucks to make sure they concentric

[@jpmorgen5726]

Very well done video, only thing I didn't get was the turning of the steady rest screws...?

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! Very interesting... ;-)

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification squad!👍🏻

[@mcchilika]

Great video.Can you please explain more that story about Widow maker?

[@albertpierce6263]

I think you said you're in Colorado. You might know my uncle, his name is Cliff Hurley. He's a drag racer from Pueblo.