Locked up RUSTED Ford 390 REBUILD Part 1, No Machine Shop Required?! Building My Son's First Hot Rod

Rebuild a locked-up Ford 390 engine for less than $400? Impossible? No. Anything is possible if your standards are low enough. We tear into this derelict big block Ford and assemble a complete short block for less than $400 using backwoods rebuild techniques!
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[@MaxGiganteum]

Mopar guys... uuuggghhh! ATTENTION VIEWERS! This video is a prime example of why you NEVER let Mopar noobs work on a Ford! It's also a prime example of what NOT to do in general!! I could go on an epic rant but I'd most likely be wasting my time so I'll keep it short. First off, I will say good job working with the son even if you're teaching him a slew of bad habits. Now onto a few of those bad habits. If you wish to kill off your own lungs by smoking then that's what you're going to choose to do. However, smoking around your kid is unforgivable! Are you Hell bent on giving him lung cancer via secondhand smoke?!? Perhaps you're just bent on getting him to pick up that nasty, health destroying habit on his own?? Talk about your GREAT BIG BATCH OF DUH!!! Here's an epic facepalm moment folks! Next up is NOT using a parts washer to scrub down parts. Yessiree buddy row! Let's just pressure wash all those toxic contaminants all over the place where they'll end up getting all over everything including you, your son AND in the dirt which ultimately means in the ground water. Yup, nothing like undrinkable water for future generations! Epic facepalm #2! I shouldn't be surprised however... not only are you NOT using a catch pan at the very least, not only are you washing parts in WATER instead of a parts washer solvent while utilizing protective gear like gloves... solvent doesn't instigate rust formation... you have failed to get yourself up and out of the dirt by constructing some form of useful workbench. Brilliant! You'll fit right in with the baboons evolutionary biologists say we've evolved from. They too still do everything in the dirt. Epic facepalm #3. Fast forwarding close to the end... what's this? At the end of the video after listening to you BITCH for a good portion of the video about Ford as if you know what you're talking about... you bust off a bolt at the front of the block? Then instead of REPAIRING YOUR ERROR, you leave the broken off shaft in and THEN YOU "GLUE" THE BOLT HEAD ON TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE IT WAS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?!? Epic facepalm #4!!! MOPAR GUYS. I'd really let you have it but the next several sentences would mean my comment would be censored due to all the swearing. Mopar guys... just another chapter in a never ending book of epic bumbleblankery! - Max Giganteum

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Not a Mopar guy, but you're definitely a boomer 😂😂

[@Phantom_Foxx]

this keyboard warrior needs to take a chill pill😂

[@lesterparker1594]

Oh shut the hell up. In this messed up world, there’s nothing better than a man spending time with and teaching his son. This man is a great example for all of the absent fathers in this world. I don’t give a damn if he took a torch and cut the entire engine in half and glued it back together. It’s still spending time with his son. Comments like this just piss me off. It’s a great video and if you don’t like it you’re free to go watch the kardashians or some other show where they whore out their kids for a splash of fame and the fathers are gone. My son will be born in a few months and I hope to god we get to spend quality time together like these guys

[@adamperry2147]

@@PoleBarnGarage 🤣I've seen his posts elsewhere. I guess it's hard for some people to fathom that not everyone has a 10,000 square foot garage with several car lifts (and maybe a plasma table...). He's missing the point of this channel. Don't come watch me work on anything... I don't even have a pole barn! I guess I could be "Gravel Driveway garage..." Keep up the good work. Not everyone can be like 'Channel Lock Shed..."

[@tclott316]

Shut the fuck up. Nobody gives a fuck what your boomer ass has to say.

[@icerazar713]

When he gets old enough, he'll be able to drive that car with the pride of knowing he helped build it with his dad. Memories like that stay with you forever.

[@mightymikethebear]

He will probably drive it around the property soon after it will move on its' own power.

[@urbanurchin5930]

When my younger brother was 15 (before he had his license) he bought a '63 Bel Air from an old lady that had a worn out 6 cylinder. During the year before he got his license he rebuilt the motor in our back yard. When he finally got his permit, the car was ready to go ! He drove it all through high school and beyond - then bought a '69 LeMans and dropped in a souped-up 389. That car was bad ass !

[@ericborgen7311]

Someone who didn't know what they were doing put it together a guy I know his mom had a Corvette she bought from South Carolina and she had it checked out when she got it home some stupid idiot didn't use any bolts when they rebuilt the motor they just glued it together

[@alandyson3925]

Great episode as always I love your dry down-to-earth sense of humour and I really respect the way you interact with your kid something so simple that so many kids nowadays are missing

[@PoleBarnGarage]

You're right, it is simple. A shame really

[@garylamb4777]

The boys going to smile ear to ear when he fires it up for the first time....

[@PoleBarnGarage]

And cry when it explodes, but that's ok. How we learn.

[@warrenmichael918]

@@PoleBarnGarage I think he was talking about YOU with the ear to ear smile!! LOL

[@garylamb4777]

Hahaha hahaha hahaha 😆

[@user-uk8gc6wu1s]

HOLLYWOOD video , does not get any better than a father working and teaching his son. Best years of your lives . Your son will remember it always.

[@Martin.Wilson]

One of the smartest things you can do with a kid is talk to them like another adult, not like a kid. It almost always brings out the best in a kid and makes them try to be more mature and responsible. Well done. Dad. You're connection with your son is running on all eight cylinders and the timing is dead on.

[@robertwest3093]

I like it that he has a Mopar in the garage, a Chevrolet in the driveway, and is working on a Ford. I really respect guys that like all of the big 3.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I'm not a fan of Ford engines, but I figure you should be able to work on everything to be a car guy, brand loyalty is a hangover from the 60s NASCAR days

[@JeffKopis]

Tell that to Max GiganticRectum.

[@douglasverkaik4662]

Awesome work! Also really cool to see holley supporting the little guys. This is way cooler than the $10000 "budget" builds on the network shows!

[@jasonwehry1970]

Love these videos working with his son,something we dont see on the internet much any more

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

i love the mantra "keep your expectations low,then you wont be disappointed". if i was your sons age i would be looking at you like you are the best man on earth . i really wish the old man showed me this stuff

[@huntergibsonii4785]

I admire you and your Son's relationship. These memories will last for many years to come. I'm excited for you both to continue to build badass cars like this one as the page grows and your son gets older. Watched it start to finish and boy I tell ya, great content as always. You guys keep up the good work! 🤙

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thank you!

[@kennethsonier1766]

You're doing a great job teaching you son how to be self-sufficient, that's important. It's great seeing the two of you working together, keep up the good work guys. Oh and Happy Father's Day 👍☮️🇺🇲

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks!

[@stevecomb180]

Hey brother, I’m still catching up on some of your old videos, I got to say this is one of the best ones as far as your son, giving you a hand to rebuild a very intricate part of his car. That little man’s gonna grow up with a lot of pride, knowing that he had a big hand and building that car. God bless you young fella for teaching your little man such great respect. No doubt he will grow up to be a very intelligent man. Tell the little man we said good job….Respect at the Highest level to both of y’all 🤘🤘🤘

[@roadhog1970]

PBG...I love your approach.. your way of doings things and the fact that ur kid is right there with you ....Im proud to be one of the many who doesnt wake up everyday looking for something to offend me....keep the great content coming

[@duckscustomgarage9239]

Dalton your a good dad and its good to see a young boy learning things .

[@BillHilly169]

So cool you’re doing this with your kid. Memories that will live with him forever!!

[@johnmilner6484]

I love that your kid is working on this engine...I wish my dad had done that with me....

[@terryeustice5399]

Letting your son learn as your doing this build will make him appreciate what you and him are doing. Enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing!

[@drewschumann1]

FEs are hard engines to work on. Good on you for taking it on with your boy

[@brycechessum4684]

This is why my daughter knows how a car gets along the road, cars being dismantled and reassembled during her childhood, now she can go to wrecking yards and get and install her own parts

[@jonathontaylor8861]

Nice, that's coming along well, great to see JD so involved and interested.

[@bryandraughn9830]

I can't wait to watch you do more of these expert level/ high precision rebuilds!! I hope the haters can watch it all again and again!! Some pretty sad sissies out there. You make it an art form. A masterpiece. Legendary performance of the highest order! I gotta admit, it's more fun knowing just how mad they get. Just keep drilling it to em! Let them tremble with static crackling through their dried up little brains! Yeahhh Dalton!!

[@damianjackson9084]

Really cool you can see JD laps up everything you show him

[@heidenfelderkustoms1502]

A broken ring works good to clean the piston grooves

[@stephencooper5040]

F*ck the haters, you’re doing good brother, keep going.

[@cigaroking]

Love to see you working with your son JD. He is learning so much and will carry it with him throughout his life and maybe his children as well. Great job Dad and Happy Father's Day on Sunday.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks!

[@MarshmallowVogt]

So cool seeing JD just diving in with both feet

[@michaeldenton8610]

I treasure the time spent with my dad building an engine for my truck. I really enjoy watching you do it with your boy😁

[@brinknutz]

I watched this video @ 11 AM today, and @ 8 PM tonight my broken down 78 F100 sitting in the yard wad pulled into the barn and motor was pulled and down to the bare block.

[@brinknutz]

Engine didn't run well, had 90ish PSI on every cylinder, cylinder walls look good, bearing range from decent to grooved. Crank and Cam look great.

[@judeblouin5679]

I really enjoy watching your channel. The entertainment value is awesome, being a dad and spending the quality time with JD makes it great. I first saw you with Kevin and Mook and began watching your videos immediately. Keep up the the fantastic work.

[@edwardallan197]

I always had a soft spot for that series of Ford bodies! And the no-frills- no delays but get it damn close approach to the 'total job'. You and J.D. hit it HARD and stayed after it. Love it. That engine may wear in just fine. The Ford is pure rod romance.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

You'll really like what's coming next

[@chrishorst6993]

What I liked the most about this video is he is teaching his kid how to fix and repair things his self. Need more of the next generation doing things like this

[@idwellinthehillslikegandhi]

Dalton, I have a 67 galaxy 390 convertible that I helped my dad pull the engine on as a young man. I only wish we had rebuilt the engine together! This series speaks volumes about you brother! IDGAF what any guy says....you & JD both are very lucky to have one another and I think I speak for the community when I say we all enjoy your content VERY much. Thank you both for all the hard work & commitment

[@jackcaldwell485]

Man it makes my heart swell seeing you teaching you're son

[@PoleBarnGarage]

He's the best!

[@youngdenzel9574]

Great job JD! You have a great dad, reminds me of my dad.

[@randall1959]

We used to use a number punch for rods and main caps. Looks like you've got a pretty good block on this one. It's great that you're explaining the how and why to your son as you're teaching him the what and where.

[@Robrt32]

That might be a motor I cobbled together back in the day. I’ve took several motors and made 1 a few times I had extremely good luck out of them. Edit. I never had a torque wrench back in the day either. Couldn’t afford it.

[@HastyRhombus760]

I love how JD is not afraid to get his hands dirty and put in some work. That is one of the biggest issues with the USA today.

[@wolfparty4234]

I love these videos!!! Especially with you and your son DIYing together!!.❤️🙏🏻💪🏼🤣🤣🤣👍🏻

[@user-it2jr2kg2v]

I’m an 18 y/o building my 360 fe, saw this video and loving the father son duo right here! Can’t wait to have a son of my own to do these kinds of things with, he has no clue how lucky he is.

[@sulistiman]

you guys have a great father and son 💙 bonding and learning experience with rebuilding his engin in his first 🚗 car a sweet classic 😀

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks!

[@SmackeysGarage]

Great progress! I love the 390. I have one in my 1969 Mustang. They are perfect engines to build and you can really build it into whatever vehicle you want, truck or car.

[@louishoey]

Got to Love the tree frogs in the backround. 🙂. Well done as always cant wait 2 see it go in.👍🏼💪🏽

[@josephbonnette7877]

Nice hair cut J.D.. you are doing a great job. Your Dad is a cool guy.

[@kimtowner3473]

Great video! In my teenage years I helped friends pull out an engine or two. My younger brother and I talked our mother in letting us put up a sturdy wood beam between two equally sturdy trees so we and our friends would have a place to pull engines. One time I helped my brother free up a locked up small block Chevy V-8 (a 283, I think). After much prying, pounding, soaking the cylinders with old oil (and a lot of swearing) we got the engine to turn. He then perfomed a shade tree tear down and rebuild, then we installed the engine back in his 1968 Chevy truck. The operation was a success, and the engine ran for a long time afterwards. When it finally died and went to small block Chevy heaven my brother replaced it with a 350. Fond memories.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Awesome

[@deputydrew6605]

Just in time for my upcoming 390 rebuild! I was glad to see this so I can get my "bearings" on how to go about this! Nicely done :)

[@kevinblevins2612]

Great job Nice to see people teaching younger ones that you can refurbish rather than replace

[@bartobuilt2601]

You're Raising that Boy Right!

[@user-it6ug4ex3z]

Ur giving ur kids car lessons that'll be generational. My father taught me soo much, grads sir

[@quicksilver8180]

Another great one , enjoying every minute of your projects, especially the father and son aspect. I'll tell you this about that motor, you have executed this build as good as anyone would do and honestly a whole lot better. Your just not afraid to show what corners you have had to cut to get this done, which really hasn't been much. Most mechanics are afraid of what other people say or think to the backyard rebuild. I'll tell ya this, 20 Plus years ago I build some of the strongest running small block Chevys I have ever built right on the tailgate, outside due to a lack of a garage and although things didn't always go as planned most of the time they did. Boy did I run the shit out of them motors . 4 different engines to get one runner, all used parts at times. Maybe they used some oil or had not the best oil pressure but loose is fast lol . A local race motor builder said that to me . I bet that 390 will be quite the runner pal, keep up the good work.

[@andydiaz7296]

As always your boy is lucky to have you. He loves being with and it ain’t bout the car it’s the trust you have in him. Great episode

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks man

[@johnelliott7375]

Don't forget to teach him the correct way to get the job done, so far so good for the back yard garage rebuild. Or should I say "The Poll Barn " way to follow procedure the best you can do with no machine work or shop. Great work so far and teach him to double check certain things like that dot on the rings and the spin on the lifters.

[@samharris8430]

Nice seeing a father and son working together!

[@denniscoughlin7437]

I love that your out there with your boy teaching him a skill.he will use for his entire life. Wish my dad and i could of done this when i was young. Awesome video!👍👍

[@chazdubh3079]

I've watched this video a million times, it never gets old, that brilliant little 'great job, well done' was great, im 15 and want to be 35 with a 10 year old son, building an engine with him, damn, sorry abt that rant 😂😂😂

[@srt8madman727]

You seem like a really good Dad. I think it's cool that you and your son work on old cars and whatnot together.

[@waltschannel7465]

Spare no expense! Dollar Tree 🌳 for the win!! Andy Granatelli (STP ads when I was a kid) would be so proud. Seriously, though, you are going at my slow brain speed, and I appreciate that, and you are giving your son fantastic practical know how!!

[@SWEET-2381]

JD.... PAY ATTENTION!! This will make you famous!!!! I'm soo jealous.. I had to learn on my own... My dad didn't teach me anything eavn tho he did it all..

[@robertwilliams2623]

It's good to see you teaching your son life skills not every parents do this.

[@chazer200]

Be proud Dad! You have one cool kid!

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

A 390 for $390? Sweet!!

[@jerrycraig6522]

That kid of yours is having the time of his life, and he built that motor himself, with a little help from dad, in the future you know, how AWESOME!!!

[@enhancedsmoker]

The best thing a person can do is sharing love with your child! Nice work! Love your outlook on life! Keep on keeping on😉

[@jdfmfb03]

JD is the same age and size I was when my dad started teaching me about cars and engines My fist overhaul rebuild was a 307 SB Chevy. What I love is that in the old days all work cleaning and assembling was done in a greasy old shop full of dirt and grime. Chemicals like triclorethylene were deadly and used instead of soap and oven cleaner Well I survived and the engines worked just fine. JD is very lucky to have you as a father👍🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@2509498788]

I enjoyed this program.. it took me a couple days to watch it ..

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Nothing wrong with that, it was a long one!

[@raywister5138]

Proud of you Dad. I had an oder brother that every time I got an engine to tear down to learn from, he'd haul it to the scrap yard while I was at school.

[@tsmith578]

Hey there Mr. I just was watching the video of you rebuilding that old 390 with your son. Great video 👍. I really like seeing videos of father and son projects, my Dad passed away when I pretty young, but when I was a boy I had spent some time with him on a old Dodge van that he bought repairing the engine doing a valve job and it was a time hanging out with him and learning. Hats off to you for being a great Dad! Happy Father's Day to you. Tim from Wisconsin.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks Tim

[@brandaneakright6082]

Another killer video, really cool to see you and your son both building the motor together. Keep up the good work.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Blue paint looks good

[@tonyt8805]

Great job........loved it! 💯 😎 💯 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾

[@user-tn1hk6zm2f]

I always put a little grease on the engine stand mount. Does turn easier. Maybe you like the exercise? Lol. Love the videos. Teaching your son is excellent!!!!! Who knows your son may choose to make a living as a mechanic someday? If not it is great memories of his father when he gets old. Take care.

[@RattyFlyer]

Now your boy knows exactly what's inside an engine 👍

[@rickhirtle1158]

The father son time is the best

[@affordablecommunications8710]

JD Rocks, the kid amazes me, you can tell he enjoys these projects.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Chrome in a Can Looks good them bolts look like they were quality chromed from factory Perfect Dalton @Pole Barn Garage

[@someonewhocares5712]

DAD number one. U two are rockstars. Thanks for sharing again 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@brandonlisenby6752]

I enjoy your channel so much I’m working on watching all your videos from the beginning.

[@billmaulding4042]

Great video as always! Love seeing you share your passion with your son. That is nice to see! Best of luck on the project, it is coming together nicely!

[@teddhopkins6283]

Wow! Awesome contribution from Holley.

[@anthonyblacker8471]

Yeah JD the most important thing to remember when painting is you can ALWAYS (well, if you have the paint) add another coat. You CAN'T make a run go away if you spray too much!! Well, you can but you won't. : ) Great seeing you 2 get it on this old FE what a time.. definitely brings me back to my dad and me in my childhood! Thanks for sharing this experience, you guys will cherish these moments forever!

[@CapeBretonOutdoors]

you're son is smart and you are a good father !!!!!

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks! He is a damn smart kid

[@chuckthebull]

Its really cool watching you and your son rebuild this car..not only will he have a great education in how it all goes together a great appreciation for his own car when its all done plus the knowledge to keep it running for a long time to come. Cheers!

[@richardcobb2852]

Great video. Realistic instructions for the son. Parts washing and taking things apart are the best teacher. My best advice for anyone starting out using a hoist or engine stand is if it starts to fall, let it, and stand back. I’m glad you’re able to use Holley and Mr. Gasket, used them for years, no problems. Great videos.

[@PoleBarnGarage]

Thanks a lot man.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats JD and PBG for getting the engine almost finish. lv the videos.

[@chazdubh3079]

22:13 perfect example of do as I say not as I do

[@mikewracher9511]

Awesome! Nice work guys.

[@chevelleranch7481]

Yee Haw! The Ol blue oval is gonna truck on down the road!

[@garyreece7352]

Brother love your show and especially the way your teaching your son.

[@johnelliott7375]

Great home school work, enjoyable video in the morning!

[@markmueller4928]

Great video on a budget build. Makes me think about attempting one.

[@caspersoutdoors]

The description has me in tears I expected non the less

[@edsmachine93]

Good work. Nice you have your son working with you. The old 390 was in pretty good shape. Block looked very nice. Good job. Take care, Ed.

[@scottyshaffer6103]

Your boss and you are priceless.....Sir!😃

[@trevorbennett706]

Nice work fellas. I wish my dad showed me how to fix shit. i had to figure stuff out on my own. Happy fathers day you are an awesome dad.

[@brianramsey4097]

Well at least I have the luxury of Iwatching my favorite KZbinr laid up can't move not for another 3 months and let me tell you it sucks only thing that's going to keep me going is getting to enjoy watching all your videos again thank you so much for taking the time to make them always a fan

[@PoleBarnGarage]

I appreciate it and hope you get recover fully!

[@johnelliott7375]

Nice touch after cleaning up the threads, I like that you are doing things the best you can with what you have. Good work.

[@kimtowner3473]

An aunt and uncle of mine, back when I was a little kid, owned a 1959 Ford Fairlane 500. They bought it from Eddins Auto, which in the '50's and '60's was the Ford dealership in Centralia, Washington. It was a two-door hardtop and I thought it was a cool looking car.

[@xplore7359]

Yea, I've had a few bitsa motor's in the past and some have been exceptional!

[@jeffd4056]

Such a great dad !!!!

[@donaldlawton7384]

Great watch ! Thanks again 👍

[@PoleBarnGarage]

My pleasure, thanks for watching