Posted by Matt Wilson on Saturday, November 04, 2000 at 11:17:13:
I've heard a number of old timers say that some early Chrysler flathead crankshafts were soft from the factory. (I don't know what "early" means.) Now I see in Donn Bunn's book, "Dodge Pickups - History & Restoration Guide 1918-1971" there is a section on engine rebuilding in the back, written by David Pollock. Mr. Pollock recommends getting a crankshaft from a 1956 or newer engine, if yours is unserviceable. I don't know if his recommendation stems from concerns of soft shafts or what.
My truck is a 1949 1-ton PW with a 230 (don't yet know what year the engine is). I'm rebuilding it, and my crank is 0.030" undersize already. Although bearings are available for up to 0.060" undersize, I would prefer to buy another crank new, or have mine coated or plated to build it back up and harden it.
Does any one have any thoughts on soft cranks and/or coating or plating processes for crankshafts? I've heard of plasma spray coatings which are very strong and hard, and I've heard of chromeplating of cranks.
What do y'all think?
Thanks,
Matt