Does this head have value for someone beyond scrap?

gilitos

gilitos

Senior Member
I've been using this B Police Head for over a decade. I had the infamous crack 'repaired' with high nickle rod but it didn't hold. However, not sure how important it is to worry about it. There were never any symptoms, and it always ran great.


I've replaced it with a Snyder's 6.0 while doing extensive work to the car and how I need to figure out what to do with this head. What to do with it? Sure hate to scrap it.


Same holds with the 3.78:1 ring and pinion I just replaced with a 3.54. A bit of wear but quiet and always ran great, I just wanted a little higher ratio. Is the 3.78:1 now scrap?


Maybe this is all swap meet stuff but I don't get out to swap meets but maybe once a decade or so.
 

Attachments

  • 31163.jpg
    31163.jpg
    100.4 KB · Views: 95
  • 31162.jpg
    31162.jpg
    54.6 KB · Views: 106
  • 31164.jpg
    31164.jpg
    40.5 KB · Views: 101
  • 31166.jpg
    31166.jpg
    36 KB · Views: 113
The police heads have value. Someone was looking for one quite recently. Even if you don't find a buyer right away, hang onto it.

The stock ring and pinion gears are not worth much at all, but OTOH they take up a lot less room than a head. Might be worth keeping in case someone nearby needs one.
 
These are merely thoughts to consider; ymmv.

Put the head on an empty junk block and display it in your living room. Oh, swmbo won't allow that? Put it in your shop or office.

The gears are probably useful to someone to actually install them in another A. If not they can become part of a car show trophy welded together by someone with artistic talent.
 
Curious. How long did it take to install the 3.54? And, what do you think of the performance?

I ask because I have been thinking of doing that.
 
old31 said:
Curious. How long did it take to install the 3.54? And, what do you think of the performance?

I ask because I have been thinking of doing that.
Click to expand...


It's a big job, I believe probably bigger than an overdrive installation. I only did it because i had to take it apart anyway: I had to replace an axle shaft that had a crack emanating from the keyway. I can't comment on performance yet because I don't have the body back on yet!!
 
old31 said:
Curious. How long did it take to install the 3.54? And, what do you think of the performance?

I ask because I have been thinking of doing that.
Click to expand...

I did the 3.54 with a rebuilding in the 1980s. It's not difficult, but there are some "settings" (bearing preloads) you have to get right. And like anything Model A, you always find "something else" you need to fix along the way. In my case it was the wheel bearing inner race on one side which required a "turn down" & bush job.

I would give it an entire day (Saturday) to do the job. Follow along the Santa Anita instructions for rear end tear down/rebuild. You probably won't need all 65 pages, but it will save considerable re-work for when you realize you forgot something.

https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-con...rential-Rear-End-Restoration-Revised-2014.pdf

As to the result, I was pleased. I had a pretty spiffy engine (new rebuild) and had gotten past the timing learning curve, and the 3.54 was used in the truck (Avatar) which without a load in the back is a pretty light vehicle. It's nice to easily keep up 65mph with traffic.

Joe K
 
That ring gear looks like the definition of 'spalling, flaking of materials under rolling load'.

That said, this spring rebuilt a rear missing three teeth, which the family was happily driving. I suppose saw dust would help.
 
The ring gear is worn beyond use, in my opinion. The head I would keep. The police may be able to use it.
 
I wouldn't scrap any of it even that head somebody can use it I've been wanting to do a model a cutaway engine if nothing else the head could be used for something like that!!!
 
The head just went to a new proud owner on the forum here at a bargain price!! So much nicer than scrapping it. It runs great. Now for an appropriate clock movement for the ring gear.....
 
One of our club members had a 4:11 gear set in his car. He was wondering why it was so difficult to keep up on tours. We rebuilt his rear end with a new 3.78 gear set and installed a F-100 ****** at the same time. He’s happy as a clam now.

But I agree, that ring gear is not worth reusing.

I’m working on another club member’s diff right now as part of a Mitchell O/D installation. Gears are original 1931 matched 3:78 ring and pinion and they are pristine. New bearings and seals as long as we’re in the neighborhood.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top