Just got the truck back from having some upgrades and a "problem" fixed.
First, the problem...The ridiculous nylon cam button that Comp Cams puts in their roller cam kit lost about a 1/32" on the end where it meets the timing cover. The result is that the cam shifts just a little (no, nothing else was damaged) so that the double row chain hits the oiler boss on the block. It sounded like a blown rod bearing - scary. We had ground this down, but not enough to prevent the chain from hitting if the cam button went south. A proper metal bearing/button for $11.00 (why is this not in the $$$ kit?), a new $30.00 reinforced timing cover and some gaskets and labor and it was fixed.
...was going into the shop anyway to get rid of a noisy (knocking) steering column, replace the speedo and get some decent turn signals. For a column, I got a straight 1-3/4" hotrod column from an Ididit dealer who modified it for a 54-55 steering wheel I got from Jim Carter. That wheel matches the hub. I also got self cancelling turns signals - an option on 54's. My body shop painted the wheel and column in the4 same colors I had. When taking the old speedo out, my guy drilled two little holes in the new one and put in small green LEDs for the indicators.
I,m really happy with the results - we changed to a vibration reducer DD joint from Borgenson and the steering is beautiful and no noise or rattles when I'm on a rough road.
Next project - Altman EZ latches in the spring...
