In need of a single piston

[smashbeat]

Unfortunately, my engine shop dropped one of my new pistons and I can't buy a single one here in the USA.
Sunbeam specialties is out of them and classic sunbeam only sells a set of 4. The shop is willing to pay fot the set of 4 but I am trying to avoid it.
I am looking for a single +20 piston for a series 4 sunbeam alpine.
Either you have one to sell or can point me to a supplier that may have availability. Thanks!

 

[RootesRacer]

I saw your facebook post. Your pistons do not look like normal hepolite OEM pistons, I would be concerned any pistons you find may not have the same dish volume as what you have or have the same piston weight.

 

[smashbeat]

That was my fear. I feel bad for the shop... But I guess I will have to ask them to pay for the new set of 4

 

[puff4]

What sort of damage was done? Could it possibly be repairable?

 

[smashbeat]

I have no idea if it can be repaired.
Anyway, the shop paid for the new set and they were nice.
At this point I have 3 new +20 pistons for sale.

I'm about to start to put the engine back together. Originally I was painting it black as it was. But I may go with red after all, blood and tears of the rebuild

Any suggestions for which brand/product of paint to use?

 

[puff4]

Yes. I use Bill Hirsch engine enamel. It is hands-down the best stuff, and vintage and antique car guys have been using it for decades for top-line show cars.

https://www.hirschauto.com/ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EE-QUART/

 

[smashbeat]

Almost ready to assemble. I vapor blasted some parts and unfortunately I think I have to replace the balancer and one gear.
Considering the new stuff with seal. Worth it? Or should I just find a decent used balancer...

 

[MikeH]

This should be in parts wanted.

 

[smashbeat]

This should be in parts wanted.

The original post should have been, I recon.
But then it became something else. My last post was mostly asking for advise.

 

[puff4]

Do NOT use an old balancer. The rubber in all the old balancers is hardening and if it hasn't failed yet, it will soon, causing vibration in the crank and potentially incorrect timing (since the outer ring slips against the inner hub).

New ones are available - just really expensive. For info on replacements, you might want to have a look at this earlier thread:

https://forum.sunbeamalpine.org/ind...harmonic-balancer-for-a-67.28111/#post-196664

 

[jumpinjan]

The new crank balancers are excellent! I highly recommend getting one.
Jan

 

[alpine_64]

They do stock to race spec:
https://harmonicdampers.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=75_25&zenid=j0u7bj64nls9bj7uj711is9853

 

[smashbeat]

For the races to the store the Standard one will work!
I noticed that https://joesrestorationrescue.com/products/sunbeam/sunbeam-alpine-timing-chain-cover.php
Has a damper with oil seal mod for $199. Way cheaper than the one from bhj. I may use the money for the billet cover...

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

Almost ready to assemble. I vapor blasted some parts and unfortunately I think I have to replace the balancer and one gear.
Considering the new stuff with seal. Worth it? Or should I just find a decent used balancer...

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

That balancer is ugly spend the money and buy a new one!

 

[BEpine]

JoesRestorationRescue is where I bought my damper Bought the billet cover from SS

 

[fonz]

REPLACING PISTONS, always use a "matched set". preferably " BALANCED". THAT DEEP INTO AN ENGINE, ALL MOVING PARTS SHOULD BE MATCHED AND BALANCED. Cheap is very seldom best.

 

[PawPaw]

Where are you? I have a complete 1725 engine free. Come get it. Plan to carry to salvage for scrap. located in North Alabama

 

[fonz]

That was my fear. I feel bad for the shop... But I guess I will have to ask them to pay for the new set of 4

Thats the way of it, THEY broke it, they need to step up and buy a" full set of matching pistons" ! why should You be burdoned with this ?

 

[alpine_64]

. Cheap is very seldom best.

Yes.....