I have seen this 58 Ford sedan in a back yard for a number of years a few miles from here.  Paul the mail man (and hotrodder) stopped by yesterday and told me the old man has had it since it was new.  One of his sons is going through the engine and found a broken piston.  I was thinking that it was doubtful he had a 312, but today Paul brought me one of the other pistons and sure enough it had an ECZ rod, .030 stamped on the top of the piston and measured 3.830 on the skirt.  What was the last year Ford put a 312 in a passenger car?  Beings this has been rebuilt, they may have replaced the original some years ago.

They just plan to hone and re-ring it.  So if anyone has an extra .030 over 312 piston I could buy, I will make it a gift and help keep the Y-Block dream alive for his family.

Thanks..........Charlie

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Charlie:

312s weren't offered in '58, so the engine has been swapped sometime.  The last Ford 312 was '57, Merc had them until '60.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I know you are all looking through your stash and scratching your heads, but I still need to help this family.  If you find one, please PM me a price and shipping to 93242.

Thanks............Charlie

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Still need that piston...............

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

I'm not giving up...........

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Charlie:

Looks like you don't have a piston yet.  I have some .030 312 pistons, TRW, but the problem is the tops have been cut about .050 to use 292 rods.  It would run, but compression would be lower on one cylinder.  The other possibility is to use a 292 rod in that cylinder, but that would make it a real mongrel if someone wanted to rebuild it later.  Also, if a 292 rod is used, there must be absolutely NO ring ridge, as the rings would be riding about .070 higher in the cylinder.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John,

I talked to the family tonight and they would like to have one of your machined 312 pistons.  Please PM me the cost plus shipping and how to get the money to you.

The father is in his 80's and just wants to drive it a little more before he cannot drive any longer.  He said the kids can give it a complete overhaul when they inherit it.

Thanks..............Charlie

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Charlie: Why not try Michael Henaults at La Grange CA.? Has many Y parts. Ph 209-852-2476 or henaults@jps.net

Paul

Charlie:

I'll get the piston on the way to you today.  We'll figure out the finances later.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John F.   If you haven’t already shipped your piston, you might hold up for just a bit.

 

Charlie.  Went through the box of scrap pistons sitting in the shed and have found a couple of 3.830” bore pistons that look to be usable.  No wrist pins or locks though but those from a 292 or from the damaged 312 piston should suffice for that.  I'll go through some other pistons that are laying loose and see if I can also include a pair of wrist pins and some locks just to be on the safe side.  Send me your address via email and I’ll get these in transit for you.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)