1928 Chevy main bearings

[Jckson300]

We are restoring a 1928 Chevy truck. I am trying to find crankshaft main bearings. If anyone knows wher I might find some or someone who can make them please let me know. Thanks

[Kevin O. Pulver]

Jackson, This site doesn't deal with those specifically, but it's a good place to start. Someone here is likely to be able to direct you more specifically.
The only question I have is whether your bearings are "insert" type like modern engines, or whether is uses poured babbit bearings. I would think it's the latter, in which case you will need someone to pour, align bore, and fit the babbit to your crank. Maybe the tractor "lugs n cleats" portion of this site would be more helpful as many old tractors need that type of work.
Kevin

[Hoarder1]

Hi Jackson,
There is an excellent website and forum devoted to early GM trucks. If you don't have any luck on this site, click http://stovebolt.com/

Stovebolt, like Smokstak is a very active forum full of people who know their stuff.

Good luck. I have a 1929 Chev truck, but I'm probably a bit too far away to help.

[B. K. Lahey]

Hi Jackson, I too have a 28 chev it's 4 cyl and called an "express utility" and it's got poured babbit bearings, think it's rated as 1/2ton, got the fuel tank under the seat, front wheel brakes, no cowl, and side covers on the motor, hope this helps,
BK

[Alan in KY]

you cannot find them as stated before they are poured bearings along with the rod bearings

[Craig A]

There is a place in Minneapolis that specializes in babbitting Model T mains.....which have incredibly thin babbitt shells. I can't imagine why they couldn't do the same for a Chevy.
An alternative ($) would be to bore the mains FOR insert bearings...a not uncommon procedure used for connecting rods.
I'm sure someone else on this site may know the name of the place............my friend who knows of this place is currently hospitalized right now........
Craig

[Colin Rush]

Call these guys at 800-829-1276, and ask for Ted or Ron.

http://portlandenginerebuilders.com/antique.html

They have been in business for over thirty years, and are one of the best engine builders on the west coast. They sell engines all over the US and the Pacific Rim. They deal with weird antique engines all the time. I have seen many old car or truck engines there, as well as many John Deere twins. They are currently getting a pair of stainless steel valves made for my LB, and I will be taking some of my 1923 M into them for work. They have done the lion's share of old IHC engines for my truck club (IHSTO), and for my AMC club. Before you say it is too far from you, talk to them, as they know their stuff, and have done a number of engines for folks on the other side of the US who felt that their work was worth the additional shipping cost. (I believe the current record for longest distance customer was for an IHC 345 that was built for a guy in Belgium about two years ago.)

Personally, I would look into getting the line bore cut for bearing inserts, which are easier to find, and cheaper as well. Also, if for some reason you lose a bearing (loss of oil, babbitt flakes, or some other thing), you can simply buy another bearing instead of having to tear the engine down and having to repour the babbitt. I am willing to bet that bearings from a later 1950's 235 stovebolt engine will not be hard to retrofit. And as far as affecting the collectibility, nobody is going to take the engine down to see what bearings are in there. What everybody else does not know will not hurt them.

[Jordan]

theres a guy up here in canada that will do any type of babbit job required.

jordan