That looks alot like the Sioux my dad bought about 15-20 years ago. I think he gave something like $300-400 for it because he was tired of the local Napa clowns screwing up the valve jobs they were doing for him. I don't know what its worth now, but he's the only one I'll take my heads to when they need work! Just too hard to trust work you don't know when you do have something to judge it by.
You're right - I think it is a Sioux. I think it will find its way to the Cl***ifieds shortly...thanks!
Guy I sit next to at work can't give one away, tried for years, may have thrown it away a few months back when he moved. Very limited market for those things around here.
Its a very simple machine to use, and he's done valve jobs for years on them. At $75-150 for a pair of heads, it pays for itself in no time at all. The other investment someone would be best to add would be a flat tabled surfacer. The one the old man has in his machine shop has the part staying stationary and the cutting heads moving back and forth underneath it. Works great and cuts a beautiful surface.
The prices on old valve grinders seem to vary greatly, depending on how bad someone wants one when you decide to sell yours. I've seen them go for $400-$500, but I picked mine (an old Sioux) up for $50 when a local independent garage closed up.
i need one! do you have the seat grinder with it? flathead adapters? I've been keeping my eyes open for the set-up they go for 300-500 typically more towards 500 with the seat cutter and guides for flatheads Zach
Ive had a Souix for about 20 years now and it was ancient when I bought it. I cut my teeth on one of those and wouldnt part with it. Cant help much on the price of one nowadays but I gave 500 for mine 20 years ago and got a rollaround cabinet full of extra parts along with the seat grinding equipment in the original souix cabinet chock full of stones, arbors, and (brain fart) those things that fit in the guides that the arbors turn on.
Zack, do you have a pic of the flathead guides or a good description? I may have some in all the stuff I got. WOuldnt want to part with it but would be glad to load it out if I have it.
lobucrod im not really sure how to explain it...ive seen a few different designs maybe someone has some and a picture?
Goodson Machine still sells pilots for Flatty's.. They are pricey! I use this pilot w/Neway cutters to do seats, and a Sioux 680 with an updated collet (less than half a thou runout) to do valve faces.
just had this conversation with one of grandpa's old buddies last night....he has the whole setup; valve and seat..... i'd love to have all the stuff to do flattys where do you get supplies from for these...this guy said he just went to our local machine shop but i'm SURE they are pricey is there a catalog? edit: goodson has a catalog online....download the pdf.... http://www.goodson.com/contact/Cat07.pdf
Guys - the guy who owned it was a flatty freak, so there's a good chance the tooling is there - but I'll have to check. The unit appears to be in cood overall condition - I know it hasn't been used in 25+ years...
I know Dad's machine was/is a great one, and he doesn't use it as much anymore. I believe he uses ATF for his lubricant, and its worked out great for him.
The Jalopy Journal
