Hey guys, Back in October 2011, I found a McBar Machine Co. adapter bellhousing, and we identified it as being for an Olds Rocket and Caddy, for Ford T-85 trans. One of the things about the adapter was that it looked to be missing part of the mounting ear on the Driver's side, though I didn't believe it was removed or missing, due to the machining and looks of the area. It was cast that way. I just found a thread by Little Wing, showing a McBar catalog from the '50s, and this bellhousing is listed as being intended to be used in Ford cars. It's Model CF-52, '49-'54 Cad, '49-'58 Olds, IN '52-'58 Ford (meaning, in my mind, that it's for that trans, but originally designed to put that engine in the Ford, not necessarily the Ford trans in the Olds or Cad car). So here's my question: I'm going to restore this bellhousing in preparation for selling it--I'll use Lamar Walden's shop and we'll blast it, "reskin" it so the aluminum looks brand new/as-cast (not looking raw and bead blasted), give it a light skim on all the machined surfaces just to true them up, re-spot face all the mounting holes, and it'll look as good or better than it did when McBar boxed and shipped it. (Walden's process gets used on high-end, high-dollar concours correct restorations) So here's the question: As you can see in the pic, the bellhousing was originally cast without the lower mounting hole/ear on the Driver's side. When I restore this thing, I can take a piece of 1/2-inch aluminum and create the proper mounting hole/ear on that side, weld it on, blend it in, blast it, machine it, and it'll look like it was always there. Will the addition of that ear make the bellhousing more usable, and therefore more valuable, or won't it matter? If it'll add $50 to the value of the bellhousing, it's worth the extra steps. If not, I'll restore the bellhousing as-is without the additional work. Thanks, -Brad
for most of you customer base I'm not sure the restoration you're going to undertake is worth the cost/effort, but that's just me. I base my value on the cragger adapter's I've worked with--more readily available but comperable. I think you're looking at $250-400 as is. the clean-up work might get you another $100 or so, but I don't think it's going to make it exponentially more valualble. Maybe I'm missing something here, though--this caddy stuff has gotten crazy of late.
I'll be honest--the clean-up I plan on doing, I don't really see it as adding to the value... It won't take me much time/effort, it's the kind of thing I enjoy, and it gives me an excuse to go hang out at Lamar Walden's shop. It will be EASIER to sell when I'm through with it, but I don't see it as adding a ton to the value. It also takes an old part in our hobby, and restores it to concours quality so the next guy is getting a really, really nice piece. It's just the way I want to send it on down to the next guy. Where my question comes about the addition of that ear is, will it make the piece more marketable to a broader range of buyers? -Brad
Personally, I'd restore it as is. Im not sure if there is a reason that that the ear was left off, but if there was, some guy may just have to modify it (back to stock) in the future to make it fit his application. As for myself, when I'm buying old aftermarket parts, I like getting them as they were out of the catalogue.
I don't like modified parts, so you'd knock me off your potential buyer's list if you welded on it or faced the surfaces. It always makes me scared that someone screwed it up trying to "fix" it. The cleanup is ok, but not needed. You can always tell the buyer that if they desire the extra work, you'll do it for an extra $50.
I collect and am painfully aware of damage to cast aluminum parts now common in this era of 'everyone has a blast cabinet', the thinking being blasting (and ruining) parts such as cast aluminum or zinc die cast carb bodies with careless blasting somehow adds cash value or ease of sale. Even the restoration you describe which I have examined on restored parts does not resemble a original period as-cast finish, it is merely the next best thing. I jump at the chance to buy parts in original condition such as your bell housing, and pay a premium for untouched condition. I too would p*** on your uncommon bell housing after the work you describe.
Not that Brad needs anyone to speak for him, but I have seen his work, and Brad is no hack. His work is cleanly/carefully thought-out and accomplished, and the results are top-notch. With that being said, it sounds like this is one to leave alone and let the happy buyer do as he wishes.
Actually, no, it's not the "next best thing." I've looked at original, unrestored NOS intakes and Corvette valve covers, side-by-side with Lamar's process, and it's perfect. That being said, if you'd like a chance to jump at this bellhousing as-is, send me a PM. -Brad
The Jalopy Journal
