Nigel Robson

Hi Andy, thanks yet again. I expected drums all round. It would be consistent with vehicles of the day - my '54 Triumph TR2 has them. Sorry, no other photos right now. I'm moving storage on 2 Oct and intend to take masses of photos then. Then I can post (easier to email if you're that way inclined...my email is nigel.robson@optusnet.com.au to establish email contact). Regards Nigel

Cheers Andy, more good information. I guess it's not all that's on the internet is gospel. i'm going to work on the block this weekend and see if I can find any more numbers on it which may give a more definite change to identify what exactly the engine is. I've no idea about the brakes without looking at the rolling shell. I'm not going to see it for until the week after next to be able to take a look. I have a recollection that the back brakes are disc and that they would originally have been drums....but I'll have confirm my recollection. Do you know if the brakes would have been drums all round? Once again, thanks ever so much. I'm hugely grateful. More to come I'm sure. Cheers Nigel

Hi Andy, a bit more digging, this time a google search. Based on : A Guide To Mopar V8 Cylinder Head And Block Casting Numbers (enginelabs.com) the head casting Nos. are for a 1962 – 1967 318 LA-series small-block, 1.84/1.56 valves. Your educated guess was spot on. So another piece in the jigsaw falls together. The other thing is it confirms that the engine and gearbox are not original to the ute but were a replacement for whatever reason some time later. When is, in all likelihood, never going to be known. Not that it's important really. I guess based on other information on the enginelabs webpage, the original engine could well have been an A-series small block produced from 1956 - 1967 on the assumption the ute was fitted with a V8 from new. Now, I've no idea at this time if it was or if another non-V8 engine was available. I wish I had the original ute options spec. More digging required.

Hi Andy, A quick search in the boxes of bits I have and I'm thinking this is the flexplate you mentioned......either that or what are the chances that the 4 bolt holes just line up with threaded block holes. It has a slight bend in it. I'm guessing either from a careless removal or subsequent careless storage. I doesn't look difficult to make it true. As I've no example to go by, do you know if this is the right way around or not? (the centre "dome" with the hole surrounded by 6 smaller holes - does it stand outwards towards the engine or go the other way around as in dome to torque converter / gearbox). I'm beginning to ponder whether refurb and re-fit of engine and gearbox would be the way to go. Any idea what parts availability is like - not everything will be salvageable......or maybe the idea is sell what I have to offset an already re-built. Choices, choices ? Regards, Nigel

Hi Andy, thanks again for replying. I'll look for more numbers and see what I find. I do have the exhaust manifolds. I actually have a load of parts (some from the disassembled engine / gearbox, other engine bay equipment, brake system etc. etc. I have to get though it all. We have a long weekend coming up next weekend here in WA and this is on my list to do. No idea if I'll come across the flexplate you mention. I don't recollect anything circular in size and that big of the top of my head, so may not be lucky with that. We'll see I guess. Do you know whether there as such things as dealership workshop manuals for the ute? It's probably hen's teeth if they are about....I've seen earlier manuals (early to mid 50s but not anything later, which is what I'd need). Maybe the mechanics didn't change in that time, but I've no idea. If I could find one it shorten my path, dimensioning things, to work out a suitable replacement. Maybe "period" correct is the right way to go. Probably more likely to get a similar power unit and maybe not have to change out the diff / rear end of the drive. Anyway, thanks again. I feel like you've helped me with quite some steps forward. Seems to be fair bit of Aussie poly stuff - parts to complete rebuilds to refurbished engines - on Gumtree and Ebay. The price of some parts is quite a shock though. I guess that's rarity for you. I'm sure I'll be posting more in the coming days if not weeks.

Hi Andy, thanks for the last message. Some further information. Engine block No. is 228 4370 Head 1 Nos. are 2268341 G-12 (or possibly 0-12) Head 2 Nos. are Head 2268341-5 7-20 Also a picture of the gearbox to answer the torque converter question. Thanks as always for your thoughts and knowledge. Regards Nigel

Hi Andy, I took some photos of the engine. They're attached. There seems to be a number on the block and on the "manifold" the carb is mounted on. I think the block number continues....seems like there's a "3" after the initial 3 digits and a gap. It's dark now, so I'll see if I get a better photo tomorrow (and of the second making on the carb manifold which is a bit out of focus. I decided to take the pistons out - done the ones I could at the moment - as part of a complete disassembly of the block, so I can get a better idea of overall condition and to see whether it's rescuable.....even if I don't use it. Aim is to also preserve it from further deterioration until I decide what to do with it. Not sure what to do with the heads yet. Cheers, nigel.

Hi Andy, thanks for that explanation. Good to know about the gearbox. How would I know if I have the torque converter? Sorry, my ignorance of this type of gearbox. Next interesting one - it came with an engine, which I'm told isn't original and came out of the ute. Unfortunately, the previous owner's dad took it out and partially dismantled it as a favour for the owner.......and it was then left for a long time, in various parts. Block, 2 separate heads (it's a V8) and top plate with carb. All very rusty and I've no idea what it is (not looked for an engine number or any other markings yet. On my list for the coming long weekend here in WA. It doesn't fit in with my plans only in so much as resto, if possible, will probably be more expensive than it's worth. Also, not sure it fits with my "modern driver train". I guess the interesting thing is how it relates to the gearbox. I assume they were once together. Thanks again for your knowledge, tips and advice. Regards, Nigel

Hi Andy, the gearbox I have was provided with the ute, but was out of the ute. The previous owner said the gearbox came with the ute but he's no idea if it is original or not. Here are a couple of photos - the gearbox and the bellhousing casting stamps.....I wonder if the "61" in the concentric circles is the year of manufacture, in which case, it could well be original as it seems to be contemporary with the double light nose cone. Still turns and has oil in it which is very clean. But it's been stored for 10-15 years (at least) according to the previous owner. It will need stripped down to check and refurb if it gets used again. Cheers, Nigel.

Hi Andy, thanks for the reply. Good to have someone in the Aus with knowledge. I'll mull through all you've said and get back to you. Will give you a buzz at some time.....I'm juggling my passion for the ute with "life", the latter getting far too much in the way. I am in Perth WA. I don't have photos of the engine bay right now. Just bought the ute and won't get a chance to take more photos until I collect it w/e of 2 Oct. Once I have the photos there's an opportunity to move forward with the puzzle. Again, thanks for the reply I am hugely grateful. Regards, Nigel

The title tells the story. I've just got the barn find. A good, solid chassis/body with all the glass, doors and so on. But it has no engine and a gearbox which may or may not be original. The Chrysler Australia Ltd VIN plate says it's a A1-08 E. From what I can find out this should be a '59 BUT the nose of the pick-up has the double L and R hand headlights (not single lights) which should be a '60 or 61 (the last two years before a big design change. The nose has not been changed by the look of the paint patina. OK, that's a mystery but my biggest problem is what to put in as a drive train. I want to put in something modern but with a similar power output as the original engine (here in Australia modifications are regulated and extreme power to weight ratio is one of them). Problem is I can't find anything about the original engine. Any help really appreciated. Also, I'd like to find a garage workshop manual as this would help with dimensions to work out what will fit or not. Thanks in advance. Nigel