Panhead lifter blocks, bolts

[Raven]

Hello, I attempted to change out my lifter blocks and hit a snag. The previous owner installed 1/4-20 fasteners in the chrome blocks that were on it. I can only imagine that he used a tap to change the threads. My question is: Would there be enough meat left to change the threads back? Or am I going to have to Helicoil all 8 holes to get this rig right again? Sleepless in New England.

Thanks
Raven

[Rubone]

Hello, I attempted to change out my lifter blocks and hit a snag. The previous owner installed 1/4-20 fasteners in the chrome blocks that were on it. I can only imagine that he used a tap to change the threads. My question is: Would there be enough meat left to change the threads back? Or am I going to have to Helicoil all 8 holes to get this rig right again? Sleepless in New England.

Thanks
Raven

He likely just forced them in. Either way the original threads are compromised, so Heli-Coil or Timeserts may be your only option. Did he use late model not countersunk blocks? They would have had 1/4-20 stock and he may not have known the difference..

[Raven]

He used late model not countersunk blocks. It must have been a bear to tighten the first time.

[Rubone]

If he used the 12 pointers they likely ran them in with an impact!!

[Raven]

If he used the 12 pointers they likely ran them in with an impact!!

He used cap bolts with Allen heads, no doubt the same procedure, rattle gun no hand torque.

[BigLakeBob]

Colony also offers stock style screws with 1/4-20 threads. Part # 2365-16 cad plated. You could use these if your current threads are good enough until next rebuild when it would be more convenient to Heli-Coil.

[Raven]

Colony also offers stock style screws with 1/4-20 threads. Part # 2365-16 cad plated. You could use these if your current threads are good enough until next rebuild when it would be more convenient to Heli-Coil.

Wow! Thank you Bob, I thought I was doomed to run these chrome blocks until rebuild. I’ll have to purchase a set and get back to it. I’m new to this game so to speak. So where is the best place to shop for good quality parts for these rigs? All the places I used to go to 25 years ago are gone. The landscape has really changed a lot since I used to attend swaps and go to the LBS. What would you recommend?
I have three pans now, hopefully that’s it, but I have filled a box with all those darn acorn nuts, chrome bolts, chrome parts and such.
Thanks again, this forum is the best.

[BigLakeBob]

Just wanted to add Colony # 2365-16 is for late '53 & newer cad, where 9815-16 is for early '53 and before cad, 9816-16 is for early '53 and before parkerized. All these have 1/4-20 threads.