Hemi Detailing. Frank Badalson sets the bar in Hemi engine restoration. Here s how he does it. REFERENCE RESTORING

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Elijah Cooper
5 years ago
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REFERENCE RESTORING This overall view of the left side of Jim Bodanis 71 Hemi shows power steering high pressure hose dated and correctly plated. The pump has been detailed and shows correct mounting.

Note the positive and negative battery cables, and a general view of the carbs and linkage, noting that the kickdown bellcrank is different than 1970. We ll show close-ups as we move along.

1 REFERENCE RESTORING This overall view of the left side of Jim Bodanis 71 Hemi shows power steering high pressure hose dated and correctly plated. The pump has been detailed and shows correct mounting. Radiator hoses are on as they would be on the assembly line. Note the positive and negative battery cables, and a general view of the carbs and linkage, noting that the kickdown bellcrank is different than We ll show close-ups as we move along Hemi Detailing Frank Badalson sets the bar in Hemi engine restoration. Here s how he does it. Story Cliff Gromer & Frank Badalson PHOTOS Cliff Gromer A correctly detailed engine goes beyond pretty. A nice fresh orange paintjob and shiny metal on a 71 Hemi may get you compliments from the average Mo fan at car shows and if that s all you re looking for, you might as well skip this article. What we are showing here is what the Hemi looked like when fully assembled at the factory and ready to go into a car, complete with transmission and exhaust from the bottom. It s the fine details that separate a platinum quality engine restoration from the also-rans, and it s the fine details based on research and his 4 years experience in the Mopar world that has made Frank Badalson (sixpackfrank@aol.com, (804) 27-21), one of the premier Mopar restorers in the hobby today. You ll find all these photos and more, such as his world-famous paint drips, on our free website so you can knock yourself out by inviting over all your friends and blowing the pix up to full screen size on your 80 OLED TV (oooh, ahhhh). Plus a suspension detailing bonus. Such a deal! OK, let s cut the baloney and get to the details. 40 MOPAR ACTION MOPAR ACTION 41

Overall rear view. ABOVE: Original Hemi fan belt p/n 26889. RIGHT: The original distributor tag.

It s common to see a part made in the 49th week of 69 in a car that was assembled in 71.

You ll see the same thing when we get to carburetors.

Also shown is the original 76 alternator with the original 09 pulley.

Frank Badalson Photo While we re at the coil, note the original radio suppression condenser always

This is Jim Bodanis Hemi block that s been stripped.

that indicate bore size so correct size pistons and rings can be fitted.

Frank believes that s the wrong attitude in the restoration business.

The engine is NOT primed before painting (a common error) it s just cleaned and then sprayed with

You have to have all the components that the factory had on the engine when they painted it, then

Top carb mounting surface of intake, top opening of dipstick tube, water pump and t/stat hose barbs

Note cosmolene on control arms which is what Frank has seen on every unmolested 71.

The wires were dangling as they were put in with the distributor so they hit areas of fresh paint

Most likely, the distributor and wires were an assembly, inserted as the engine was in final

The distributor is pulled out, wires and all.

2 Overall rear view. ABOVE: Original Hemi fan belt p/n RIGHT: The original distributor tag. Note the date: th week of 69. It s common to see a part made in the 49th week of 69 in a car that was assembled in 71. The factory wanted to use up all remaining parts in this the last year of the Hemi. You ll see the same thing when we get to carburetors. Overall view of the right side shows paint daubs on the plug wires. Also shown is the original 76 alternator with the original 09 pulley. The distributor coil wire has a red boot. The coil s boot is black. Frank Badalson Photo While we re at the coil, note the original radio suppression condenser always mounted on the battery side, never the distributor side of the coil. This is Jim Bodanis Hemi block that s been stripped. Frank reproduces the letters A,B,C, D and E (as found) that were applied at the Marysville plant that indicate bore size so correct size pistons and rings can be fitted. Many restorers eliminate this step as the letters will be painted over. Frank believes that s the wrong attitude in the restoration business. He doesn t skip any steps and has built his reputation on setting the standard for correctness. The engine is NOT primed before painting (a common error) it s just cleaned and then sprayed with engine enamel. You have to have all the components that the factory had on the engine when they painted it, then complete it afterward. Front view. Negative battery cable is painted with the engine. Top carb mounting surface of intake, top opening of dipstick tube, water pump and t/stat hose barbs and fuel pump mounting area are all taped off prior to painting. Note cosmolene on control arms which is what Frank has seen on every unmolested 71. BELOW: The distributor, cap and wires were apparently inserted after the engine was painted. The wires were dangling as they were put in with the distributor so they hit areas of fresh paint while they were dangling. Most likely, the distributor and wires were an assembly, inserted as the engine was in final assembly stages. The distributor is staked then the engine makes it to the paint area. The distributor is pulled out, wires and all. Pre-painted (black crackle) valve covers are sloppily taped off; holes are taped usually sloppily. Keep in mind this is a quick process, they were not concerned with pretty. Just get it done! Original vacuum advance canister with an inspector s yellow hash mark. Correct mounting of the distributor vacuum advance line and the S-clip. Typically this is incorrectly attached to the outer fuel line that goes to the rear carb. This is the ribbed line used on the assembly line. Original oil filler cap is a deep dish chrome design not stepped. The unique cap was used on Hemis only and shows a S (for the vendor Stant) on the head of the rivet. Correct assembly line oil filter. The correct square oil pressure relief valve plug on the oil pump cover. Hex plugs are a common mistake. 42 MOPAR ACTION MOPAR ACTION 43

The positive battery cable has a special heat resistant covering because of the way the

The bracket for left cylinder head keeps the cable away from heat.

through the bracket which is missing on a lot of restos.

Note that even though build sheets for Hemis in 1971 may show 112 for the 3462112 fan

The original fan clutch for this engine was an 070 with a date of G7A = July 7, 1970.

The hard to find asbestos fiber anti-rattle insulator (the black piece above the pin at

Note that a lot of 71s had a 70- style right side exhaust manifold with the protruding

They still used the 70 leftovers in 71 even though there s no choke tube setup because

They are taller and have a smaller washer than 70. The nuts are 1 /4-28, 7 /16 hex approx.

Water jacket drain plugs are something that almost everybody gets wrong.

The unique front mounting tab for the Hemi starter heat shield bracket.

The heat shield goes in afterward so the shield and the bolt are not painted.

unique-to-hemi Marsden (slotted) nut attaching the rubber insulator to the metal motor

The underside of the K-frame shows the unique (fine thread 3 /8-24) nut with spin washer

Correct NOS PCV valve does not have a silver base.

There were two styles of PCV the 3-rib and smooth barrel styles.

3 The positive battery cable has a special heat resistant covering because of the way the Hemi manifolds are designed. The bracket for left cylinder head keeps the cable away from heat. Note the way the cable routes from behind the starter heat shield up towards the top through the bracket which is missing on a lot of restos. Dated fan clutch with original blades. Note that even though build sheets for Hemis in 1971 may show 112 for the fan clutch, many 71 Hemis have the fan clutch installed from the factory. The original fan clutch for this engine was an 070 with a date of G7A = July 7, The heat riser is another common error area. The hard to find asbestos fiber anti-rattle insulator (the black piece above the pin at the bottom of the photo) is usually missing. Note that a lot of 71s had a 70- style right side exhaust manifold with the protruding tube. This is for the 70 choke tube. They still used the 70 leftovers in 71 even though there s no choke tube setup because 71s used a manual choke. 71 nuts that hold the valve covers are unique to 71 Hemis only. They are taller and have a smaller washer than 70. The nuts are 1 /4-28, 7 /16 hex approx.3 thick and the washer OD is.4. Water jacket drain plugs are something that almost everybody gets wrong. They are not painted with the engine and have no sealer or tape. The unique front mounting tab for the Hemi starter heat shield bracket. The tab is part of engine assembly so it s orange. The heat shield goes in afterward so the shield and the bolt are not painted. Right below the fuel pump is right side motor mount (always painted) showing the unique-to-hemi Marsden (slotted) nut attaching the rubber insulator to the metal motor mount bracket. The underside of the K-frame shows the unique (fine thread 3 /8-24) nut with spin washer (OD 1 ), properly plated. There are two of these. Correct NOS PCV valve does not have a silver base. This original valve has the correct dark base. There were two styles of PCV the 3-rib and smooth barrel styles. All 71s have a 3-nipple breather. Original fuel pump inlet fitting is unique to a Hemi in style and length. Left side motor mount. Original Hemi oil dipstick tube and handle. The insulator for the tube covering is below the retaining bracket. Top of tube is bare as it is taped off during painting. Handle has the proper OEM rubber insulation. The power steering gear is always painted black. Note the correct Hemi 90 deg. angle fitting and original dated Hemi PS hose. This hose is dated (263rd day of 1968). It s very common to see this date on Hemis. The correct engineering number on the hose is Correct original bolts that hold the power steering gear to the K-frame. In this case, they re hex. This is a unique design Grade 8 hex bolt with heavy duty washer. 44 MOPAR ACTION MOPAR ACTION 4

Configuration of the heat tubes at the back of the intake.

The unpainted tube that goes to the H-pipe is put on afterward and has a

Generally, these areas were taped off during paint leaving bare spots.

oil pressure sending unit and oil pressure resistance wire on the

70) oil pressure sending unit with oil pressure resistance wire (typically

Closer view of the kickdown linkage. Note detail and plating.

is installed later (a lot of restorers get this wrong.

hole for the retainer clip and the washer.

onto the inner portion of the stud. Note the length and style of the stud.

BELOW: General shots of all the linkage hooked up and kickdown linkage

and kickdown spring. Note correct carb gaskets and studs.

4 Configuration of the heat tubes at the back of the intake. One is painted on the line. The unpainted tube that goes to the H-pipe is put on afterward and has a correct clamp, nut and bolt. Nipple at top is for power brakes. Generally, these areas were taped off during paint leaving bare spots. Also note the Hemi-only auto trans dipstick tube mounts to the outer heat tube stud. Note correct clip holding the Reverse wire and neutral safety switch wire, oil pressure sending unit and oil pressure resistance wire on the bellhousing. RIGHT: Closer look at the dated (KO = Oct. 70) oil pressure sending unit with oil pressure resistance wire (typically missing) and the tab routing the Reverse wire. Closer view of the kickdown linkage. Note detail and plating. Bellcrank on Hemi is not painted it s not part of the engine assembly and is installed later (a lot of restorers get this wrong.) Kickdown linkage slide, unique to Hemi, incorporates a hole for the auto throttle linkage return spring. Correct Hemi throttle cable stud is unique to a Hemi in that incorporates a hole for the retainer clip and the washer. The other side of the linkage is where the throttle cable ferrule will go onto the inner portion of the stud. Note the length and style of the stud. Also seen is the upper solenoid adjusting bracket. BELOW: General shots of all the linkage hooked up and kickdown linkage shows the correct hookup and positioning of the front and rear carb springs and kickdown spring. Note correct carb gaskets and studs. ABOVE LEFT: Correct torque converter cover for the drive plate screws at the transmission. ABOVE RIGHT: Paint on manifold. They didn t take time to make it pretty so you see varying degrees of paint on everything. Sometimes there s paint on the bottom of the oil pan, sometimes not. All depends on the guy and how the paint flowed. Main cross bolt head design most always RSC Grade 8 bolt with 6 hash marks. 46 MOPAR ACTION MOPAR ACTION 47

The ML9 on the base of the carb signifies a build date Nov./Dec. 69. The 4742S is the Carter assigned number. This is only a 71 thing a modified 70 carb.

This is an original black tag which, from age and heat, can turn to a brownish or copper color like the one here.

Here, the 3499 is the 349th day of 69 which puts the final assembly in December. Tag dates are typically keyed to the carb base date.

The large number in the lower right corner corresponds to the last 2 digits of the carb part number in the Chrysler parts book.

With the advent of repro tags we re seeing a lot of mistakes regarding the carb base date correlating to final assembly.

These dates are not random, there are specific dates for tags keyed to the build/assembly of the carb.

This does away with all the choke tubes on 70 and earlier Hemis. Note the fuel inlet fittings with correct red Carter gaskets.

5 The ML9 on the base of the carb signifies a build date Nov./Dec. 69. The 4742S is the Carter assigned number. This is only a 71 thing a modified 70 carb. You don t see this for 70 Hemi engines. The front carb tag is black (for auto and 4-speed). This is an original black tag which, from age and heat, can turn to a brownish or copper color like the one here. The top number always corresponds to the carb base number. The lower number is the assembly date. Here, the 3499 is the 349th day of 69 which puts the final assembly in December. Tag dates are typically keyed to the carb base date. The rear carb tag (also the original) is blue denoting auto trans. A 4-speed car would have a red tag. The large number in the lower right corner corresponds to the last 2 digits of the carb part number in the Chrysler parts book. Note that these are not the only carbs used for 71, however, they are found on many. We do have documented original 71 Hemis with 71 carb numbers. With the advent of repro tags we re seeing a lot of mistakes regarding the carb base date correlating to final assembly. Many restorers have not thoroughly researched this and are unaware of the proper dating structure and use random numbers. These dates are not random, there are specific dates for tags keyed to the build/assembly of the carb. Frank Badalson Photos Unique 71 manual choke assembly incorporates a mounting for the manual choke cable. This does away with all the choke tubes on 70 and earlier Hemis. Note the fuel inlet fittings with correct red Carter gaskets. The front carb fitting is thicker than the special thin (female NPT) rear one. Red idle mixture caps are missing here but have since been added. Correct cad-plated Grade carb bolt is unique to the Hemi. The unique head marking is referred to as the dog bone design and has 3 hash marks. The Intake was taped pretty sloppily prior to painting leaving bare spots between and underneath the two carburetors. All ready for installation. Badalson uses a jig very similar to the factory s for a no-hassle install. 71 ended up being a low production year for the Hemi. By all records available, approx. 36 Hemis were produced. It is not uncommon to find late 69 and early 70 dated parts used throughout 1971 Hemi production. 48 MOPAR ACTION MOPAR ACTION 49

"9501" - Carburetor Dashpot Assembly - $49 Each Excellent reproduction of the carburetor dashpot assembly used on all , 383, 426 Hemi, and

9501 - Carburetor Dashpot Assembly - $49 Each Excellent reproduction of the carburetor dashpot assembly used on all , 383, 426 Hemi, and "5413" - Throttle Kickdown Lever - $30 each linkage used on 1966-70 B-Body Big Block, 1967-70 B-Body Small Block, 1970 E-Body Big Block and 318 2-barrel, 1965-68 C-Body Big Block, and 1967-68 C- Body Small