Unicorn auto parts store

[enjenjo]

I have a crankshaft that needs some work. So I took it to a store about 40 miles away that I have not used in some time, but is known for quality work. They have been is business since 1926 and in 1972 built the engines for the USAC champion sprint cars. It's in a remote town of about 500 people way out in the country.

When I got there, I see that the building has a new facade, and I knew the business had a new owner since the last time I was there. When I walked in the door it was a trip back in time. The first thing you see is a counter made of Dorman drawers with them facing the customer. There is not a computer in sight, and there are stacks of paper catalogs all over. The counterman had me bring the crank around back to the machine shop, so they could check it.

The place smells of cutting oil and caustic soda.There literally hundreds of crankshaft cores everywhere from single cylinder engines to six foot long truck cranks, and also just about as many cam shafts. Did I mention they regrind cams too? About half of the machines are driven by flat belts, but they have the latest in boring bars and head machines too.

They set my crank up in brass V blocks, check it for being bent, and then ask what I needed done. We discussed the necessary work, agreed on the very reasonable price, and he said it would be done friday. By the way this is a 70 year old engine, only made two years, and they had the bearings in stock.

There was a strange looking crank set up in another set of V blocks next to mine. I asked him what it fit, it was a 1919 Franklin  crank.

I wish there were more places like this.

[58 Yeoman]

Wow...I can only remember places like that years ago, nothing today.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Nice trip report Frank. I haven't been in a shop like that in 40 years or so.

[Arnold]

Yes! Nice trip! I worked in a place like that in the early 70's as an "apprentice automotive machinist'. This place too had been in business forever. Great reputation!! One of the very few cam grinders around..let alone crank grinders.Yup..the old acid bath.

[UGLY OLDS]

I too spent some "apprentice" time in a shop like that ...That's where I followed a journeyman around measuring mop/broom handles...shovels...bolts..drills,ANYTHING he could pick up until he was satisfied that I could read a micrometer.... :?
Anybody ever try to measure,and I mean REALLY measure, a cigar  :?:  :?:    

 I still use a lot of the things I learned in that shop..
I kinda doubt if I will ever need to knurl a piston skirt again BUT I know how if I need too.....

Prolly the most important thing they taught me was "feel" .....

Bob...

[kb426]

Nice story. I'm surprised that someone bought the business. Most in my area are just closed when the owner is finished.

[idrivejunk]

That story restores a guy's faith in humanity.

[Rrumbler]

I too have not been in a shop like that in years; it's good to know there are still folks like that around.

[Beck]

I think that store owner deserves a copy of this for display.

I have never been exposed to such a place.
The best shop I know is just dirty and slow.
Your job would have been a 2 month wait.