Where Has The Rat Rod Wrecker Been? 

Socks will live a much better life. Not only will he not be getting in fights to get the girls, but he won’t be fathering any offspring that will end up homeless. He got lucky he found a good home were he can get food and loving and grow old in comfort.

I'm liking the background music choices. Nice addition to the old tried and true.

Something crawled up inside Hunter and died. Happy Birthday Shawn. Mine is Tuesday, the 12th. I am considerately older, I'll be 76.

I dig that you show the ups and the downs of your projects, instead of editing the videos to make everything look trouble-free.

So Glad SOCKS is Doing well. Thank you for Adopting Him. Love the Name… Fitting: SOCKS

PAUL! Do not use that silicone! It reacts with oil and lets go of the metal. Use black or clear only when oil comes in contact with the silicone. I work in a racing engine machine shop. Trust me. Also, the bronze gear on the distributor is not a big block thing. It is a roller cam thing. And the guide plates are breaking cause of cheap rockers and no stud girdles.

Happy past Birthday, Shawn! You're learning the way this garage works together and you're fitting in to it really well! You're an excellent addition to an excellent group of people! Thanks for coming along for our ride!👍👍

Happy Birthday Sean! So glad you’re part of the Fab Rats team! Also Very happy you averted being smashed by an out of control Rat Rod Wrecker on your birthday!

Big blocks have a pretty good reputation over the years in all kinds of applications including marine where they are run close to wide open for hours at a time. The problem seems to come when after market parts are added. An engine has to be built ground up to be durable. Adding a few components to get lighter weight and higher horsepower can create a cascade of problems that were never there originally. I remember running triple 454's in high speed jet boats used for tours. Previously we ran big block Fords which seemed susceptible to distributor failures and also used a fair amount more gas per hour. The 454's were run hard (as were the Fords) as we had a time schedule to meet and an area to cover that were not amendable. They held up quite well lasting from May through September eight hours a day seven days a week with four boats running. As I recall it was normal to get three seasons out of an engine before any problems and even more before major overhaul. They were converted to quick connect fittings enabling the engine to be pulled in less than half an hour and replaced with a spare in an hour. Then the shop could overhaul the engine as needed. They were hooked on Hamilton jets if I remember correctly so with the quick connects on all lines and electrical it highly simplified the process. They carried a good load. 48 passengers in a forty five foot aluminum river boat at thirty knots.

Sean is such a good addition to the team! 💪👍🏼

Dang that step ladder that you can lay down on to work on your truck is a life saver

Hunter fits in perfectly with the mechanic garage environment. He is picking up rapidly on the nut twisting part of it😂😂

You might try some pattern grease and check your mesh. Could need to shim the distributor up a bit or worse down. What I'm trying to say is it might be you new distributor not the big block.

Happy Birthday Shawn! In one of Rory’s latest videos he was talking about how he likes a big block because he likes torque for pulling the people out, he likes to work at low range rpm’s

Paul secretly loves Ford, and now everyone knows it!❤️❤️

Those wheels are devastatingly handsome

Happy Birthday Sean!!!!!!!!!!! Kudos to your wife for the fantastic meal she prepared.

That distributor gear isn't a big block thing. It's more of a billet cam core thing. You can use a bronze gear, like you are or you can get a melonized gear. Either one will stop the gear wear problem.

When looking for a transmission leak clean trans and put baby powder on it the oil will wick into the powder good luck I enjoy your videos .😀

Running it with the covers off to check is messy and sometimes smoky but it's worth it to be sure IMHO. Low end torque = BB Cool wrecker ✌️🇺🇸

Yall ever use a listening stick? Hold a wood handle from ear to covers. You'll be able to hear exactly which ones are bad. Works like a dream. Edit: works great for pinpointing bad bearings, lifters, or various ticks, squeaks, and grinding sounds

I was expecting Paul was going to lathe up a bushing given it was a push pin. Seems like finding a Company or another youtube channel who does modified big blocks regularly to get the tips for known issues would be gold, like Merlin and Cummins. Quicker and cheaper than pulling apart constantly or swapping to LS. Keep up the good work. 🇦🇺

Happy birthday Sean , fab rats was great before but now it’s even better since you joined the crew

Right after Ben brought in the "candles" for Sean I had a hearty laugh, saying out loud; "I could hang out with these guys"...

I thought Paul's request for the air hose blower was to defend against Hunter's flatulence issue 😅😅

Paul, you must invite Merlin to bring Tow Mater to the Sand Chute Challenge. Cummins must make an appearance! Merlin can always pull you and Matt out!

My vote is to use the same engine as Matt’ wrecker so you can steel his parts when you visit. It’s just upping the ante on the whole Mountain Dew thieving stuff. 😊

My dad is in his 70s now. But then he worked on dodge motors, he had old valve covers with tops cut off with rubber screwed to the top. He could look at rockers with motor running without getting oil everywhere. Work smarter not harder.

I was today years old when I learned where the color 'Chevy Orange' came from... it was just heat resistant silicone blown about that everyone said "Ya know what... I think the entire block should be that color!"

Maybe you could do a fireside chat with Rory about the merits of a big block vs LS!

Michelle saying the cat was probably still stoned - priceless! Thanks all, UK

Happy belated bday, Sean. And also happy 43rd birthday (the day the video dropped) to Paul.

Happy Birthday Sean! 🎂 Awesome video on the Rat Rod, glade she is up and running again! Quite a team!😊

Happy Birthday Shawn and hope you had a wonderful day. I so glad you came to work for the FabRats. You are a varry hard worker and know your stuff. Shawn is always in a good mood and makes you laugh every when things don't go right at work. So Happy Birthday my Friend and many morento come

Your background/ montage music seems to have changed and for the better in my opinion (not that it was bad before). Your music is almost as good as Merlin’s! 😂 Thanks for the entertainment, I’m always waiting for the next one!

This is too funny. When Paul looked at the camera and ask, "did you just fart?" I had just let one rip.😂😅 It was almost like he was talking to me.😊

Part Number: CRO-76002 from Summit is the bronze gear for that distributor

Happy birthday to a very young handsome Sean that is very super good on helping Paul and Ben work on all vehicles keep up the good work

Rory can tell you all the tricks to making the big block run right. Just don't drive through big water holes he can tell all about that too. Happy birthday Sean best wishes. Love the Ratrod wrecker can't wait to see it go up the sand shoot. Thanks for the video stay safe guy's. Good luck at Hell and back.

I do really like your high-reach ladder thingee! Really helpful on those taller trucks! Cheers, Rod

I appreciate your struggles Paul, all the rest of us deal with the same problems. Lol! Hunter is becoming a pretty darn good quality control guy. 😂 Happy birthday sean!

That Miller Trailblazer that has been sitting around your shop makes a real purtty shelf. Can’t say for sure but I have been told they are a decent welder as well.

COSTA RICA...SALUDOS...Seeing many of your friends I realize that they prepare with special rescue vehicles for the snow ... I think it's time to build a BOMBI FAB RATS.

🎉 thanks 👍 for the video guys 🎉....JJ... Jonjon....😊

Happy birthday Sean you are a awesome addition to the team!

Paul, I feel your frustration on receiving the wrong parts when trying to get work done in a timely manner and not wanting to use “bad words” sometimes it just comes out and around here we call those words “barn talk”! 🤬 This was a phrase coined by my Grandson’s Papa (grandfather) on his father’s side when my grandson attempted to use cuss words in public that he learned while working in the barn! His Papa told him that “barn talk” was only to be used in the barn! lol. My wife has had a couple signs made for me in my garage stating, “I can fix anything, but only with a little barn talk”! Thanks for keeping it clean on your channel! 😆

You're supposed to let that silicone sealer set completely before reassembly. When you tighten the cover just as much or more squeezes out on the inside as outside and if a glob finds its way into your oil passages you will be able to do the LS swap sooner than later. If you use a gasket contact cement like Gaskacinch to glue the gasket to the cover then a light film of silicone set completely on the head side of the cover gasket, you will likely never have to fool with that cover gasket again then when you remove the cover the gasket stays on the cover ready for reassembly.

Happy birthday Shawn hope your day was great

We would always just disconnect the spark, plug wires and use the starter button to turn the engine. I actually worked very well. Keep up the good work guys love your videos. 10:05

If the pushrod guides are breaking, might want to check out the level of spring compression to make sure they are not binding up, since that can cause such issues. Its not uncommon to have a cam and rocker combo providing more lift than the springs can compress for.

I was just watching Rory talk about the positives of the big block. You guys should collaborate and talk about Big Blocks vs LS.

Everything looks absolutely fantastic to me, PAUL, with` all my heart!! you are without a doubt, one hell of a mechanic, and I mean that PAUL with all my heart! And so is your brother!!!

I am reliving some of my old big block problems I had in my Chevell back in the 70’s. Never eleminated the problem with the rockers. Cut some old valve covers out to cut down on the oil mess during the valve adjustment.

Happy Birthday Sean. 🎂🍺🍻🎉🧨. You Have been A Great Addition to the Channel. 👍😁

happy birthday that birthday lunch looked 😋 delicious...a birthday 🎂 lunch every day great great videos and the wrecker looks great 👍 👌 keep making great videos 📹 and thanks for bringing us along 😊 ☺️

Paul made a valid point Ford’s idea of the distributor in the front is a “better idea”. The reason Government Motors made all the LS engines easy to swap out is because they knew you would be having to replace them often.

No LS!!! Big blocks are awesome!!! I had a F250 with a 460 in it. Never failed me. That 4x4 was absolutely bulletproof. I pulled a 14 ton motorhome out of the sand without a kinetic rope, just put the throttle down and let it roar. Damnit. Now I miss that truck all over again.

I understand why you're going to go LS... its gonna be a sad day to see the big block go for me, just because I'm an old school guy in a new school world. But I get it... and respect it.. and I do also think a donation to Rory would be a great way to keep a friend and colleague rolling!

17:05 Ben starting the jeep gets me every time! 😂😂

Lainey Wilson first song to play on the radio, she really stealing everyone's hearts 👍👍

Jesse supporting FabRats AND BladeHQ, both a couple of great Utah companies. Those Boker Kalashniov autos are some snappy little knives. Good job, Jesse!

Happy Birthday Shawn.... May you have many years association with fab rats... May you have continued good health and may you be richly blessed with good fortune.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

Cut the top off a set of old oem valve covers so you can adjust without getting oil soaked. I wasn't aware the TBI dist shaft was a smaller diameter, that sucks. I always used the thick rubber/cork Mr Gasket VC gaskets glued to the VC, never leaked, super easy install.

Happy birthday Shawn 🎉 u fit right in the fab rat family 👍👍👍

Happy birthday Sean, may God bless you mightily with success and happiness 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Once you decide to LS swap you can always sell the big block to Trail Matter or he might even have an LS to swap you for

Happy belated birthday Sean!🍻

hahahahahha....pffffffft...... Happy Birthday Shaun !! Good Mernin to you too! Love that ol bus !

Happy Birthday Sean, you are awesome and a crowd favorite. Keep up what you are doing my friend.

In regard to the transmission leak, I think the term you’re looking for is “we’re going to let it develop”. It’s a frequent term in my shop.

Well from previous comments it is pretty obvious that folks watching your channel also watch Rory's. Back in the day we always ran bronze gears on roller cams. Its what they recommended and had no issues. We also ran big block oil pumps in small blocks and added another distributor gasket. For some reason. Testing my memory now.

Happy Birthday Shawn! Hoping to meet you guys in October on our way to Zion!

Happy Birthday Sean! Keep wrenching it!

Now that is a mechanics blessing! The diving board step ladder, must be than a chair ruching the back of the engine bay...

So proud of you for not using all those profanities when the distributor part was incorrect. 🌏🇭🇲

If any milling has been done to intake and heads you might need to shim up distributor. Run 2 or 3 gaskets under it to shim up

Would love to see one of these tow trucks with a LS + supercharger setup

Good to see you Michelle.

You can get a long screwdriver & place the metal tip on the valve cover & put you ear on the handle & any clicking noise will be amplified to help you find the loose rocker(s).

Happy birthday Sean! And kudos to your wife for bringing you such an awesome lunch!

Happy Birthday Shaun! 🎉 I have a question; is having a shop CAT a good idea for fab RATS? Seems like an inevitable conflict... 😉 😂 Socks seems like a nice furball, glad he found good ppl to take care of him.

Happy birthday Sean! Man that lunch looked fantastic!! 👍

Perfect , thanks for Sharing this with me Have a Great Day 👍 I would rather a Big Block But with today's technology LS is possibly the best way

I wish I had people handing me tools. Man that would be nice......

So Wise . Thank You . Happy belated Birthday Sean. Good idea to take the cat to the Vet, saves many headackes later

Instead of red silicone I use aviation gasket cement. The parts come apart hard but it doesn’t leak. A wire brush in an air drill cleans the surfaces to remove it when reassembling.

Enjoy your can do attitude. For your distributor gear wear problem you could try using a Melonized gear designed for steel roller cams. Summit Racing offers one (SUM-850468) for the smaller GM distributor shafts (.430"). The replacement gear you had was either a .491" or .500" shaft gear. Also, it would be a good idea to look down the distributor hole at the cam gear condition. It might have some wear too. As tight as your engine compartment is, it might require using a boresope to get a good look at the cam gear.

Good Morning to the awesome FAB Rats crew! LMAO Smello-vision!! So great your team keeps all the normal daily conversations in most of these episodes, comedy gold! If your bound and determined to keep the big block it may be worth a short conversation with Roy about his experience. He prefers them for the torque over the LS, but you driving style and terrain may work better with the LS. Both of you have way more experience in your little finger than me with this stuff, but truly enjoy when the different channel collaborate and help each other with their projects!

Maybe talk to Rory about the big block issues since his runs great... until he puddle jumps it.

Happy Birthday Paul. Happy Birthday to Shawn.

LOL Hunter! You took the words right out of my mouth!!! Orange sealant and oil leaks!

Why not make a bushing to fit the bronze gear onto the small distributor shaft?

Which is probably bought why Rory keeps his drivetrain really simple

Happy belated Birthday Sean... Gotta love those big blocks for their low end torque. Great work...

Seems like a feller could sleeve that distributor shaft to accept that bronze gear. You can also run a melonized gear instead of brass/bronze. Same results.

Why couldn't you have made a bushing for the brass gear so that it would fit the shaft?

Just try to keep in mind that it was your dad's wrecker and should only be used for the original intentions when first conceived, that is if you're considering it an heirloom. Otherwise, if you want to build some kind of super machine, start from scratch. BTW the cam in the wrecker is waay too much and is the cause of most of your problems.

Belated happy birthday Sean. All your wishes shall come true

I love big blocks! I hate seeing you struggle so much. I read the comments and i agree with the keeping it simple. My big block was stock with an RV cam and roller chain. And I abused it and it never gave me any trouble. Got great mileage as well.

Hunter you are a lucky dude. You probably know it. But you got them 3 guys to learn from. Most ppl pay thousands for a mechanic education. You get paid to learn. Nice job you all. Keep up the great work and videos.