"One of the most frustrating problems encountered during the restoration or repair of a vintage automobile is scarcity of engine parts. When a vehicle has been out of production for a decade or more, there are only so many blocks, crankshafts, connecting rods and cylinder heads remaining in existence. And like land, they aren't going to make any more.

But if you're the proud owner of a head or block that seems usable as little else but a door stop or oversized paperweight, you may be able to circumvent the time, effort and expense of locating a replacement."

The 1980s seem to have been a great time for DIY because it appears DIYers never had any idea they couldn't do something. Cracked block or head? I'll just weld it up. But it's made of cast-iron? Okay, so I'll weld it up at face-melting temperatures. Dave Emanuel showed us how race engine builder Al Dicksen did it in an article from December 1983.

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