Is anyone making their own full groove mains? If so, what tecnique are you using? I used to buy two sets of mains, and use the upper halves in the cap and saddle. Since I have been out of work for awhile, and the price of bearings, being what they are, I would like to groove my own. I have not had much luck getting a good groove.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Do you really want full groove bearings? There is some pretty good bearing tech available on the web. Current thinking is that 270 degree groove might be the most you would want. 360 degree grooves reduce load capacity and cost some power.

I have been running full groove bearing in my slants since 1974. Usually, use two sets of bearings, and throw away the ungrooved shells. This does require modifing the notch in the cap. Right now, with mains costing about $50.00 per set, and me being unemployed, I cannot afford to throw away $50. Just have not been able to but a nice consistant groove in the lower shell.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

How about cutting a very skinny groove, then? I wouldn't think you'd need a whole lot of extra oil there, in order for it to be an improvement over the factory smooth surface. And it certainly wouldn't have to be very deep, either.

As far as techniques, I picture using a cutoff wheel on a die grinder, or perhaps a little tiny version of that on a Dremel tool. If you used the normal 1/4" shank version, perhaps you could wear down a 3" wheel to the size of your bearing shell (or a little less), and then cut the entire groove in one motion... Don't know if it would work or not, but I'd be willing to give it a try.

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.

I don't think the die grinder/Dremmel method would be as easy as it sounds. It would be great if there was an easy way to machine a groove or part of a groove to make a 3/4 groove bearing. It may take a fixture to clamp the shells in and spin in a lathe and let a tool cut it. How are the 3/4 groove bearings made, are they machined on a mill?

Cecil

I use a dremel with 2 cut off wheels together-gets about the right width-take your time and if you only want 270 degrees dont go all the way around.

Will