68 Camaro/Wayne Due Frame/Milodon Oil Pan/BBC Will not fit

[Silver69Camaro]

Originally Posted by Rob07002

Does that mean that the guy working out of his garage or isn't a star fabricator should limit his expectaitions or goals to minimal upgrades and standard bolt-ons?

Sometimes, yes. A person with limited fabrication skills who say, installs a weld-in clip, has a much higher chance of:
1. Improper/unsafe installation
2. Dissatisfaction of product
3. Dissatisfaction of manufacturer
4. Diminished interest in the project
5. Lack of enjoyment in the hobby

Obviously the garage-mechanic should slowly work up their skills and confidence and realize what their limits are. A mechanic who doesn't understand what he or she is NOT capable of doing can be dangerous.

IMO, hotrodding is all about modifying parts to make things fit. Even when I buy brand new parts that "should" bolt-on, I still expect to do some modifications. It's just what this hobby is about. Having personal experience in the aftermarket industry, I know it's impossible to accomodate every combination of parts or OEM tolerances, so some modifications may be necessary no matter what you do.

[Rob07002]

Originally Posted by Silver69Camaro

Sometimes, yes. A person with limited fabrication skills who say, installs a weld-in clip, has a much higher chance of:
1. Improper/unsafe installation
2. Dissatisfaction of product
3. Dissatisfaction of manufacturer
4. Diminished interest in the project
5. Lack of enjoyment in the hobby

Obviously the garage-mechanic should slowly work up their skills and confidence and realize what their limits are. A mechanic who doesn't understand what he or she is NOT capable of doing can be dangerous.

IMO, hotrodding is all about modifying parts to make things fit. Even when I buy brand new parts that "should" bolt-on, I still expect to do some modifications. It's just what this hobby is about. Having personal experience in the aftermarket industry, I know it's impossible to accomodate every combination of parts or OEM tolerances, so some modifications may be necessary no matter what you do.

I'll agree that some people don't know their limitations and thus are dangerous, but I think your missing my point.

The comment was about the fact that a modification was needed to fit a BBC in a sub built for a BBC. When I buy parts that say they will fit and pay a premium for them I expect them to damn well fit. Car parts should not get a pass on this simply because its for a car and we, as either hobbiests, or professional mechanics/fabricators are use to modifying as a rule of thumb.

Would you be happy when you buy a $5000 hdtv and soon realize that to get it to work you need to open it up and do some soldering? Well then I guess only certifed electricians should own and enjoy tv's.

I am well aware of my linitations and the limitations I have because of environment, ie tools, space, etc. I have been wrenching on cars for over 18 years but know enough when I'm outgunned or beyond my knowledge.

My comment was to imply that parts should fit as they are intended and not an anthem for the garage mechanic. I don't have time to modify r&p's or oil pans, thus would have to be done elsewhere resulting in more time and more money. I can however, install a subframe that is designed to fit.

I am in no way saying that Wayne makes in inferior part or that he messed up or that he's misinformed customers. I believe he is a true professional in every sense.

Anyway, I think we can agree to disagree on this view.

[Silver69Camaro]

I'm not implying that you should expect to modify your stock BB pan when the subframe was made to fit a BB. I was just referring to your quote you made previously, and speaking in generalities.

I agree you shouldn't have to modify your pan.

I do believe aftermarket car parts "get a pass", but only because of the massive variations of parts involved, and not every variation can be accomodated.

I am not implying you do not know your limitations. Again, I was stating in generalities. I, or you, made no reference to your abilities.

In this particular situation, I believe there was an error on Wayne's part. I agree you shouldn't have to modify your pan. However, welding/modifying a pan, at this level of "customization", shouldn't be a major issue if you choose not to take up the issue with Wayne. I think this is the point we disagree on, and that's OK.

[clill]

From the pic it appears you just dented the pan and it now fits ? I'm still curious if that Milodon pan is maybe just about that much taller than a stock pan.