For technical questions or advice, contact our technical advisor;
Tech Tips From the Trenches!
Rocker arm studs
Pontiac used a 7/16 by 14 thread at the base with a 3/8 24 thread on top. This is considered a “Bottleneck” rocker arm stud. If you break one or are building a fresh engine, these can be upgraded to 7/16 x 14 thread base and 7/16 x 20 thread on top or “Straight” stud. These are stock on Big Block Chevrolet’s. This will strengthen your valve train, especially if using a higher lift camshaft.
ARP part numbers are:
ARP 135-7101 for HP
ARP 235-7201 for the pro series
ARP 300-8242 for lock nuts. These will ensure that your rocker arms do not come loose.
Cleaning Discolored Brightwork
OK, you're restoring your Pontiac and now you're up against
scratched and discolored aluminum brightwork. You would like to buff it out to
bring out the luster but there's a hard anodized coating that will have to be
removed before any polishing or buffing can take place.
The first time I tried to rectify this I used emery cloth, but it was dusty,
time consuming and somewhat frustrating. I'll never do it that way again! Here's
a neat, clean and fast way to overcome the problem:
1.Trot down to your neighborhood grocery store and pick up a can of Easy-Off Oven Cleaner and a pair of rubber household gloves. Spray the oven cleaner liberally over the anodizing and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
2.Rinse with water and wipe the part clean. Voila! Pure uncoated aluminum. Re-anodize if you wish but I prefer mine uncoated and polished.WARNING! - Remove the part from the car prior to applying the cleaner. This stuff can ruin paint and upholstery although it has no effect on rubber or glass!