I have about 1/2 a 55gal drum of cast iron pistons. Other than scrap is there any use for them? Dan
I don't smoke but I've seen them used as ashtrays. I've also seen on this forum some used as a part of creatively put together yard art.
Of course this assumes they are not useful as pistons.
Good for testing magnets. Oversize ones would be good for replacement for broken ones. There were some 3 piece oil rings sold in the past. The bottom section could jump out and break off the bottom ring land.
If you have any of the old Ford script piston/wrist pins that came with them, I have a use for some of those and I am in need of some. Can't help you out with the cast iron pistons though.
You sound like me. Absolutely no use for something, but can't bear to part with it.
Hal: I have been parting out some engines and the scrap drum is getting full, something has got to go.
Peter: PM me and we will see what happens. Dan
When our local T Ford club turned 25 in 1979, we made mementos for the occasion using chrome plated pistons as a base for specially painted T model models. I don't know if there is a special memento being considered for our 50th next year.
Allan from down under.
Recently, there was a member who posted that he was desperate for a .030 OS cast iron T piston. I have never seen one. When we pulled my grandfather's T engine apart in the sixties, it had .031 OS Ford cast iron pistons. I have heard of some other weird OS, too. We threw them away and bored the block to .040 and replaced with aluminum pistons.
Got any other scrap parts?
Got any other junk parts?
People like me would use them as pistons if we build up the worn surfaces with electroplating. There used to be a model T race that specified only cast iron pistons in the engine.
You could also use them to keep paint cans off the floor. Lay them out in a grid close together and put the paint tins on them.
Gauss rifle slugs.
Clock weights.
Wind chimes.
Put a light bulb fitting in the piston pin and use them as aim-able wall lights.
Short rollers under a plank of wood to move heavy things on.
Likely have plenty of uses.
How about using them in an engine?
It may sound funny, but one of my iron pistons actually had a small hole in it! It had plugged itself up with carbon, and that's why it didn't give any issues. I called up Linda at Texas T parts and asked if she had a set of stock size aluminum pistons, as my cylinders measured only 0.006" oversize. Unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock...
So I went to Ross Liliker and he handed me an iron piston and wrist pin out of the junk pile and didn't charge me a dime for it. I cleaned it up real good, balanced it with the other three, and in it went. She still runs pretty good!
When I can afford it, I'm going to actually do a full rebuild.
You will find there is a market for the oversize ones. Wire wheel the tops and take a look.
Dan
I have an engine with 2 oversize cast iron pistons in it an 2 standard size ones. But then again that is just a truck motor and more for parade use.
Model a pistons were used here.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/255971.html?1324897068
Those cast iron pistons work great to fill 55 gallon drums of steel and iron. When the drums get full, take them to cash in for scrap value.
Back in the day they scrapped Model t Fords because they didn't have a use for them...
Vince M
Upside down on your desk, they make an interesting pen & pencil holder ;o)