You  might ask him the condition of the valve guides if they are sloppy or rusted.

Guys,

Thanks very much for the replies...I really appreciate it!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

I usually ask the condition of all of the threads, gasket surfaces - scratches, gouges, pitting - and combustion chambers - mainly, no pitting. I've never thought to ask about warping but I don't think that is a major problem. While it may be a plus to have hardened exhaust seats already installed, you shouldn't worry about this too much. Most machine shops should be able to install them. If the heads are stock, never rebuilt, they will not have the hardened seats. Magnafluxing is something I prefer to do once the heads are in my hands. They can do it on their end but there is still the potential for damage during shipping. I'll ask if they are willing to refund the price of the head (not including shipping) if it is found to be bad.

They should weigh about 100lbs. UPS ground from the east coast to the west coast should be around $100.00. The shorter the distance, the less the shipping cost.


Lawrenceville, GA

This is a "pig in a Poke" deal, you won't really know what you've bought until you get them. They are 50 plus year old heads after all. You might ask him the measure the boss on the side to see what it measures, in order to discover how much it's been milled in the past.

    Often times the owner will simply not actually know what he has.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Guys,

I found a set of G heads on ebay.  Yes, I know there is a risk in posting this that someone will get them instead of me.... but I know very little about buying heads, and I need some help....

What questions are important to find out when buying used heads like this?  I sent him a note asking if they have been magnafluxed and checked for warps, and if they have hardened valve seats, but are there any other pertinant questions or things to look for?  If they havent been magged, how big is the risk do you suppose?  Im asking because Ive never bought heads like this before, and whether its this set or another, Im wondering what Im missing?   Anything else to look for?  also, anyone know approx weight, to estimate shipping?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL