Block stitch welding in Michigan recommendation needed

Hi everyone,

We have a 66 hemi block in our basement, which we’ve had for 30 years. The block was windowed years ago, before we owned it. It has a metal plate bolted to the window, and we were told it has been run with the plate in place.

We’re considering having this block repaired properly, and we were told stitch welding is the way to go.

Just wondering if anyone has a suggestion of where to take the block in Michigan for this type of repair. We’re located near Grand Rapids, but anywhere in MI would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Motor Machine used to do that. Hartford Michigan, 269-621-3601

It's a hole in the wall shop, so you might want to visit it first. Haven't had any work done there in years, but they're ok for farm work and crack repair.

I would look for a heavy duty cast iron welding and repair shop, there use to be a nation wide chain called Cylcone Excells Welding ( I think I'm close on the name but sure on the spelling of the Exsells weld or if it is maybe Excell weld )
Either way it is worth looking for

You can do it yourself with Lock n Stitch repair kit. Search it or You Tube may have a video. I have repaired 3 rare blocks with the process and never an issue. If you do it correctly, nobody will see the repair. In your case you cut a section out of another block and stitch in place. They sent me a video years ago on the process and it works. I fixed two blocks with cracks in the valley area in the block and 5 years later never a problem. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies so far.

This is a 66 hemi block that we hope to use. I don’t plan to try to repair it myself, as I don’t have any equipment to attempt it. Also, I want it done correctly the first time, so I’d like to leave it to the pros.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

Call Steve Atwell next week & ask him if he knows someone who can do this repair. Look up Erin Industries in Walled Lake, MI.

There is a guy in Capac Ml that does excellent block repairs. He heats the complete block before welding. This means it will have to be completely remachined after repairs are done. Call one of the auto repair shops in Capac and they will direct you to the right place. A friend used him years ago to fix his hemi block . Did a great job, all he told me it was very expensive.

That guy in Capac is Tom at Sperry Welding - 810-395-4381.

You have to get in line, he is about the best in the area, does a bunch of agricultural equipment so he is always busy.

I’ve always seen automotive blocks and heads in his shop, last time there I saw three Hemi blocks.

Typical blown out pan rail on one side with about 3 sq. inches missing and a window on the other side - approx. $600. for my repair.

Great! Sounds like exactly what we’re looking for.

We’re not in any big rush with this, so even if we have to get in line, that works out fine. We plan to sell the block once it’s fixed, cleaned, and machined. It’s a 1966, and we want it done right.

Thanks so much for the info, this site is awesome. I really appreciate all the replies.