Advice for my car's future

[j762538]

I have completed car shows for this year here in So Oregon (not too many) and took the Traveler to a shop for some work. They found the 3 & 4 cylinder with low compression and say it would be about $4k to rebuild the engine. I could do this or replace the engine (info on where I could get one and cost would be appreciated) or I have been thinking of updating the car (different engine at least and add power steering and AC, maybe new front end) Or I would consider selling the car as I don't see the opportunity to show it much in this area. Input on what others have done would be appreciated, thanks.

[Fid]

When there is low compression on cylinders 3 and 4 that usually means a burned valve and seat and does not require a full rebuild. It's a common problem with the 226.  I've repaired many of them with this problem. It involves removing the head, the side covers and replacing the one or two valves and seats. No idea what it costs these days but it would be a lot less than a full rebuild. Of course there's no way to be sure that this is the problem without looking at it but based on my experience with the 226 I can just about guarantee that the valves are the problem.

[j762538]

Yes, that is what they said they would do, not a rebuild.

[custom]

I had low compression on 2 consecutive cylinders on my '48. It was a blown head gasket.

[j762538]

I got the automatic engine from Ed Ewing, and had it put in the car. It runs great now and has been covered for the winter. I hate to just store the car for months so if someone would like to make an offer on the car, a 1951 Kaiser Traveler Deluxe 2 door, a one year car, let me know. For a CA buyer I would include the CA plates 51 TRVLR. I also have the old engine if anyone is interested.