De Mello Cranks

[John Harmon]

I got a call Saturday from Bob De Mello. I first started leaving him messages back in October and never heard back. I had all but given up, I even asked Steve for current contact info. I really enjoyed talking to him, super nice guy. If you are building a better half vw, don't buy a crankshaft until you hear from him. I had given up and bought a crank, now I have a crank I cannot use. That is a $300 lesson! Here is what I learned from our conversation....

• The stock VW crankshaft is superior to the aftermarket stuff available today. Better metal!
• Bob welds extra metal on the rod journal of a stock 69mm crank to achieve what ever stroke you are looking for.
• Bob sets up your end play per the Milholland plans.
• Since it is a reground crank I would wait to order main bearings. I think I may be stuck with a set of those too. Mine are for a stock crank, and may need to be for 10 under.
• When you get your crank from Bob, it is ready to drop in. It has been ground, polished, heat treated and magnafluxed.
• The price is $550 shipped....

I sure hope this helps anyone who is building their own motor.

John Harmon

[Bob S.]

What's the wait-time??
What are his available throws (stroke)?
What did you buy and why can't you use it or resell it? (not a TOTAL waste) SOME may not afford the DMC...
October to January is a long wait....doubt I could have waited either if I had th $$ in my pocket and a plane to fly....

[John Harmon]

The wait time is 2 - 3 weeks once you make contact. His website lists throws out to 84mm. I asked him to make me an 82mm with chevy journals. The cost is $550. It includes machining the thrust, end plate, and tapped for the bolt. Heat treated, magnafluxed, and balanced. Ready to put in.

Before I heard from Bob, I bought an EMPI crank. It is counter weighted, 82mm with chevy journals. Anyone interested? $300 and I'll eat the shipping. I even have two extra "B" type 92mm pistons, two extra 5.4 I-beam style con rods, and two extra sets of chevy rod bearings.

John Harmon