Classic/Antique Car Repair: the shakes, compression tester, valve job

Question
hi dick, my 1950 235 shakes once it gets warm up at idle.if i turn the idle up it runs smooth but its at least 1000 r's.

Answer
Step one is to do or have someone else do a compression test.  You may have low compression in one cylinder - if that is the case, the engine needs at least a valve job, perhaps more.

The compression reading itself is not important - what is important is how even the cylinders are.  All should test the same within a total band of 10%.  You can buy a compression tester at any part store, or you can rent one from a tool rental place. Some stores will even loan one to you, free (Auto-Zone, for one will do that).  If you haven't done this before, make sure you get directions on how to do it.

Dick