I figure that i could patch the front by taping out all the rust, welding a piece of curved sheet steel behind the hole, and filling it with bondo. I could probably get it pretty well shaped with sandpaper.
Before anything else though, I will need to get a pair of good high capacity water pumps. I don't want to even chance getting an overheated engine.

I would also need to get a gasket set. What are the utilitarian differences between copper and graphite gaskets? I can't seem to find any major differences.

All the people that I have talked to have had different opinions about the V8 flathead motors. One will say they were a menace while the next person swears by them. From what i have read and seen they seem to be utilitarian and overal easy to work on. I know they have inherent cooling problems. I have also heard that modern unleaded fuel ruins them. I already know about the special oil requirements that they have as well. Is there anything that would remedy these issues? I want things to run as smooth as they can.

It's a little early in the game, but I was wondering about a 4" merc crankshaft? i could see transmission troubles with something like that, but it is worth asking about.

 

I see in your profile that you are from IL. Near what city? There are several of us IL-annoyin's on here! Heck, you never know, there may be one of us near you.

 

Fifteen miles northeast of Macomb

 

Dog,

I think you're way over thinking about your truck. As long as the engine is running good and don't have any major leaks or overheating problems you should be good to go. Many of us are running our flatties stock without a problem. You do have to baby them a little more than a modern high tech engine but they aren't that bad. Just have to tune them up every year and change the oil regularly. It should stay cool enough with stock water pumps, especially in our region of the country unless you have a gasket leak or a bad pump.

I've talked to people and read so many posts here on FTE from people who over restore these trucks. They're simple machine and were built in a simpler time. I just suggest getting it to run properly and enjoy it. If you're looking for a vehicle that will give better performance and ride find a more modern vehicle. You're not going to get it with a big old 60+ year old truck without doing a lot of work and spending a lot of money.

 

That's kind of what I thought.
I want to do some work on the ext of the engine. It has a layer of rust that I intend to remove (where i can) and paint. What would be a good brand of paint to use for high heat areas?
Should I keep the same body colors? I could paint it for real cheap because I have a friend that has a system that is set up for vehicle painting.