Flathead 6 Rebuild Costs?

JoeGodbee · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 06:59 PM

How much should I expect to have my flathead six rebuilt? There are gobs of info on rebuilding the Flathead V8, but nothing I can find on the Flathead 6!!! I just purchased a 1949 F-1 that I will be doing a restore/customize on. Since I already have this motor and trans in the truck I might as well try and use it! Anyone ever had their Flathead 6 rebuilt? The previous owner said he almost go this thing running but that the starter didnt want to turn.

oscarxyz · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2005, 03:25 PM

I was having a similar discussion here after Christmas. Only one person responded with cost of a rebuild (1500 - 2500, in his area).
We did discuss my difficulties with determining if the 6 would start (or run) at all.
I am similar to your position from the sounds of it. My 48 has a flathead 6 in 4 speed in it. I am all for keeping it .... if the cost is not so great that a more modern engine starts looking good.

I would be interested if you find out more info on your possible rebuild. I will keep an eye on the link.

Good luck.

51ford fan · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2005, 01:43 PM

I also have a 226 6 cylinder in my 51 with the non-syncro 4 speed. I was able to ge it running after it had sit for 12 or so years. It runs good now, but I believe I hear some bearing noise, probably a crank bearing. The flywheel had come loose, I descovered, upon getting it started after purchasing it.
I was looking at a web site the sells rebuild kits for the 6 last night. They offered several kits ranging from $600.00 to $1100.00.
I will be getting my truck on the road this month and plan to drive it for a while to deside if I want to swap out the engine for a later V8. I will be sure this time that if I do swap it out that I have all the parts on hand to get it going again in a timely manner. In the past I would just go to it blind and never have the funds to complete the project. Then, after it sit for so long I would loose intrest and sell it. Always taking less than it would have been worth if It was running.

M6ride · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2005, 09:45 PM

Just wondering if anyone has put in the hardened valve seats,

oversized valves (if so, what sizes),

changed the valve springs or just replaced with new ones,

???

Bullet-Nose · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 03:38 PM

I paid $2,500.00 to get my 51 Studebaker flathead six rebuilt, with hardened valve seats. Been running great for 3 years.

51ford fan · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullet-Nose

I paid $2,500.00 to get my 51 Studebaker flathead six rebuilt, with hardened valve seats. Been running great for 3 years.

Who did the rebuid.

Bullet-Nose · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 06:22 PM

My mechanic sent it out to a rebuilder in Canada. I don't know who did it, but he said they do a lot of older engines.