I am a complete Flathead newbie, so...
#1
I am a complete Flathead newbie, so...
this is where I present my self as a proud owner of a flathead...finally. First thing I'd like to do is see if the engine will rotate. Which direction should I spin the crank? The PO says he filled the whole engine up with oil 14 years ago. It is an 8BA. I want to keep the engine original looking, yet run it 12v neg. ground. Is there an alternator that looks identical to the generator? would my local NAPA carry a rebuild gasket set? Is there any books out there that are good for rebuilding these things? Does the Pertronix ignitor work well on these?
Last edited by havi; 01-07-2008 at 09:44 PM.
#2
Congratulations on seeing the light and welcome to the brotherhood! Ask away - if we don't know the answer we know where to find it.
Rotation is the same as other Ford engines - clockwise when standing at the front.
I run mine on 12V but with a generator. Google for alternators in generator cases or ask on the various flathead forums.
http://fordbarn.com/ - many of the guys lean toward restorations
http://groups.msn.com/FordFlathead19...pgmarket=en-us - restorations/customs/cars/trucks/oddities are all welcome as long as the power is flathead
NAPA carries all the gaskets you'll need.
Rebuilding book that most like is available on ebay or amazon - Frank Oddo's "Ford Flathead V8 Builder's Handbook 1932-1953"
I still run the stock ignition, but Pertronix would be my 1st choice based on what I've read, followed by the MSD system for more bucks.
Rotation is the same as other Ford engines - clockwise when standing at the front.
I run mine on 12V but with a generator. Google for alternators in generator cases or ask on the various flathead forums.
http://fordbarn.com/ - many of the guys lean toward restorations
http://groups.msn.com/FordFlathead19...pgmarket=en-us - restorations/customs/cars/trucks/oddities are all welcome as long as the power is flathead
NAPA carries all the gaskets you'll need.
Rebuilding book that most like is available on ebay or amazon - Frank Oddo's "Ford Flathead V8 Builder's Handbook 1932-1953"
I still run the stock ignition, but Pertronix would be my 1st choice based on what I've read, followed by the MSD system for more bucks.
Last edited by mtflat; 01-08-2008 at 12:42 AM.
#4
I think you'll like the msn flathead forum. It's my favorite and the info you'll get there is top notch without attitudes. I've been hanging out with that bunch of guys for as long as I've been around FTE. I've also had the privilege of meeting several of them in person and each one is super.
There's also a Yahoo flathead group run by Bill Boogaart. It's pretty good too.
Weather? It's been snowing here almost every day for the past month. I needed 6 more months of summer to get caught up - but didn't make it.
Enjoy that flathead - the first time it fires up you'll get a big stupid grin on your face that won't go away..........
Tim
There's also a Yahoo flathead group run by Bill Boogaart. It's pretty good too.
Weather? It's been snowing here almost every day for the past month. I needed 6 more months of summer to get caught up - but didn't make it.
Enjoy that flathead - the first time it fires up you'll get a big stupid grin on your face that won't go away..........
Tim
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#9
Originally Posted by Snowking
Am I the only one curious to plans if this motor is runable once again?
Knowing Havi, it's going to be very strangely wierd, no matter WHAT it is!
Welcome to the "Light Side", Havi! We don' need no stinkin' cookies, we gots cake!!
R
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#12
Originally Posted by rcav8or
Wow, and pics, already!!! Gotta love it!
"Once you've gone flat, you'll never go back!!"
Oh yeah, PERFECT hood!!
R
"Once you've gone flat, you'll never go back!!"
Oh yeah, PERFECT hood!!
R
Last edited by havi; 01-11-2008 at 08:55 PM.
#13
#14
Originally Posted by havi
I'll have to look through those pics again and see if they have a good hood, now that I think of it.....nope, no hoods in the pics.
R
#15
I know, lol. I'm gonna stand the hood on end and find the balance point. Then I'll weld a little block at that point on the bottom to hold it there. Then sell it as art. make millions.
I went to the JY, they had 1 1949 that's pretty well stripped clean with the rest of it totally rusted away. The 1951/52 is still out back, but no rear bumper or bed....hood is different of course, and there's a 1953 and 1955 both without beds sitting together, and the 1956 with the chrome grill is still there buried under the structural steel that fell on it. Everything else of these years is gone. He's been on a crushing spree again. He still hangs onto the older iron, though, so if there's anything anyone is looking for, I can look.....some of which I know off the top of my head what's still there. Still a few 50's and 60's cars, but this is Northeastern MN, so rust is imminent (sp).
I went to the JY, they had 1 1949 that's pretty well stripped clean with the rest of it totally rusted away. The 1951/52 is still out back, but no rear bumper or bed....hood is different of course, and there's a 1953 and 1955 both without beds sitting together, and the 1956 with the chrome grill is still there buried under the structural steel that fell on it. Everything else of these years is gone. He's been on a crushing spree again. He still hangs onto the older iron, though, so if there's anything anyone is looking for, I can look.....some of which I know off the top of my head what's still there. Still a few 50's and 60's cars, but this is Northeastern MN, so rust is imminent (sp).
Last edited by havi; 01-21-2008 at 04:38 PM.