FLATHEAD VALUE
 

I have a flathead with the tranny and the parking brake drum along with the lever out of 1948 Schoolbus. I was considering selling it and was wondering what they were going for? It ran when it was parked and is complete. I was also considering restoring the bus and keeping the engine in the bus since the engine is the original. Any input?

FLATHEAD VALUE
 

It depends on the demand in your area. You won't get anywhere close to what you'll spend to replace it. I'd leave it in place and create a real conversation piece instead of a bus with just-another-something-or-other under the hood. Besides that, they sound great and are dependable.

According to the shop manual, the tranny is a 4 spd spur gear - double clutch city! Only restorers are looking for those and there are lots out there.

The flatheads I've bought have ranged from $50(parts motor) to $500('51 merc that is powering my '48 pickup as a daily driver). Testing for cracks would help sell it, but it means tearing one down and having it magnafluxed in the critical areas. Without that it is a real risk for the buyer who is looking for a good block and drives down the price.

You might watch ebay to get a feel for the market out there. Good luck with it and let us know what you decide to go with. - Tim

FLATHEAD VALUE