Welcome to FTE, you will always be in good company here. Can't wait to see the pictures, but in the meantime you can add the serial/vin# and we can help decipher that for you.

 

I seem to be running into alot of people saying the same thing. That they suggest I put a more current engine in it if I plan to drive it wherever I want. It's a bit disheartening since I really would love to have the flatty in it but if it won't be reliable....it will defeat the purpose.

Honestly, that's what I'm looking for....something that's reliable enough to do what I've done many times in the past....take long caravans to shows in other states.

I was just told today from a close friend whose mechanical expertise I trust....that his close friend that lives next to him spent untold amount of money having his flathead built by a known builder and he ended up putting a more modern engine in it....he said his friend told him that he was scared to drive more than a few miles because he constantly had issues. That's definitely not what I want.

I've searched here and done some reading but it really didn't just lay out the answer to this question. More just technical threads on sourcing parts/making repairs.

So I welcome everyone's opinion on the matter!

Here it is....F10R3A14325--Color B--Trans 3 OD--Axle 4.09--Production Code IE 1516J

According to F100central....it's an original flathead truck with Sheridan Blue paint.

Anything else you can tell me would be great!

 

Welcome aboard Nighthawk,most anything you can think of, can be answered right here, some very knowledgeable folks here, good luck with the build, trucks are more fun than a "Hoss".
Mike

 

IMHO, reliability isn't the main issue. It's been a lot of years since I drove a flathead engine on a regular basis. If I remember correctly it was a 36 Ford 3-W coupe and the only reliability problem I had was the coil getting wet in very wet weather. The coil was down low in front of the engine in those years. It ran very good, but that was in 1963 and things have changed. There are far better engines to put your money in now...

 

My experience with the flathead motors is that they were not a high revving motor. If they were over revved due to low gears of course they would not last. As has been said many times on here, these old trucks were made for working and not for flying down the freeway. If a person cose to drive them they way they were intended by ol' Henry they would last. Of course, now days we all want to get out and travel so there is a trend to up date our motors and final drives.

 

Well, reliability is really my only concern. And I certainly realize that there are much more technologically advanced engines out there to put in my truck. I've built several in my late model mustangs in the past from Nitrous 351w's to Turbocharged 331 strokers to blown 4v's.

I'm not concerned with having the most horsepower per dollar or the easiest to build etc. I actually welcome the challenge of building the flathead especially since it's the harder way to go. I know they don't make a crap ton of horsepower but I'd rather have a 200 hp flathead compared to a 450 hp new engine IF it's reliable and drivability is decent.

It will be all for not if I sink a ton of money in the flathead to squeeze out everything I can get and it not be able to drive it 1 county over for fear of breaking down.

 

It will all depend on the condition of the block and the care and expertise in the build and the quality of the parts used. They can be very dependable. It all depends on how you treat them. You can spend an awesome amount of money on them and still not be happy. I have to admit though that I love the look of a blown flatty in a duece coupe or roadster. That's what I'm saving my 49 V8 for.

 

Yeah seeing 'em in coupes many moons ago is what really started my interest in 'em.

I was planing to use one of the bigger names for the build like H&H or Motor city unless there was someone local to me that I could trust. And unfortunately in everything I build, my OCD won't let me take shortcuts on quality parts so I've been researching the best on the market. But there's just way more than I expected out there for these things. That's why I need someone very knowledgable to guide me.

 

I just reread your first post ( pardon my short memory please)...lol. You said the flatty spins over freely, so it might be worth while to keep it in the truck for a time and do all the other work you need to do it. Maybe later on you will like and decide to keep it. Anyways, good luck and give lots of pictures.

 

Pics added to original post!

 

After reading Vegas' thread about him driving his newly bought '50 F1 with a flathead over 3 hours home....my path is back on track....the flathead is staying! WooHoo!

 

I took a look at the pics you posted. That looks like a fairly complete solid starter! Should make an excellent project! I like the fact you're staying with the flattie. I think you'll be fine with it. Alot of guys around here run flatheads in their cars. they take a little more maintenance than a more modern engine, but as long as you keep up on it and treat it nice, that flattie should last you a lnog time.

 

Thanks! I plan to use the best when building it so hopefully with good parts and plenty of love, she'll be a reliable date!