Starting a driver build, options
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New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Albuquerque
Starting a driver build, options
New member here, starting over with rebuilding a F1 1950. I used to drive an original 6V for a while 20 years ago, and now that I'm going to rebuild my own the one thing I know is that I don't want to deal with 6V again. I live in the desert Southwest, and the 6V batteries last a year if lucky.
So I'm starting out with an unrestored primer gray old farm truck. Plenty of bodywork to do, but nothing that needs major parts rewelded from what I can tell. The question is what to do with the engine. It looks like an original V8 flathead in 6V, but no battery and not run for at least 5 years.
So, option A is get a 12 V kit, redo electrics, maybe switch to electronic ignition, and go from there.
Option B is get some form of motor/transmission and redo the whole drivetrain.
I'm open to any other options that make it a functional driver truck.
Thanks for any suggestions
Mu
So I'm starting out with an unrestored primer gray old farm truck. Plenty of bodywork to do, but nothing that needs major parts rewelded from what I can tell. The question is what to do with the engine. It looks like an original V8 flathead in 6V, but no battery and not run for at least 5 years.
So, option A is get a 12 V kit, redo electrics, maybe switch to electronic ignition, and go from there.
Option B is get some form of motor/transmission and redo the whole drivetrain.
I'm open to any other options that make it a functional driver truck.
Thanks for any suggestions
Mu
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 103
From: Birdsboro PA
Really depends on what you want out of the truck. If you want to be doing highway speeds, youll probably want at least a tranny/ rear end change. If youre just looking to cruise every now and then, stock is fine. The big thing would be to try to get what you having running and see what you like and dont like, then go from there.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
Welcome to the forum! I see you are in NM, whereabouts? You should add your Location in the UserCP.
Albuquerque is full of great resources for flathead engines, from mild to wild. They can be completely capable for even extended touring, but no question modern engines make more power.
Albuquerque is full of great resources for flathead engines, from mild to wild. They can be completely capable for even extended touring, but no question modern engines make more power.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Albuquerque
Well, I drove my first one from Tuscon to Los Alamos once, 9h at 50 mph. This one will not be a highway vehicle, basically just a "run to the dump or buy a washer" pick-up for occasional driving. Probably will become my son's "drive 2 miles to high school and back" vehicle later, so I want to do it right.
A synchronized transmission might be a decent option to look for in that regard.
A synchronized transmission might be a decent option to look for in that regard.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
First see if it will turn over. Take the spark plugs out and pour about 1/2 cup of Marvel Mystery oil into each cylinder and let sit for a couple days. With the plugs out, use a 6 point socket on the longest breaker bar you have on the front crankshaft bolt and try rocking it to see if it will turn over. If it is locked up solid, water bubbles out of any cylinders or it turns a small amount then stops with a solid bump or crunch you will likely need to pull the heads and look inside to see if there is rust or if mice or other animals have taken up residence in the motor (a fairly common occurance with a motor that has sat outside for a number of years). If it turns over readily without any "bad" sounds you might want to try getting it to run. Otherwise unless you are a purist, it probably won't be cost effective to rebuild the entire drive train over replacing it with a running later model engine/tranny/rear axle.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
Well, I drove my first one from Tuscon to Los Alamos once, 9h at 50 mph. This one will not be a highway vehicle, basically just a "run to the dump or buy a washer" pick-up for occasional driving. Probably will become my son's "drive 2 miles to high school and back" vehicle later, so I want to do it right.
A synchronized transmission might be a decent option to look for in that regard.
A synchronized transmission might be a decent option to look for in that regard.
Unfortunately, any trans change is a pretty big deal, but I know a shop in town (ABQ) who can do the mods economically. The most common swap is to a T5 5-speed out of an early S10. All said and done it is likely to run over a grand. If you have a 3-sp with all but 1st synchro'd, I'd live with it, it's just fine for what you're doing.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 751
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From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
Welcome to FTE! Sounds like you are starting from a point that at least you can legitimately go any direction you want. A lot of times its a tough decision to pull one engine tranny combo that's running good just to swap in a different one. Another thing to consider and most of us don't want to actually know this number is what price range do you want your "resto" to be in. Even if its as inexpensive as possible there is always a number there. So like if you wanted to spend $5000 total you could divide up what you can afford and what you must live with. More money=more mods....and time.
PICTURES would help us spend your money!!!!!
PICTURES would help us spend your money!!!!!
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