I am pulling the engine, transmission, and rear end out of my 46 F1 truck and was wondering what a fair price would be? Should I sell as is or should I tear the engine down and have it checked? I believe the engine is an 8AB. The engine last ran in 74 and ran great. It was kept in a garage the entire time since then. It has the 3 speed transmission and the open driveline banjo rear end. All seem to be in great shape but in need of new seals. This truck has been in my family since, I believe, the early 50's. I learned to drive in it so I know it was taken care of until it was parked. The engine was purchased from the school bus yard in the mid to late 50's and installed then. I am not sure but I think it may have been a spare engine they kept around and then sold to my Grandfather (a bus driver) when they went to more modern engines.

 

Kind of a shame to "cut out" the heart and history of your grandfather's truck, but in any case, the flathead should be in good, running condition if you expect to get a good price for it. Although demand has come full circle recently, with the comeback of so-called "traditional" hot rods, buying a non-running motor is a real crap shoot for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the probability of a cracked block,(for which flatheads are notorious.) Hence, the wide and vague price range of $200 for a complete, non-running, probable boat anchor, to $800+ for a decent running one, at least in this part of the country. Your locale may vary.....

As for the rest of the drivetrain, it's not worth much, except to the restorers; the exception being the rear axle itself, if it happened to be a 2 speed Columbia, (that are now going for crazy money). If memory serves me correctly, however, it was not an option on the pickups.

Suggest you get some numbers (or pics) off the motor (block and heads), determine the feasibility of getting it running, if it is not, and report back. I'm sure others here will chime in, too. Also consider listing the package on at least two other sites that I frequent; the Jalopy Journal and Ford Barn; the former for the motor at least, and the Barn for the package, as that site is primarily for restorers (and you will find this mature group to be both very knowledgeable and helpful.) Failing that, you can't go wrong with the Ford V-8 Club of America and Hemmings News.
Good luck with the project.

 

Thanks for the input. I am really leaning towards tearing it down and having it checked. I would feel bad about selling it to someone without knowing what I was selling. I live in Idaho, so we aren't that far apart. As for taking this out of the truck, you have know idea how I have struggled with this. I won't go into all the detail but I have not come to this decision lightly.

 

your pickup will have an open drive banjo rear end. They aren't worth a lot, but those with similar year cars or older may be looking for one, since theirs would be closed drive. What's the gear ratio?

 

To any savvy buyer it is just a chunk of iron if it isn't running or tore down to be checked out.