I see some of the older classic car motors and marvel at the craftsmanship. They were built like a Swiss watch, just beautiful to look at. And then I look back at my flathead. They're utilitarian motors, but there's gotta be a way to make them "prettier" and still have a classic "stock" look. Has anyone experimented with colored enamels, polished brass/copper or nickel plated parts? I don't wanna just slap the "polished stainless" generator cover on. I'm thinking of different colored enamels for the different pieces of the engine, polishing the tubings, etc. Has anyone done something like that to their motor?

 

10's of thousands of flatheads have been dressed up. Try googling it. I have no doubt you'll be looking at fully dressed flatty pictures for hours.

 

There are lots of speed parts available for V8 flatties since they built so many of them for quite a few years. You can do a Google search for "Ford V8 Flathead" images and you will see lots of variations.

Attached you will see the progression of mine. I actually painted most of the 100W chrome alternator the same color as the block.

 

Nice looking motors!

 

If you really want that 1920s / 1930s luxury car look you need to sand the outside of the block and heads smooth to get rid of the sand cast look. Then paint the engine a medium to dark green, maroon, blue, etc. This post has the prettiest hot rod flathead I have seen pictures of: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...#post-10978826