Later v-8's. I recently decided I wanted to find a flathead v8 to put back in my 51 F-1. po had started to hookup a 327. so I have been keeping my eyes open for something local, and on epay. seems that some in non running condition have been going between 400-700 $ and some running for 1000 and up. saw one recently in parts with a cleaned block etc for over $2000.

I have found two f1 trucks, one a 52 and the other I think a 51? I believe they both have flathead v-8s, I'm going to go look at them this weekend. I would consider buying them both (if price is right) mostly just for the engines and maybe a few other misc parts, not 100% sure on body condition until I go see them. I think he wanted $800 for one of them a while ago. problem I would have is trying to get rid of two trucks minus the engines since I don't have a lot of space to park them.
I guess I dont know what value to put on the engine not knowing the condition, should I try to see if they turn over first or just offer to buy the trucks as is? If I turn them over (if they do turn over) he may think he could hold out for more money, of course they could turn over and still have problems I suppose.
I also pretty much am assuming that no matter what engine I find it would need to be rebuilt, maybe even if its running it probably would/should need to be rebuilt.

ok, I'm done rambling!

Josh

 

The general rule is that an unknown flat-engine is only worth $200 or so. Proven to be crack free, it jumps up substantially. True running condition, 1200 and up. Not many of those around.

As far as getting rid of trucks without engines, it seems most folks want to cut up the frames and drop in one of them durn OHV engines anyway. Just depends how clean the bodies are.

 

When you price the parts to do a complete rebuild you will see where those prices come from. Personally if I could find one without a cracked block I would do my own rebuild. Rebuilding a flat head V-8 is about the most fun anyone could have in my opinion. Rebuilt a few a long time ago when they were plentiful and it was an interesting job. Wish I had all of them I worked on. Good luck.

 

Good to hear for me, I picked up my '51 with a running flatty for $500, they had a ton of water in the fuel but after I replaced the tank and cleaned the lines it runs like a dream. I also picked my '48 flat 6 up for $500 but it isn't running yet, it turn over but I haven't ran it. Seems vehicles with engines in them are cheaper than just an engine. I have seen runners selling for $600-$1K around here. I know my grandfather went through 3 or 4 flatties before he found good ones for his '40 and '46 coupes.

 

I read this post just like a thousand other EXPENSIVE FLATHEAD
threads.
I went to my favorites list and clicked on the first place that might have Flatmotor stuff.Here's what I pulled up.

http://www.rpmmachine.com/shop/html/...build-Kit.html


Ford 3.9L 1949-1953 Engine Rebuild Kit

Product Overview
This kit fits all passenger car and truck applications with the F239l "L" v/8 engine in 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. Not included: tappets. This Engine Rebuild kit includes Pistons, Rings, Gaskets, Rod Bearings, Main Bearings, Cam Bearings, Freeze Plugs, Camshaft, Lifters and a Timing Set.


Product Details
WE Will Meet or Beat any Advertised Price Online!! Master Kits include new engine components required to rebuild or overhaul an engine for engine service professionals and sophisticated do-it-yourselfers. All kits are made up from the industry leaders in quality engine components. Your kit will include parts from manufacturers like Felpro, Clevite, Trw, Sealed Power, Perfect Circle, Melling, Sa Gear and More!!

$646.52

 

Thats the best price I have seen in a long time.
I know alot of people dump some big bucks on hot rod type cams and cheater heads and then spend the rest of their free time tuning the engine to run with multi carbs etc.
Nothing beats the sound of a flatty with duals.
Thanks for posting that link.

 

Thanks Dick fot that information, that is the best price I have seen for a rebuild kit also.

 

As I said, I just pulled one that looked like it would have Flatmotor Parts.
I was thinking in the area of $1000 - $1200.

Now take that "Kit" Bump up the Cam for $150 - 200.

Four Barrel Manifold, used cab and rebuild Kit, Headers, Duals.

Do some clean up porting

Machine shop work and have a well running Flatmotor for well under 3K

Check out the numbers for the same type of work on any V8, all compatable.

Of course there is always the argument; "For that kind of money I can have a 300HP 350 what do you have?"

Answer: "I have a Built Ford Flathead" (Oh, did I mention saying that with the big grin that doesn't go away?)

 

You guys are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't change, keep on grinning.

 

I'm going to order one of those kits, just as soon as I find a block to put them in! I hadn't really priced an entire rebuild, but would have expected it to be more $ as well. Thanks for the link.
I missed out on a block last week for $100.00 it didn't have the heads, intake or oil pump and was stuck.

thanks everyone for your replies.
Josh

 

As everyone knows the flathead like to crack at or near the valve seat to the cylinder wall, if you can pull off the heads of these old guys before buying one it would save you alot of lugging, some cracks can be plugged and welded but it would be nice to start off with a good one. Taking off the heads will only cost you a couple of hours if the guy will let you, if its not cracked and will break loose it may run.


Good luck, I have way too much money in mine but it should sound nice.