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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Hi and welcome to FTE.
I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the truck.
Remember the flathead only produces 95 net HP on a good day, and the truck was geared accordingly. They were intended to carry cargo and were difficult to get over 45-50 MPH with the stock flathead and gearing offered.
However, the flathead engine is pretty much bullet proof. We have stories here daily about guys who have inherited or bought old trucks that have not run in 10-15 years, that after a few clean-ups (new oil, plugs, gas, etc) thye were able to start the old engine right up and it ran great.
What I would do if I were you is decide if the truck is going to be a daily driver, or a "Sunday drive to Brunch" truck, then get it running and drive it on the flathead for awhile.
Trust me, if you've never driven one of these trucks, you have an experience coming - they are TRUCKS, not a BMW when it comes to driving.
After you have driven it awhile, then I'd decide if you want like it as is, or want/need more! And don't let anyone fool you into believing that when all is said and done, a re-engine/tranny/rear end will cost you any less than $3K done correctly.
I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the truck.
Remember the flathead only produces 95 net HP on a good day, and the truck was geared accordingly. They were intended to carry cargo and were difficult to get over 45-50 MPH with the stock flathead and gearing offered.
However, the flathead engine is pretty much bullet proof. We have stories here daily about guys who have inherited or bought old trucks that have not run in 10-15 years, that after a few clean-ups (new oil, plugs, gas, etc) thye were able to start the old engine right up and it ran great.
What I would do if I were you is decide if the truck is going to be a daily driver, or a "Sunday drive to Brunch" truck, then get it running and drive it on the flathead for awhile.
Trust me, if you've never driven one of these trucks, you have an experience coming - they are TRUCKS, not a BMW when it comes to driving.
After you have driven it awhile, then I'd decide if you want like it as is, or want/need more! And don't let anyone fool you into believing that when all is said and done, a re-engine/tranny/rear end will cost you any less than $3K done correctly.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,405
Likes: 5,416
From: Central PA
hello all i have a truck i got when my father passed away but i dont know much about it yet as it is still back home and i have to go get it. but i do believe it has a flat head motor in it and im trying to decide if i should pull out the flathead and put in a newer motor or rebuild the flathead and advise would be awsome.
BUT: I don;t think you told us what year truck you have and what size?? I for one am curious....
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: panama city, fl
i actually dont have it here yet and have none of the paperwork just know its a 50's ford. i will not be putting a bow tie anything into it thats just not right. what i know about it is my grandfather went and ordered it from the ford dealership in salem oregon in 195? and went to portland to get it when it came off the ship. hes had it ever since then. i know it hasnt ran in 30+ yeas so im not sure on all that. i do want to be able to use it for a tow rig and a show rig.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: panama city, fl
yeah i believe its an early 50's im honestly not even sure it has a flathead in it but i believe it does. i have to figure out a way to come up with enough money to go get it by april or im going to lose it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,405
Likes: 5,416
From: Central PA
No kidding! Ha-ha! It has to be a 50, 51, 52, or 53. Also just wanted to know if it is a F-1 or F-100 or F2 or F-250, or up to F-600... or is it bigger?
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