Hey guys I am looking at picking up a 47 dodge pickup with the orginal flat 6 still in it. The guy said it ran when parks and I would love to rebuild it and use it in the truck instead of swapping out to something else. My question is, does any place offer parts/rebuild kits for these? The rear axle is froze up, so I would have to get a new one also but that would not be that much of a problem. And I can pick the truck up for $450 so I am about 90% sure I going to do it, but the engine worries me. I want a 49-53 chevy car, but I have not found anything cheap so the dodge will have to do until i get out of college and can afford what I really want. So can any of you guys help me out with some info on the old flat 6? Thanks Tc
I have a flat 6 in my '53 Plymouth wagon. I believe it is the same cubes as in dispalcement. I could be wrong because of the years difference. I would for sure go through it. Mill the head , new gaskets, check the cylinder walls fron any scoring if any. I ran my wagon for like 3 years not knowing the head was warped as in blown head gasket and when I took off the head, the cylinder walls were like smooth as glass. So ya, I would basically get a gasket kit and go through the whole motor, intake, exhaust, oil pan. Rebuild the carb, do the point's, the starter, battery,fuel pump. There is probably more than what I pointed out but in the long run, it is better than replacing the motor!!!!!!!!!!!!! I say go get it. KNUX!
One more thing of importance. Do not over rev it. Try to keep it to a limit on frwy driving if any and just make sure yer temp guage is working! KNUX!
Totally forgot to tell ya. Kanters has all that ya need for the motor and yer local auto shop can get ya the parts too if they know what they are doing that is. There are alot of places that offer kits and other stuff for that year. Just look under a search engine on the net. KNUX!
Thanks for the quick reply, I am planning on making a trip to pick it up within the next month. It is about 3 hours away from me, and Ill have to ask off for work, but I have been like a little kid right beofre christmas every since I seen it. I would like to be able to take it on some road trips so i guess when i replace the axle it would be a good idea to gear it a little different so over reving wouldnt be a problem. I know this isnt a hot rod engine so it will not be for racing, more of cruzer since the power is lacking in this engine anyways.
I think you'll be very happy with that little motor. i have had 3 51 and 52 plymouths with the same motor never stranded me. thay used that motor in forklifts for years so it's pretty easy to find parts. buy a tach keep it under 3500 and you'll be fine.
Like anything else these engines are great if you pay attention to their needs. There's a good user group at yahoogroups.com, search for 39-47 Dodge trucks. Those guys can hook you up on the truck specific stuff you'll need to know. When I rebuild them I always mill the head at least 50K and deck the block 10K this gives you a pretty good guarantee of head gasket success and raises compression to a better rate. I also always balance them, this minimizes the overrevving problem and makes it run better and rev higher without trouble. Terrill Machine and Vintage Power Wagons both have great parts inventory for these engines. You will be able to easily install a T-5 five speed in the truck which will make it easier to drive highway speeds with a 4:10 or 3:90 rear. I'd swap out the rear for a later model 8 3/4 or something to get a better ratio and modern drum brakes. I make a disc brake kit for the front end if you decide to go that route. I can do dual carb intakes and exhausts, but mine are not nearly as cool as the ones Moose does. I've spent a lot of time on these engines, and on 39-60 Dodge trucks. PM me if you need more specific help. A well done flathead six is a beautiful piece of work, worth the effort.
I drive my 230 Flat 6 every where every day(at least I did till last week when I develpoed a tire issue)
I drive my 50 Dodge truck all the time. It still has the original flat 6 and it just purrs. I love it. It's not the greatest for power (I think 60 HP) but it is like you said a "cruiser" and a nice alternative to more common engines.... Good luck with it- if you were closer I'd give you my old axle- also I'm not sure if a 50 (Pilothoouse Era) is the same width as yours but I got my new rear axle- Ford 9 inch (sorry die-hard Mopar guys) from a 67-72 F100- the width is exactly right just needs new spring perches and some driveshaft work. JAY
No. Dodge=Plymouth, Chrysler=Desoto. The C/D "big block" if a few inches longer than the D/P, as well as having a larger displacment.
If you wanna see a KILLER flat 6 from a Dodge.......check out SLAPSHOTS in his *too much beer, too much beer* 50 Dodge Cornett! That sucker even has multi carb set ups on it. Let me go unearth my pics........
I gotta chime in here too! The flathead six Mopar is my favorite engine. (I ate lunch alone in school) There's a ton of good info available here using the search function. Check out www.inliners.org too. My best advice- mill the head .060" add dual carbs and exhaust. This will theoretically bump your horsepower about 30%.
I just fired up my 55 Plymouth 230 sixer yesterday. First time that motor's run in 15 years. I've never had one before so looking forward to getting her on the road. www.oldmoparts.com www.kanter.com
http://home.rmci.net/blueskies/02-engine.html Blueskies is a member here, and has a beautiful Flathead Plymouth. I drool everytime I see it. Jay
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