So I'm looking at a truck and it's got an older Flattie in it, and find that I've got to make a decision regarding whether or not to leave it in there... Here's the deal - I'm not getting this thing to ride around in on weekends. This is gonna be a daily beater, and shop truck. As a shop truck/daily beater, I don't really give shit about scrubbing the tires off it, rather my requirements are A/C (whether kit, retrofit, or an adaptation), reliability, and reasonable fuel economy. I'm not looking for environmentalists to cheer at my fuel use, but if I'm gonna get 8-10 mpg, I can do that now with my S10 and 4.3L. Can the existing 218 Dodge Flattie do all this for me? (I'm very ignorant about four wheeled stuff, but learning) Or, am I doomed to put something else in there? I'm torn in as much that I'd really like to keep the Flattie in it, but if it's only going to cause problems due to my expecting too much from it, then I would like to know up front. Would A/C bog a 218 down too much?\ Is it cruel to expect one to do 20,000+ miles a year? Help a fool in love out... Best, Weyland
Several things to consider. 1st of all you want to drive it daily and want it to be reliable. What is the condition of the flatty in question? Now fuel milage again what is the condition of the flatty? if its wore slick then you can't expect it to give you much in the milage dept. next even in good shape you aren't gonna break any milage records with it 12 would be good. A/C what is the condition of the flatty, its A/C man its gonna put a load on your mill you're flatty in good shape won't care much but again if its loose as a goose its gonna be real noticable. well I was wrong only one thing to consider and that's the condition of your 50+ year old flatty. They can be and have been as reliable as a hammer but once its gone its gone.
I just went through this with my '49 Ford. It's tough. I had an ok flathead that needed a little work, but I decided to drop a 302 in and forget about it. The prices and availability of old flathead parts are what broke the deal for me. I want to be able to jump in and go, every day, and drive cross-country. If you want to drive the flatty every day, tear it down, rebuild it, and keep the trunk full of spare parts
No idea yet, but I'm speaking (asking) in general terms. In other words, I have nothing against rebuilding it, or building one from the ground up for the purpose. I'm just wondering if the design is up to the task... Yeah... I'd rather a bit more than that if possible... I put a lot of miles on with my truck because of the business. See above. Right. But is the older, completely cast iron type of mill able to withstand all that I'm asking for, with longevity? Thanks~! Best, Weyland
Do you regret it in any way? Why? What inherant problems do they have that makes them unsuitable for it? Are they truly not up to the task, or is it fear, uncertainty and doubt just rearing its head? Thanks~! Best, Weyland
Like I said in good condition they are a dependable as a hammer. You will need to get the block magged before you even consider rebuilding it, its not going to be a real powerhouse as in what you're putting togrether is a 45 to 50 mph ride with stock gears and it'll cost you a fortune to build. if none of that is a consideration jump all over it. Built right it won't be a problem to put as many miles on it as you want.
Excuse the ignorance, here, but doesn't anyone make an aftermarket block for these? Ahhhhh... Okay, now we're getting into it... *Ideally*, I'd like it to be able to 75-80 mph. Is this strictly a gearing thing? Are you saying it would cost me a fortune because Flattie stuff is just plain expensive, or would I be spending money on services? I ask, because I've got a full machine shop at my disposal, and if I'm gonna build one, I'd like to get my own hands dirty as much as possible. (my shop) The top end speeds and economy are concerns, but if they can be worked around, I'm in. Otherwise, I'll have to conceed to another choice. Best, Weyland
... and as long as I'm trying to learn... What about mild strokers? (like the way a mild 4-1/2" stroke in a Shovel or Pan will add gobs of power, but still maintain excellent longevity) Is this feasable with a Flatty? Thanks, Weyland
Oh , so keeping all the fun to yourself . you go ticker with the truck , and ill grind out practice electrodes = )
Hey, I'm just happy you stopped poking those things into the grinder~! I'm even happier I thought to make you use round stock instead of real Tungstens~! You'll get there soon. You're picking it up fine. Now shouldn't you be in bed? How the heck are you gonna slave all day tomorrow if you're tired? Best, Weyland
not today , my moms busy , so i dont have a ride , but ill see about tomarra , but next week from 9am-9pm i have band camp , so insted of cleaning and crap in a hot shop , i get to run around in the sun play in the sun
Weyland, I think the AC would be a little much for the flat six, unless you built it up a little. Vintage Air has a decent systerm & might have adapters for your engine. E-mail me which would be easier. Butch jsfinley@comcast.net
The Jalopy Journal
