Hey everyone, I sold my 32 Ford and have a chance to buy a nice 27 Ford roadster pickup and the only thing that I see as a problem is that it's got a flathead motor, I know when they were new people drove them across the country but that was when you could get parts along the way if you broke down. But in 2024 things are defiantly different, and I like to take in events that are sometimes a few hundred miles from home. My question is how reliable are flathead motors on longer trips, are they up to freeway speeds, and what about breakdowns and need say a water pump or fuel pump or distributor part. Lots of very knowledgeable people here and just wanted your opinions. I've owned alot of hot rods but not one with a flathead. Thanks everyone
Reliability is a function of the engine builder, what components were used, and how the whole package was put together. Material technology has come a long ways since the 1930's, and we have much better gaskets, rings, cylinder bore finishes, etc available these days that all work to increase the longevity and reliability of Henry's infamous bent 8. That said, a flathead built within the past 20 years should be much more reliable IF it was machined and assembled properly and not by some ass monkey. Handling freeway speeds will be as much a function of the rest of the drive train as it is the motor itself. A '27 Ford Roadster PU probably only requires 50 or 60 hp to push it through the air at 70 mph. Can a flathead make that reliably for hours on end? Absolutely, but what does the rest of the drivetrain look like, gear ratios, radiator package, fuel system, Tires, etc.? If you breakdown, you deal with it at that point. Sure the local Napa or O'Reilly's may not have a water pump or whatever, but chances are they can get one over night from the warehouse. I would sooner drive a flathead powered car on long trips then anything built by the Big 3 between 1974 and 1990. There is a reason that period of time is known as the Malaise era, as quality was definitely not Job 1 (or 2 or 3). Long story short. Quit worrying, get off the couch, grab your keys, and hit the road!
I’ve owned flatheads for 25 yrs with original drive trains. I’ve taken them on 150-800 mile trips. I’ve also threw one on a trailer for a trip into a large city. A good rebuilt flathead is very reliable and so are the drive trains. Part availability is indeed scarce during a long distance run. Almost all parts can be found on line. So don’t expect to have them back on the road during a breakdown immediately. Finding drivetrain parts immediately would be impossible in any area. Finding someone to work on them would also be hard. With an original drivetrain. Expect to stay on secondary roads. Most like to travel 55-65 max. Carry as many extra parts as you see fit. It all comes down to your passion and likes. Flatheads are the coolest engines ever. I enjoy having something that others don’t have or don’t like. Be prepared to spend a lot of money on rebuilding one and maintaining it. There is definitely a learning curve, working and maintaining these. Good luck on your choice.
Most reliability issues on old motors are down to poor maintenence. 90 years ago cars were serviced every few hundred miles, and that was for a reason. Maintain them as they were meant to be and no reason why reliability will be an issue.
Some people are scared of flatheads. I get the old stigma was overheating, but that was fixed with later castings and water pumps. A good 59 ab or 8BA is good to go for any trip. Most things that will or can fail on a trip are an overnight shipping or a Hamb member away.
As mentioned, flatheads are as reliable as the maint. that keeps them up. Flatheads are very reliable for distance but you're not going to crank 80 to 100 mph on the freeways out of a stock flathead. The modern water pumps are very reliable and will keep the motor cool. Basically, on a flathead you need to keep the oil changed and clean. Treat it right.
Just keep a spare starter, generator, (alternator), fan belts and fuel pump in your trunk. I drove my six volt powered 8BA from WI to FL in 1972 when the national speed limit was 55mph. Have since converted to 12V. Make sure your cooling system is up to the job.
You sold a 32 Ford 3 window to buy a 27 T with a flathead. I better get my eye's checked because that is what I thought I read.
I’m rather new to the flathead ford v8 but I have been a mechanic/technician for 48 years professionally been working on cars sine I was 13 my personal experience is that all mechanical mechanisms require a good design, build techniques and proper lubrication and maintenance requirements If done properly they will last a lifetime and be trouble free the flathead ford v8 meets the required design. I wouldn’t be afraid to drive my roadster as far as my butt could handle it.
Everything @Petejoe said in his post is the honest to God truth, but I believe that the sound of the flathead in that video is what makes owning one worth it.
The oil is a lot better now than it was in 1951 but I can remember a road trip in our then new 51 Ford from here in the Yakima Valley to Chula Vista Ca to see my aunt and uncle and the morning after we got there I rode with my dad and my uncle down to a station my uncle did business with to get the oil changed because It had about 1400 miles on the oil change that he had done the day before we left on the trip. He was hell on wheels on maintenance and seldom let a car go over the miles for an oil change even on a road trip.
I only sold the three window because I got an offer I defiantly couldn't refuse, and a friend told me about the roadster pickup.
Modern oils and things like O/D transmissions are very beneficial to FH engines. I recommend at least mostly full pressure lubrication if building a FH. Pick a rear end gear ratio that will allow your FH to cruise between 2000 and 2800 rpm and get the best cooling system parts you can find .
I remember years ago when I owned my 49 Ford business coupe. Bought it from the granddaughter of the Ford engineer that bought it new. It was a complete broom stick, with no options and original down to the rubber matting on the riser and the closeout panel separating the interior from the trunk. I drove it every day for three years before moving to the desert and didn't want to abuse the engine in 110° temperatures. The only option on the car was an aftermarket Motorola radio. It still had 16" wheels on it. Never gave me a minute of trouble. Many tim3s. I look back and kick myself for selling it.
FrozenMerc and Joel 2x . If you think you are going to take long trips on a ride you just aquired , you better have good towing insurance. Reliability comes with time and getting everything sorted. There is a reason why Model As and Ts made it across the US and helped build this country.
Hello, When I was able to buy my own car, I had access to borrowing mt brother’s 58 Impala. But, when I had a choice, it was always my own car ( a 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery) that got first choice. Plus, if and when I had to leave our house early, it was parked with direct access to the concrete driveway and so, I could chug back and down our driveway almost silently to go surfing. (Early morning dark, to leave and late night to come home…) Now, it was perfect for all surfing needs from basic transportation and reliability. But, I do not take credit for the actual build. My old friend who first owned the sedan delivery always did a great job with modifications and builds for all of his own cars. So, this sedan delivery at the time I saw it for the first time, had a 348 Chevy motor, a LaSalle transmission and sounded like Lion’s Dragstrip staging area as it chugged into the local drive-in restaurant parking lot where all of us were having our normal Saturday night gathering. If we did not go to Lion’s Dragstrip for racing or entertainment, it was in our own Bixby Knolls compound gatherings for teenagers. The local drive-in was a destination and everyone knew of it and consequently, drew a gathering every weekend. So, there are other threads and posts on when I saw and heard the 348 motor and finagled enough money to buy it from my friend. See the old posts. Jnaki I drove the Flathead powered sedan delivery in all sorts of weather and road conditions, including dirt roads, gravel waterfront trails and highways. If and when we went almost 100 miles one way along the west coast ocean front highway North to Santa Barbara beach locations, it ran like a top. We had no problems on the flat oceanfront highway. The return home was also the same Coast Highway back to Long Beach. We never doubted it would get us there. A one turn start and it ran like it was new. The Flathead kept up with other cars on the flowing highway. There was never any doubt that we would get there and back. Note: The one way home was to take the freeway system home going Southeast into Los Angeles and then continue to other freeway connections through downtown L.A. That was technically the fastest return route, via freeways. But, two things stopped us. One: Use of a single carburetor Flathead that had about 80 hp and that was it. Loaded down with 2-3 surfboards and overnight camping gear + supplies made the motor work overtime. For the flat coastal highways it was fine. But the return freeway always caused us problems going up a steep incline just to get into the outskirts leading toward Los Angeles. We knew first gear driving in the slow lane was our normal place. Behind old trucks, vans and commercial trucks and overloaded station wagons, chugging uphill for miles and sometimes overheating. So, we decided despite being faster, there were too many hazards for us and we always took the more scenic coastal highways all the way home. Being underpowered was the main source. We did not take it up into the local mountains for skiing and winter drives. There was just not enough horsepower to make it up the very steep roads leading into the Big Bear Mountain/Lake Arrowhead communities even with an empty cave(besides skis and poles) behind the seats. The Flathead just did not have enough power. Yes, Reath Automotive had a nicely built Flathead motor with three carbs, cam, new pistons and headers sitting on an engine stand of their speed shop we saw each time we went in there. But, the cost was prohibitive and we looked, admired it and moved on with our stock Flathead motor. So, for your application, a good running Flathead is like a good running SBC motor, just not as powerful. Unless your engine modifying and building skills allows you to highly modify the Flathead for more horsepower. But, a stock SBC motor found or a crate motor has the size to fit almost anywhere and has the power to keep up with today’s traffic. Also, power up those steep coastal highways or mountain roads, anywhere in the USA. YRMV Note 2: When my wife and I purchased a long term project, (another 40 Ford Sedan Delivery ) it had a stock 327 SBC motor and 4 barrel carb. As a stock motor, it ran well and caused us no problems. But, the build itself made us not drive it until some professional work could be done to the front suspension and parts. Once our mechanic’s shop finished the rebuild and repair + it ran like a top. It handled so well that my wife always had first choice to drive the 327 powered 40 Ford Sedan Delivery on any errands or visits to friend’s houses. 327 powered 40 Ford Sedan Delivery The road less traveled, namely freeways were still not used as much, even with "more power." We have gotten used to the coastal highways for enjoyment of just driving a hot rod plus the fabulous experiences we got by seeing the blue ocean, the waves, empty beaches and yes, some with folks spending a day at the beach. What could get better than that? No more underpowered Flathead motor, just good pedal power for any driving situations, anywhere. That was the main component, but also add in the trued tires for roundness, the expert balancing, the new parts, components necessary, as well as alignment made driving comfortable and enjoyable. I am sure that is why we both still like driving around in our current daily drivers.
This one joined us on a 4200 mile trip this June. Never skipped a beat. Included everything from sea level to 11,000 foot mountain passes. Travelled at around 65mph with a Mitchell overdrive and 4:11 rear gears.
The Jalopy Journal
