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What to bring for a 900 mile trip in a 50 ford with Flathead 8.

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ozzie, Dec 21, 2006.

  1. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    Hi folks, Just bought a nice looking 1950 Ford 2 door sedan, with the original Flathead 8, The motor was rebuilt one year ago and it's been a daily driver since. Heater works fine, everything is in good working order, So if I was to basically look it over and jump in to drive it straight back to Miami, All highways of course, what would the flathead and ford experts say for me to bring along with me? I'll get the standards there like antifreeze, oil, and fluids, but what particular tools might I bring with me and other extras on the trip.
    The owner doesn't see why it would not just drive right along straight down, but just incase, what do you guys thing I should bring?
    Pretty excited about this purchase, and I'll do***ent the upcoming chop and other works to be done to it on the hamb as well.

    Regards,
    Ozzie
     
  2. Zoo York
    Joined: May 31, 2006
    Posts: 173

    Zoo York
    Member
    from Zoo York

    bendex spring.. the one that goes on the starter
    extra points maybe
     
  3. Sutton
    Joined: Apr 7, 2005
    Posts: 699

    Sutton
    Member
    from BTR

    Booze, cell phone, and credit card
     
  4. mtflat
    Joined: Jan 28, 2003
    Posts: 422

    mtflat
    Member

    Pliers, screwdriver and a simple set of open end wrenches or cresent wrench in case you have to change the bendix spring that ZY mentioned. Enjoy the trip!
     
  5. usedall9
    Joined: Oct 30, 2006
    Posts: 423

    usedall9
    Member

    Do ******s take credit cards?:D
     
  6. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    who has a bendix spring I can get in short order, like immediately to Miami, FL? can I get this at a napa? Talk to me people, I'm new to the flathead.

    Thanks,
    Ozzie
     
  7. Kadalak
    Joined: Jan 18, 2006
    Posts: 57

    Kadalak
    Member

    A small block CHEVY !!
    (just Kidding)
    Sounds like a great road trip,good luck.
     
  8. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    LOL, I will definitely be putting one in in a few weeks, but first is getting it home, then Chop it, and shave the handles, and then new gl***, and then bigger 15 or 16" wheels with white wall radials, then I'll hit the engine and the interior.

     
  9. usedall9
    Joined: Oct 30, 2006
    Posts: 423

    usedall9
    Member

    I want dibbs on that flatty then!! I'l be i FL. shortly.....SERIOUSLY
     
  10. 5051
    Joined: Nov 30, 2005
    Posts: 451

    5051
    Member

    AAA Card.

    Congrats. Post a picture of it now if you have one.
     
  11. lakes modified
    Joined: Dec 2, 2001
    Posts: 1,283

    lakes modified
    Member Emeritus

    Fuel pump, if it's the mechanical type. I have done two trips like that about 30 yrs ago & put over 1200 to 2000 miles each time and needed nothing but gas an some oil. It was trouble free and a great time. Have fun. Oops forgot, rain-x. Them vac***e type work very slow.
     
  12. skajaquada
    Joined: Sep 14, 2004
    Posts: 1,642

    skajaquada
    Member
    from SLC Utard

    the good ones do...:D
     
  13. 97
    Joined: May 18, 2005
    Posts: 1,983

    97
    Member

    Change of underwear and toothbrush, money for gas and food , few tools, the flathead will get you there, by time you get home you wont want to change out that motor for a Chevy.
    If you need oil etc you can get it on the way. I have driven from Daytona Beach to Bakersfield, via New Orleans, Houston , Alberquerque ,and Las Vegas with nothing more than clothes and a few hand tools. Did that trip in six driving days with some stopovers and never had a major problem. Trust the flathead.
    900 miles is less than my longest day on that trip...Baton Rouge to Tu***cari via Houston , Fort Worth and Amarillo in 20 hours .
     
  14. Flat Ernie
    Joined: Jun 5, 2002
    Posts: 8,406

    Flat Ernie
    Tech Editor

    My dad will be happy to collect that flathead from you! He's down there in Miami & I can be there in a flash...

    I just did 1100 miles in my '40 with a flatty in it. I brought some very standard hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.), shop rags, extra points/condensor, etc. Also brought a tow strap, gas can, a few misc chemicals (WD-40, Brake Cleaner, RTV, etc.), some electrical tape, 2' of wire, jumper cables, etc.

    Didn't really need any of it. Gas & Oil only. I had a few minor issues, but all were due to the car sitting (crud in gas tank, minor overheating initially), but if this car has been running well & used as a daily, you should be fine on these counts.

    Does it have overdrive? If not, I'd limit myself to about 60-65 or so, much faster than that for long periods may tend to make it overheat & you don't want to turn it much faster than that anyway...wtih O/D, I'd be happy running 75-80.

    Seriously, if you want to ditch the flathead, let me know. My dad can get it out of your way instantly! ;)
     
  15. CHRIS 57
    Joined: Jun 10, 2005
    Posts: 187

    CHRIS 57
    Member
    from Upstate NY

    Reliable tow vehicle and a car trailer.
     
  16. 54BOMB
    Joined: Oct 23, 2004
    Posts: 2,115

    54BOMB
    Member

  17. mtflat
    Joined: Jan 28, 2003
    Posts: 422

    mtflat
    Member

    If you're serious about the sbc swap, I'd encourage the old girl to strand you big time - way out in the middle of nowhere, beyond cell service where any locals have only 1 tooth and leer at you like like they just saw fresh meat for the first time in 6 months.
     
  18. foolthrottle
    Joined: Oct 14, 2005
    Posts: 1,565

    foolthrottle
    Member

    Before you leave, replace the bolts that hold the steering box. extra inner/outer wheel bearings, seals and grease. motor oil and check it often. AAA
     
  19. UnIOnViLLEHauNT
    Joined: Jun 22, 2004
    Posts: 4,827

    UnIOnViLLEHauNT
    Member

    Dang, congrats Ozzie! Where from? My 51 Ford is running/driving super nice, about to start the top in a few days...soon as I finish some much needed door replacement in the house. Got your voicemail a few days ago, was crazy busy all week.

    Drop me a line with the details, wanna see some pics too!
     
  20. dragrcr50
    Joined: Jul 25, 2005
    Posts: 3,865

    dragrcr50
    Member

    VISA card and an airline schedule?????:eek:
     
  21. Nads
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 11,875

    Nads
    Member
    from Hypocrisy

    Yes they do, you have to slide the card up their ****crack and remove it swiftly. If it doesn't work you have to wrap the credit card in a plastic bag and try again.
     
  22. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    Got the credit card, the small portable radio to listen to talk radio on the trip ( the only thing that keeps me awake on long trips)

    PS, If anyone needs me to bring anything back from up in the huntsville area to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale that will easily fit in the trunk, let me know. Also I'm looking for a clean very presentable rear Bumper for the 51 so I can install it when I get back.

    Thanks for all the advise, I'll be staying with the Flathead on there for a while, if it's working fine, why change it I think. I'll clean up the engine compartment, then change it over to 12 volts, a nice cool air cleaner and some coolflex hoses and I'm set in the engine compartment for a while.
    Anyone with the 12 volt kit or instructions let me know pronto, I want to do this changeover before the end of the year, like Andale Andale!!.. Arriba Arriba!! This will be my daily driver..
    I wonder if Grundy does Daily drivers? I'll have to call my agent and see...... PS, here are the pictures, It was on here a month ago for trade and I bought it off T Bucket Shawn in Hazel Green, AL.

    Ozzie
     

    Attached Files:

  23. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    PS, How do I know if it has Overdrive?
     
  24. slddnmatt
    Joined: Mar 30, 2006
    Posts: 3,685

    slddnmatt
    Member

    bring some gasket material the cork style. we drove my friends 51 merc from michigan to california and i had to scrounge around for "materials" to make a gasket for the sediment bowl every time it broke down in the middle of nowhere. a leather glove and the rubber cap for a large pipe worked the best i must say tho.. made it wihtin 60 miles of home then it over heated! stupid thermostats..:D
     

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  25. usedall9
    Joined: Oct 30, 2006
    Posts: 423

    usedall9
    Member


    Found a new friend!!!!!:D
     
  26. Dick Dake
    Joined: Sep 14, 2006
    Posts: 788

    Dick Dake
    Member

    Asprin and a good map of every rest area and tow truck driver on the way. You never know what will happen when its new to you.
     
  27. Crease
    Joined: May 7, 2002
    Posts: 2,878

    Crease
    Member

    I was gonna say the same thing! Glad I actually read the post.
     
  28. squigy
    Joined: Nov 30, 2003
    Posts: 3,915

    squigy
    Member
    from SO.FLO.

    i have seconds on that motor just stop in West Palm Beach on your way home or i can come and get it in Miami!!!
    if you need help call me.i can PM you my celly!!! good luck.
     
  29. flatheadpete
    Joined: Oct 29, 2003
    Posts: 10,677

    flatheadpete
    Member
    from Burton, MI

    My Flatty has an appe***e for spark plugs. A full set of open end wrenches are a must. BAsic hand tools don't take much room. Start it, slowly ease into all the gears and have a safe trip!!

    PS.....oil......a quart ir two should do just fine.
     
  30. Ozzie
    Joined: Sep 1, 2006
    Posts: 458

    Ozzie
    Member

    Thanks for all the advise, I'll be keeping the flathead for a while since I'll be switching it over to 12 volts when I get back. The Chop and shave will happen before anything with the motor, and if the motor is strong I'll keep it. Maybe if it doesn't have Overdrive, add it if possible and go from there.
    Thanks folks...
    Ozzie



     

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