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

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

 

bendex spring.. the one that goes on the starter
extra points maybe

 

Booze, cell phone, and credit card

 

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!

 

Do ******s take credit cards?

 

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

 

A small block CHEVY !!
(just Kidding)
Sounds like a great road trip,good luck.

 

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.

 

I want dibbs on that flatty then!! I'l be i FL. shortly.....SERIOUSLY

 

AAA Card.

Congrats. Post a picture of it now if you have one.

 

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.

 

the good ones do...

 

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 .

 

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!

 

Reliable tow vehicle and a car trailer.

 

Did you see this thread and the story on the main page a few weeks ago?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145488&highlight=TOOL+KIT

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

VISA card and an airline schedule?????

 

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.

 

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

 

PS, How do I know if it has Overdrive?

 

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..

 

Found a new friend!!!!!

 

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.

 

I was gonna say the same thing! Glad I actually read the post.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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