Hello, Seems like a lot of Texas people here. I am currently in Austin. I have been lurking on this and the MSN site for awhile now. I have always been into muscle cars, though I did have a 52 Cad w/ original 331 for a period. Kind of got me interested in the older rods. So, now I have a 39 ford truck that has what I believe to be an 8BA motor, definitely 48-53. Finally got around to trying to start it. Of course, wouldn't start, no compression, and looked like anti-freeze in the oil. I was bummed, mostly about the antifreeze because I really didn't expect it to run. Well, it had stuck valves, compression on a few cylinders but all varied, one actually had 120. Tried PB and Marvel oil. Didn't work so I started with the tear down and I believe the block is still good (no visual cracks), head gasket had blown between two cylinders. Pistons are 040, but the valves (exh) still say Ford on them. Some sludge for sure. I am looking forward to refreshing the motor, it already had old offy heads, 97 stromberg, and adjustable lifters. Thinking about a repro offy dual intake and another 97. Check to see that it is a decent grind and condition cam or putting one in if necessary. Other than that, get by as cheaply as possible with the usual gaskets, bearings, rings, etc. Is that possible with a Flathead? I think I know the answer. Hopefully, tolerances and lack of wear will allow for such. Then I can get to that T-5 conversion, Smithys, some body work, then interior, etc. Nothing fancy or radical. Really, look forward to using this site more in the future.
The Jalopy Journal
