Early 40's Ford owners

A couple weeks back, I went to a cemetery dedication, put on by the Texas Brigade (civil war re-enactment group my old man is a part of). While making my way over to the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappel Hill, I p***ed a 60's style ranch house, evident of some recent work. The owner had cleared away some of the trees surrounding the near by shop and barn... To my delight, he had exposed a couple old Fords that previously may have not been visible from the roadway.

Needless to say, I busted the U-turn and left him a note in the mailbox, "please call if you'd like these two cars removed." Well he did. Not to bore you with the details, but for the cost of both cars, I could part one out and break even. Of the two, (both of which would need complete fram off resto, to be done right...) The "good" one, seems solid, through and through...granted, the critter **** and trash that will need to be removed may expose some heavy duty jobs, for a non-professional... But hell, thats the fun, right.

This afternoon, two of my brothers and my dad are heading out to remove 'em from their previously potential graves... I'm about 85% sure they are the 41 Ford Deluxe model...but could be wrong...As soon as the photos come back, I'll post 'em...

So what I need are some helpful hints. These will be my first Flathead 8's... Any place that's a sure spot for rebuild kits? Anyone know what size 8 came in the early 40's Ford Deluxe?

With those flatheads, If I wanted to slap an updated ****** on one, what have you used that didn't take a ton or any Fab work? I understand there's always some degree of Fab to do, that's the beauty of building, just trying to find some starting points...without committing to something I can't do myself.

Also, I think the wheels are a 17 inch wheel (didn't have a measuring tape with me, when I went back), anyone know stock wheel dimensions, or modern tire size for the stock wheel?

Thanks in advance, pics will be up sometime this week...

 

S/b 221 flatties but who knows after 60 some years as for trannies, they should already have a traditional hot rod type ****** with the stock column shift box but a '39 floor shift will bolt in if desired


anouther note in 41 there was the "Deluxe and "Super Deluxe" but no STD all of fords cars were atleast "Deluxe"

 

There was also a serious stripper model meant for commercial users. Very uncommon now.

 

Hmm wow didnt know that!

 

Wheels should be 16" and original tires were 6.00 or 6.50x16.

 

The 6 cylinder cars in 1941 were designated "Special".

I've probably driven by those cars 1000 times over the years. I go by and out there all the time. Good for you!

The wheels should be 16" but there were accessory 17" available from 1940-48 also.

 

Thanks for the feedback, gang...Due to the continued clearing of the stumps and such around the cars, getting our equipment in to remove is proving a little harder than originally thought... The continued rains are throwing a wrench into our plans as well, but promised photos will be up with the next update. Thanks again for the help.

Anyone get a rebuild kit for a flatty at a traditional parts store?

 

Several vendors have rebuild kits for flatheads; shop around for a good combination of the best collection of parts and price. They are sort of a specialty item, so expect to have to send out to get them.

 

We finally arranged to go get 'em....

My kid brother, now has his work cut out for him... Plans are to bring the one in better shape back to some sort of life...I'm convinced it's doable...He on the other hand is hating his big brother right now.

Both have flatty's, one missing a carb and radiator. Both need complete tear-down. Hopes are (from this vantage point) to remove the body from frame, then transport frame to his casa so he can really get into the foundation of this project, but considering the surprise serpent found coiled up in the frame...we'll see. It may be a very slow cleaning...

 

Be careful with the grilles, Nobody repops them, and they are hard to find!!

 

Got a complete set...Found missing driver side in the worse off car...
Plus the complete center piece comes complete with bullet hole....Awesome.

 

Kind of a rebirth to this thread. I remember seeing those cars just outside of Shelby on 389. I know the person who use to own them. His name is Gale. I think he sold that place earlier this year. I had been to that house many a time but I never saw those hidden tresures. Good find!