In 1988 when I was a kid my Dad bought 1943 Ford F15. It had served in the War as a truck that carried an anti-aircraft gun on its flatbed around airfields (Uppotery, Biggin Hill etc). It was probably the first time i'd seen a V8 and at the time my Dad said that Hot Rodders would give their right arm for an engine like this. I dont for a second doubt what he said but I just wondered if anyone knew that this was done and possibly if anyone actually had a rod that has one of these old engines in? I think its a 21 stud? A shot of the Truck itself, called Hilda after my Dads best friends Aunt who was apparently truly quite ugly. Additionally I think it'd be interesting for any HAMBer to divulge any interesting stories of where their engines, they have, have come from?
That's a Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) truck, Cab 13. Lots of them, like hundreds of thousands, were sent overseas in WWII. Not many left, that one looks to be in real good shape, worth restoring. Lots of those engines were used up in hot rods in the post war years. And it's a 24 stud engine.
I'm guessing it's a 99T engine, which came out in '39 Mercs and was offered as an option in big trucks. What numbers/letters does it have in the center of the heads?
Spot on, it is a CMP Cab 13. This particular one is very rare in that, i believe, there are only 2 in the world. That is due to its ramps and rails to accomodate the anti aircraft gun. When I was a kid we stripped her down and I remember some guy came over from New Zealand to take pictures so he could replicate it... bizarre. This is more my dads line of restoration though, military, guy taught me everything I know and still has plenty to teach. Kinda makes me wonder whether I'll be able to attain all his knowledge/engineering skills. Hilda is stored in one of the sheds, I'll go check it out in the week and let you know on the numbers/letters. The distributor on this thing is ridiculous though, its like a crab and you almost need to remove the radiator to adjust/clean the points.
There's some interesting reading about military blocks here in rumbleseat's write up on flatheads. Don't know how far back the military demanded harder blocks but there may be some info. that will help you out. Scroll down and click on "engine" http://www.flatheadv8.org/rumblest/intro.htm That's a cool bit of history you have there. Too bad the gun isn't still with it
It takes a bit of scrutinizing to be sure, but engine is likely a C29T or the American equivalent 29T that was also fed into Imperial supply lines, 239 24 studs. Essentially 1942 Mercury and Ford heavy truck motors. I've got the shop manual for your F-15 around here somewhere! The verydamnsimilar 99 engines had been replaced by the 29 by 1943. Somewhere around 1943, these engines started getting a PCV setup. I have and like the aluminum manifolds and the special oil filler pipe that marks the setup as Canadian. Some of these engines had full flow filtering, too.
Just to sweeten my day after my Chrysler deciding not to play ball (If you know anything about Plymouth 218's please make comment at http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=691685) My Dad, my daughter and I went to start the old Ford F15 just to taste a little success after bitter disappointment. And success we did taste. A few problems came from not selecting the right fuel tank but she fired and spun over beautifully. See the video:
Hahahaha, yeah, unfortunately that little drinky drink is a drop in the ocean compared to how she guzzles! I'm talking about the F15 not my daughter!
Anyone know if an electronic ignition system kit is available for the "crab" style distributor on these V8's?
Hilda is stored in one of the sheds, I'll go check it out in the week and let you know on the numbers/letters. The distributor on this thing is ridiculous though, its like a crab and you almost need to remove the radiator to adjust/clean the points. You are supposed to remove the distributor from the engine and service it on the workbench. Dual points, if set up right and a little lube on the cam, will go a long long time.
Really cool Dudford. I saw one of these things, still in use by the ****stani Army in the Kashmir back in 2005...
That sounds AWESOME!! And to think that motor is all Henry! Just think how they sound and go when they're souped!!!FLATHEADS FOREVER!!!!
Try NAMCO,Dud,they have lots of flathead stuff!! Pertronix might do one. http://www.northamericanmotorco.com/ Here you go http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mallo...ic-Distributor,7965.html?parentDisplayId=7966 http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1942-...c-Distributors,8348.html?parentDisplayId=7965 Welcome to the world of the flatty!!
The Jalopy Journal
