Best Flathead water pumps?

Okay fellas, I'm ready for some water pumps for my fresh '50 8BA. The stock ones seemed to work well, but since everything is new (minus the block and crank) what are the best options?

I know Speedway sells some, but I've heard they leak.

Isn't there a shop producing new units?

What's involved in rebuilding the stock pumps? Is it worth it? I'm up for it.

My flatty has a clean-up bore, no stroke, Offy heads and two deuces. This isn't a race engine, but will be driven a LOT.

GO!

 

I use Bob Drake pumps. They have the ball/roller bearing setup with big curved vanes. Mine fit perfect, do not leak a drop even with a 13lb cap, and my flattie sits on 170 degrees, even at long idling.

 

Bob Drake is who I was thinking of, but totally forgot about him! Great info, thank you!

Anyone else?

 

dont rebuild, buy some newies, roller bearings all the way

 

Use the Drake 1's Brudder.

 

drake has a sale going on that can be seen on the main page of the fordbarn.

99.50 a pair 37-53

http://www.fordbarn.com/

 

Bob Drake pumps on my '42 Merc. I'm satisfied, and so is the engine.

Bob

 

Skip Haney in Punta Gorda Florida. Rebuilds your pumps with the newest technology. Best of all you get your original pumps back so no problems with fit. He is the best.

 

Why not run the stock ones that you say "seemed to work well" initially. You might buy a set of Drake's now while they are on sale for replacement if necessary. Then, if you do replace the originals, send them off of rebuild and evaluate them later. Get back to us with a report on how they all work. EZ for me to say, right? It ain't my $.

 

I am a big fan of Bob drake stuff, but have also used Speedway pumps with no problems and would use either brand without concern.


Ray

 

Wow, 5 calls for Bob Drake that fast? Looks likes that's my direction!

Thanks fellas, and thanks Cad Coff for the sale tip at Ford Barn!

Flat4D, I've heard great things about Skip. I'll keep him in mind.

 

Have drakes on my 1950 8ba ,fit like factory.

 

Skips all the way. I have Drakes on my 41 and they work well...but I had to take them off and file the mating surface on both pumps TWICE before they quite leaking. Skips pumps are about as close to perfect as they can get.

Why send your money to China when you can keep it in the US to a hard working guy?

 

How would a man get in touch with Skip Haney?

 

e-mail: skip@fordsrus.com

941-637-6698

Skip-er all the way - keep yer old pumps with new guts

 

I hear nothing but good things about skips pumps.

 

Chris, are Drake's made in China? If so I'd rather support Skip if his are made here. Edumacate me please!

 

I can't say 100% but they are off shore. Skips are 100 each, so double the price, but they are excellent and you won't have a problem

 

Seems like Skip's site is down at the moment but I'm guessing its just a temporary thing. His pumps are the best.

Tim

 

I've had a couple flathead coils rebuilt by skips and they have been Perfect. If the coils are any indication of their business practice a water pump would be highly recommended by me.

I am running speedways on my truck and they are fine so far. I bought them about 6 yrs ago. Repro stuff can be interesting.

 

Dang fellas, thanks for the head's up! Looks like Skip will be getting more business than just mine! I love threads like this!

 

im not knocking fords original stuff here, however why settle for a bushed water pump over a bearing pump, this change is for better not worse, sure they both wear ,we all understand that, but bushes go outta shape and wear profusely, bearings are easier to swap over, take less load to spin over, and last very well, id have bearings over a bush anyday if oppurtunity is there, just my opinion

 

I am in process of sending my pumps to Skip this week. He has answered my email questions promptly and a search of Ford Barn and HAMB show great feedback for him. And yes, I have not found a "new, improved" flathead water pump that is made in the US. And dollars to donuts, the ones from MAC's, Speedway, and Drake are all the same offshore pump. Just a guess, but an educated one.

 

Another recommendation for Skip Hanney. I bought the Drake pumps, but on one of them, the pulley wasn't concentic, so it wobbled. I ended up sending my originals to Skip. Both the Drake & Hanney pumps made a big difference in cooling. Skip did my coil too.

 

If skip goes through them, they will have bearings, stainless shaft and an improved impeller.

 

excactly!!!!!!

 

I never have much time during the day, so I haven't called Skip to ask. Anyone know what he charges to convert stock pumps?

 

Perfect timing. I was going to order water pumpes from speedway tonight. Glad I read this thread! Looks like I will be getting in touch with skip.

 

$200 for the pair and $12 for shipping

 

Got an email from Skip -his web site is now back up and working. Top notch guy and very responsive.

Tim