Bought Flathead drivetrain...good deal?

Chuck it shouldn't take but several minutes to pull the intake manifold off of the block and then spray all of the valve stems & lifters with something like Kroil. That way they can soak a few days. You're gonna have to do it sometime anyway.

Jim

 

I just bought a 50 8BA last week and starting tearing it apart. This is my first Flathead. I called a machine shop to talk about pricing and the guy on the phone said that something like 85% of flatheads have cracks! I was pretty blown away by that number. From reading this thread seems like it can be a little hit or miss. The intake manifold and heads were off when I bought it so I could inspect for cracks looked good so I went for it. Thanks Chuck for starting this thread. Lots of stuff I have been looking for myself

Innis

 

Just caught this thread. Several guys have mentioned our website (www.flatheadv8.com) which will have most of the exploded parts drawings you need for the engine and trans. It appears to be a 49-51 Ford overdrive unit. The guts are basically the same for Ford or Merc overdrives of the R10 variety, so parts are interchangeable. The later HD overdrives (R11 type) are totally different inside. We stock most of the parts for those transmissions and overdrives. Here is that link for more info:

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/trans-partsprices-pg1.htm

You can also download a free pdf copy of the Borg Warner service manual for the R10 overdrive off the internet. I forget the site but you can do a google search for it easily. Good luck and hope that the gears are good................ Mac VP

 

Innis:

Your guy maybe right. Depending how you look at it or what "cracks" he is referring to.

For example: 85% of flathead may indeed be "cracked". They may be the very small non-issue cracks like those going from a head stud hole to a water jacket. Some say they are so common Ford actually gave them a part #.

OR

They can fatal cracks like those running along the pan rail or in the main webs.


A lot depends on what he considers "cracks".

Very important to remember this: Whenever dealing with flatheads, one must use a little known algebraic formula in order to get to the real truth of the matter.


(X)= number of flathead experts asked + (Y) how much money you have to spend mutliplied by (Z) how much knowledge one has or is willing to learn by doing things on your own.

(X+Y) x Z ./. by the sum of too much ********, rumor, and never tested die-hard myths = the flathead truth.

How about those apples?

Banjo out!

 

Jim

I might try to do that this weekend..I have been working form 5am to 6pm everyday this week and the garage all my stuff is at is 30-40 drive from my house so the only time I get up there is on the weekends alot of times.

Thanks

Chuck

 

Glad I could help...