I found an old Flathead Ford motor out of a 33 or just a bit later ford. Is this a good motor for a rod?
If this is a 21 stud, what I've seen, it mainly goes with restorers. The 24 stud ones are the ticket. I might get flamed for saying that, but that's my personal experience.
Hi, new friend. Post an introduction in the Intro section. Do a little research here: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm How do you intend on using the engine? If it's in good shape, and you want to run it as is (and it's a really low price) then go for it. Generally, the pre-1936 engines used babbitt bearings, which are pretty old technology. (Do a Google search on "Babbitt" and you'll see what I mean.) If the engine's running fine, you might not care; if you want to rebuild it, that makes it a good amount more difficult. Also, heads for these engines are limited, which may not be a big deal, unless you want to show off some nice polished aluminum ones. Intakes and cams and other stuff can be found pretty easily. Try www.speedwaymotors.com for speed parts. I'm running one, and I love it. But that's just me. As I said, do a little homework. Most guys like hopped up later engines, especially ones with a 4" Mercury crank that gives more cubic inches. (If you figure out what that means, and how that works, you're more than halfway there.) One other thought: make sure that the engine is as old as you say. Sometimes newer flattys were installed in older cars. Are the water pumps, and the upper radiator hoses, right in front? Good luck either way, and welcome to the HAMB. --Matt
Thanks alot for the info. Im wanting to build a 50's style rod and found this one sitting inside a frame in an old salvage yard. There was also a 50's model flathead but the cylinder walls on 2 and 4 where blown out. The owner of the yard said he thinks he has another laying arround with a 3 duece setup ontop but the old man said he will talk about this one later.
24 stud motor.....1938-48 variety. I can't see in the pic well enough to see if the heads have the "59A" markings, which would indicate a 1946-48 motor. Carb is a Ford/Holley 94 type. Tranny isnt a top loader....again, hard to see from the pic, but it could either be a 1940-48 side loader three speed or something else altogether. If I HAD to take a guess, I'd venture that it's a '39-42 motor. Closer inspection of the block would tell more.
If the rest of the frame is as good as what we can see, you'd better nab it! Can't tell on the motor....it almost looks like an open drive tranny.... Be careful, if it has been uncovered that long.......water freezes at 32.....look it over closely!
Thanks for the info. Im going to go pick up the motor and the frame. There frames crossmembers are an X pattern but one leg was hacked off (easy fix for me). My only other question would be how would I adapt a more modern transmission to the built in bell housing on the motor?
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