Hey Guys, I just started tearing into my new flathead. Been reading some of the archives. I thought I was in for a low tech, low buck project lol. I guess this is going to take longer than I expected. Maybe you guys can help me decide what to do here. I got a 59A with 59A-B heads. Do I wanna use these heads if they're salvagable? This motor was in a wonderbread truck, rebuilt in 57' has been sitting uncoverd for several yrs, is full of water etc. I've got a barrel full of old brake fluid to soak it in b4 I try to get pistons out.I have to get it B&B'd, magnafluxed b4 I will know what kinda shape its in. it has a straight cut 4 spd trans on it, I want to replace w/ a 40's 3spd (synchros?) but dont know what trans to look for, any tranny spotters tips? as it is unlikely I"ll know what vehivle the trans is out of. I figure'd I would look for the 1/2 BH and side linkage *shrug*. Advise appreciated. kid hope these tags work here.
WHERE IS YOUR INTRO? The HAMB can be a good place or bad,,,,,I suggest you read the rules and try again! HRP
Ditch the Transmission which it already sounds like you are going to do that. And it will probably take a LOT of machine work to get that motor running again if it's been full of water for more than 20 years. There are a lot of flattys out there that have been under cover. You are going to find that to be cheaper in the long run. -Elrod
You people that get super freaked out over intros are starting to really wierd me out. The HAMB is changing and if this guy is willing to tear into that crusty mess he's obviously into the same stuff as the majority of those here, right? It would be nice if he filled out the bio but I don't think he's selling junk and he's doesn't seem to be looking for a date either. Pick your battles and chill out. We'll moderate the rest. I'd like to see some shots of the teardown of that thing. It will be interesting to see what the insides look like after sitting outside for so long.
mmk.... I couldnt find no rules, searched and read FAQ. I musta clicked right past em when I sighned up, I assumed that was the standard boilerplate bs. So I have posted an official intro and modified my bio.
Anybody with a flathead don't need no intro. On that photo...what is the blip just visible at the edge of the light, several inches to the left of the 59?? Is it a letter? Are there any other cast letters, or, as you get rust blasted away, anything stamped at the lower edges of the bellhousing?? I'll try to address figuring out transmissions later.
Welcome. You have come to the right place. What people dont know on the hamb aint worth knowing. Now go strip that block and show us what its like on the inside should be interesting to see how its held up. I would personal strip the lot and keep the block as long as the bores have held up ok. Give Scat a call in CA they do a real good bottom end for cheapish money to make that flatty fly.
[ QUOTE ] You people that get super freaked out over intros are starting to really wierd me out. The HAMB is changing and if this guy is willing to tear into that crusty mess he's obviously into the same stuff as the majority of those here, right? It would be nice if he filled out the bio but I don't think he's selling junk and he's doesn't seem to be looking for a date either. Pick your battles and chill out. We'll moderate the rest. I'd like to see some shots of the teardown of that thing. It will be interesting to see what the insides look like after sitting outside for so long. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah Grim, I have to aggree the "INTRO" "burning" is getttin out of hand again. I keep thinking that maybe you and Ryan could pin a note at the top of page one that says something like, "A short intro would be apreciated by the members of this board. It lets us know who you are, where your from and what you have or plan to do." "The information is only for those of us here on the HAMB to get in touch with you (PM's) and/or send information direct to you." No big deal, just a courtesey to the rest of us. Now, back to flatheads! It always grieves me when I see an engine (especially flatheads) that have pulled and left to the elements. (no covering over the carb) We have pictures of rusted cylinder walls that COULD have been given a clean-up, some fresh rings and bearings, and be put back into service! So kidwired welcome to the "flathead section of the HAMB." If you want to do some research, check in the TECH-O-matic section here on the HAMB. You will need to go back about six months to find it; but it is a GOOD one!
Relax kid, they just want to know who they're talking to and wether you'll fit in here or not. Our way of cutting down on the spammers trying to sell their billet neon honda trunk wings and volkswagon dune buggy parts. Easiest thing to check first with that thing setting outside is pop the pan off, wipe out the gunk and look for cracks around the pan rails or around the crank webs. Tap the sides of the block with a screwdriver handle to see if the water passages have rotted all the way thru. The rest you can check after you get the heads off and the pistons out. That probably won't be easy on that engine. Flattys can be sleeved and some cracks can be fixed so don't panic yet unless you find something major. When you take the waterpumps off don't forget the bolt you'll find when you look inside where the hose goes. Some don't know about that one and can't figure how those pumps can be so stuck on! Save that 94 carb. you can rebuild it, use it for a core or trade it. Have you got any good books on the flathead yet? You'll need one to see how to deal with the valvetrain. Got anyone near you that can show you things about flathead rebuilding? It's a little wierd if you haven't done one. One other thing. I'd start looking around for a 49-53 Merc 4" crank and rods. Those 59A's came with 2 rods per bearing full floater bearings that are expensive and hard to find. You may be lucky and find they already put in a 4" Merc crank when they rebuilt it. Cross your fingers. Yes you can re-use those heads. Most like the look and lighter weight of finned ones tho. Junk that no synchro truck four speed but save the clutch stuff for now.
howdy and welcome is the motor stuck? Might be kinda tough to get apart w/o breaking the pistons. Also, there is a pretty good chance that many valves are stuck. Good luck!
Welcome! Anyone who's willing to drag a flatty in that condition home and ask for help here is cool in my book. Don't be shy stick around and you'll learn alot!
no good books yet, xmas is a comin. there isnt a big car culture in this area a few shops hidden around but they seem not very helpful unless your writing a check. I did meet an old timer w/ 3 32's, a roadster, a coupe and a sedan all very nice. He's real knowledgable and I'm gonna see if he wouldnt mind a new best friend Ha! I would love to learn from a real old time hot rodder. Bruce, I looked at the pic unedited and could not tell. the motors still in that spot. I did get 1 head, the intake and the pan off of it. the other head is loose but just not coming off, water pouring out of that side the otherside only had water sitting in one cyl. Jungle Jim, who is Scat? Keith Tardel, Vern Tardels son has a shop 25mi from me. I would think that guy would know what to do. and thank you all for the genuinly warm welcome.
Grimlock. Amen to that; all of it. The rusty junk is where it's really at. What else is there ? pigpen
oh yeah as far as my intentions go. This is a low buck build, it's gonna take awhile. I have in mind an era correct roadster, no frills, stripped down, finished w/ a sealer. an A, T or 30s coupe, PU. whatever I can scrounge up and weld together. Iza po'hillblly but I'm real good at makin other peoples junk look and work good. pigpen- Theres alot of crap out there, mostly industrial equip. thats the only flathead. Briggs- yup the cyl and valves look pretty rusted up. I have a 50gal drum w/ used brake fluid to drop it in for a few wks, should help loosen it up.
welcome kid! if it wasnt for the Hamb and guys like Bruce Lancaster, I would have chucked my flatty(s) a long time ago in frustration! it's worth the pain and $$$ on that flatty just to say "it came out of a Wonder Bread truck!" JGH
[ QUOTE ] Keith Tardel, Vern Tardels son has a shop 25mi from me. I would think that guy would know what to do. and thank you all for the genuinly warm welcome. [/ QUOTE ] That name just got you another five brownie points!!
[ QUOTE ] it's worth the pain and $$$ on that flatty just to say "it came out of a Wonder Bread truck!" [/ QUOTE ] yup, I think theres a nickname for my car there somewhere.
Kidwired, I would suggest that you have somebody who knows flatheads very well check it out before putting alot of cash into it. Flattys are great motors, but like any motor you cant always tell what kind of condition they are in without the aid of a fairly well trained eye. Just suggesting that you have somebody take a close look before purchasing adapters and speed equipment. Good luck with your flatty and welcome to the HAMB!
Grimlock....AMEN! Let the kid be. We all love rusty old stuff. Hey kid, welcome to the board. I'm interested to see how this goes. I've found a flathead myself and have yet to drag it home. Maybe we'll both have good luck....and some strong running flatties!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA the flathead!!!! I get looked at sideways when you mention the STRENGTHS of a flathead, hell I just dont trust people who have their valves hangin there in space welcome.
[ QUOTE ] Kidwired, I would suggest that you have somebody who knows flatheads very well check it out before putting alot of cash into it. Flattys are great motors, but like any motor you cant always tell what kind of condition they are in without the aid of a fairly well trained eye. Just suggesting that you have somebody take a close look before purchasing adapters and speed equipment. Good luck with your flatty and welcome to the HAMB! [/ QUOTE ] I agree !!! And welcome !!!!
Welcome.... If it were me I'd get a big plastic barrel or plastic lined container after you get it mostly torn down to what all won't come off and put it in the molasses bath, it'll eat that thing right down to the bare clean metal it'll look like the day it was cast. It cleans out & de-scale the water jackets inside also, it'll come out looking like brand new block, believe it or not. Commonly known as the "molasses trick". The only downside is it kind of stinks and takes about 3 weeks to 45 days. But it's enviromentally safe since it's organic, so no disposal probs. If you're interested I'll post the formula when I get to my other computer later. The advice above mine is all good. Good luck. Brian
Thanks for the support(I need it!) and the helpful advice. Roost, I've heard of the molasses trick but never tried it. I usually use old ATF, this time I was going to try Brake Fluid. If that does't work I was thinking of Coca cola
I'm a traditionalist and I usually prefer older engines, like ones that have 21 studs and babbitt bearings. But in your case I'll make an exception. Welcome, kidwired. --Matt
[ QUOTE ] You need to learn the super secert flathead guy handshake. [/ QUOTE ] that's good advice flatdog
Wait'll he finds out the "secret handshake" and the "Molasses trick" are parts of the same ceremony...hehhehheh...
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