I have a Ford Flat head V8 I picked up at auction. I love hot rods but this is my first flat head, the story is the gentleman bought a 1935 Ford five window coupe and this was in it and it was a hot rod of its day. Now where I need help is it has what appears to be .40 on the piston it is also marked 09T on the side, the carb is a model 59, the heads are 59 A-B, the block is a 59 L, I was also told by the old man I got it from that it had a 3/4 cam. This motor has been stored in a heated and air conditioned ba*****t. Had to be dis***embled to get it out of the ba*****t. What is every ones thoughts on this motor what is a fair price to ask for it.
If it runs maybe $200-$500 if no cracks are in the block. Check for visible cracks around the block surface around all of the bolt holes and water holes after pulling the heads. Just pulling the heads can tell you something about the block. Flatheads are known for certain cracks. Especially between the bolt hole and water holes which are nothing to worry about as long as they are not too wide and all of the way through a hole. Pull the intake and get a look inside the valley and around the valves and springs. Pull the oil pan and get a look inside the bottom half and check for visible cracks. But only about $200-$500 and that's a bit high unless someone really wants to give it to you. Personally, I wouldn't go any higher than $400 if it runs and with no cracks. Having a shop rebuild these motors is around $2400-$3000. Do it your self if you plan on having it done. Some people sell a rebuilt flathead for around $3000-$4500 for a standard rebuild. Just don't plan to get all of your money back. And be prepared for some smart *** answers on here. Some of these guy's know what they are talking about but like to give out the hard times. Just grin and nod your head yes and keep asking questions. Sent from my SM-G930T using H.A.M.B. mobile app
It's hard to price something like that. So unless I know for sure it's a usable block ( not cracked ) I treat them all as s**** for pricing until proven different. And with stock heads and a single carb intake I would be a bit su****ious of it being anything other than a stocker. However if it's a good useable block that's a good score.
I paid $900 for a 8BA block, dis***embled and magnafluxed, no cracks, fresh merc crank turned 10, a set of steel 8BA heads (that I made torque plates out of so I could bore my motor), 2 sets of 8BA connecting rods (one set shot peened), a starter, aluminum merc timing cover, oil filter and a box of misc internals. They only difference is I knew what I was buying because I saw the machine shop receipt so I was will to pay a few bucks more. I should add the first 8BA I bought for $200 was a boat anchor and had nothing of value in it. Now resting peacefully at the recycling center for archeologists to dig up someday and wonder what species invented a motor so complicated.
I learned the hard way that unless you hear it run its a core. I paid $500 for what's supposed to be a runner, however when I got back to the shop and pulled the heads I found a valve with a nick on the outer edge and a small chunk out of one of the Pistons. It may run but I doubt it will have any power. So I'd say $150 unless it's a cool cam that can be reused. Then maybe $250 or so.
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