Back in November 2022, I posted on the HAMB message board asking for advice on an Ardun conversion for a Ford flathead. My 84 year old buddy Noel Mauer thought he had one more big project left in him. Noel is not computer savvy and he asked me to do some research on converting a Ford flathead engine over to an OHV using an Ardun conversion kit. The HAMB, as always, did not let me down. Based on the replies that I got, I was able to get Noel in touch with Ron San Giovanni (ronnieroadster) for Ardun building advice and Don Ferguson for his reproduction Ardun conversion kit. Noel had Ron build the flathead short block suitable for the conversion and Noel bought the Ardun conversion kit from Don. I am happy to report that Noel did indeed have one more big project left in him. I drove up to Noel’s place to look at his completed Ardun flathead yesterday and listen to it run. Noel originally wanted to build the Ardun AND a new steel 32 roadster for it but he finally decided, because of his age, to build just the Ardun and put it in the fiberglass 32 roadster that he already owns. Unfortunately there was no test ride for me as it was starting to rain. But all I can say is WOW! The word impressive is not a big enough word to do Noel’s Ardun flathead justice. Now we just need to see if 85 year old Noel decides if there is another ‘one more big project’ left in him. If there is, I can’t wait to hear what it will be. Maybe that all steel 32 roadster may still be doable???
Nice work! Sounds like you accessed some really great resources/talent and it looks to have paid off handsomely.
It was a great experience being able to help Noel on his ARDUN project. When we first talked Noel told me this may be his last project and he wasn't getting any younger. Knowing this got me going on the parts list needed especially the items {pistons and cam} that I knew would take some time to get. Noel worked off the list ordering the parts needed doing it the old fashion way using his telephone. Once our racing season was over {Salt flats under water} the short block slowly came together as parts arrived. Then once the short block arrived on Noels end he went to work quickly sorting out all of the remaining details putting the ARDUN heads on checking the Cam timing and sorting out the many details needed to get his completed engine running in short order. I'm proud to have been part of this project helping Noel. Ronnieroadster
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