Hot Rods What Is The Current Flathead Value?

They aren't that much heavier due to nickel content. Nickel is typically alloyed between 1% and 5% in cast irons. Even though nickle is 12% denser than iron, that is not enough additional nickle to explain 50 lbs extra weight in a block, crank, and set of heads. Now if they were made entirely out of cast nickle, then they should be about 50 lbs heavier and a whole hell of a lot more valuable, from a s**** perspective anyways (about $4.00/lb).

I would ***ume the French flatheads were cast with thicker walls to meet military standards.

 

I found a perfect '49-'53 flathead block at the local flea market because it was cheap $15. Thought I could make a quick buck. I say perfect No visible cracks anyplace, no ridge, clean bare block. Couldn't give it away even at a Ford V8 swap. Finally did talk a friend of a friend into buying it. I did make a couple of bucks after caring it around for a couple of years. They are not worth much.

 

I bought this 59A/ 38 trans which is '41 motor as a runner 10 years ago for $750......it runs good but is very tired and smokes, I just keep driving it before I decide on a rebuild and it I still enjoy it. Here is a picture of it on 135 mile reliability run last spring, and yes it finished the run much to the surprise of the SBC guys.

 

Do an Ebay search of sold units.

 

I prefer to buy bare blocks so I can do a visual inspection and do some measurements... where to look has been outlined here already.

My experience with pricing in CA. tend to be with the $50-$200 range, depending on who you are buying from and how bad they want it gone. 8BA's being the cheaper of the two 24 studs.