Hi, I’ve been reading a lot of information on where serial numbers should be on flatheads, I’m just not seeing it on mine. This was out of a 40 pickup, had just the letter A cast on the head and based on the bore size I believe it’s a 221. Did these have serial numbers?I found some casted numbers but not sure if they mean anything. This is my first flathead and plan is to keep it. Was curious on decoding if possible. Thanks in advance! Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Congratulations on your Flathead ! I am new to Flatheads myself,,,,I’m not sure about any serial numbers on these engines. There wasn’t any on mine . Tommy
Engine blocks had no stamped numbers. It would stamped on top of trans. If Oriiginal trans you could look google numbers. http://flatheaddrag.com/birthday.html
There is really not much decoding of those old serial numbers, they do not provide the degree of information that modern VIN’s do. You already know that it is a 221 and that it came out of a 40 pickup, there really isn’t much more to learn.
And like @cs39ford said, if the transmission that you have is original to the motor, the vehicle serial number should be stamped on the top front of the transmission.
Finally got around to pulling a couple pistons out and was not expecting 3 ring pistons and 8ba rods. Are these aftermarket pistons? Any idea on how I can tell if they are forged/cast. There are no numbers on them but they do have a slight dome(high compression?). Curious on what I actually have here. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Looks like you might have a stroked motor. Did you measure the stroke? How far down the piston can go in the cylinder. Original stroke is 3-3/4”. That might have a 4” merc crank. 8ba rods use insert bearings while the 40 block used full floating bearings. Dome pistons too. Does it have adjustable lifters? Might even have a big cam in it. Any names on the cam snout?
Checked the stroke. It’s 3 3/4. The mystery piston is 3” in length. The entire lifter area is caked in sludge so I can’t see much. Going to dig into that next. I need to order one of those flathead valve removers. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Is there a number stamped on the top of the transmission close to the block mounting surfaces? You might have to do some scraping and cleaning. Looks like it has been running, so it must have a later (8BA) crankshaft as well. Those insert rods won't survive long on a "one-hole" crankshaft.
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