Hot Rods Returning to Traditional

Don't think so. I ran one in a dune buggy in the late 60's, went to Ford and bought the complete setup to fit a 62 390, and bolted it on.

 

Keep the flattie.

Never understood the allure of having to “keep up with modern traffic” in an old car or truck.

I have new cars that will do that, or even old muscle cars. Tripling the hp means you have to upgrade the brakes, the rear end, the steering, and the suspension to something modern. That sounds like a street rod to my ears, something this site isn’t about.

I’m fine with a 100 hp engine on a country road. Maybe some period engine updates to get another 10-20 hp.

 

I might be willing to buy that stuff if it is still around

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I can understand that, but if I wanted to drive a modern car, I would. I looked at the price of a used f150 and the price of rodding my f1, and I ended up liking the F1 option more. It costs around the same, and its alot more fun.

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I'm finding the 4 speed stuff to be pretty pricey, kinda makes me want to just bite the bullet and do a 5 speed. It uses all the original stuff from where the trans mounts to the bellowing forward

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The MEL motors are torque monsters. But they're heavy. Maybe more of consequence... they're huge. Are you willing to move the firewall back and lose leg room in a truck with limited legroom already?

If I had this choice, I think I'd prefer...

4in stroke Flathead... dressed.
4-71 supercharger
5 speed

Traditional
Good power
Easy highway speeds

And it fits right in there like it was made for it.

 

I've got room for days looking at it, and didn't these trucks have an optional 6 cylinder? I would think that would be longer than a large 8. Though I would definitely take that into consideration, I dont want to get halfway into it and then have an issue

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The 5spd is a great way, but(if you can find one!!) a Borg-warner "T-85" with OD was "Factory" behind that motor... Just another option, that's all....

 

Lol I know, but those rolling bones boys did it, id say its considered kosher for the use this truck is getting

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Yup, '70s-'80s Fords had the RUG 3-speed+OD trans. I have one in my '31 A-V8 and it runs great on the highway.

 

Go Flatty!


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I made the same decision. In the 90’s I was looking for a truck, cost of a used PU with 125k on it was 7-8grand. Hmnn, let me get this ‘59 Chevy PU going. Damned 235 ran so good I never had the heart to pull it for a V8 though. Lotta SF Bay Area miles put on that truck, it was my DD for 5 or 6 years.

 

Haha yeah, if my flathead wasn't so tired I'd probably be doing the same, but id be lying if the increase in power isn't exciting

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LOL can't get away with anything around here.
Actually, I used the word "traditional" in reference to the Flathead.

Concerning the 5-speed, everybody knows there are always limitations and concessions made. You can't see 'em and it sure helps to have the overdrive, so transmissions are at the top of the list for an upgrade. Ya still got three pedals and a floor shifter.

 

Thats about where im at with it, traditional does no one any good just sitting there in a garage. Give me a "traditionally inspired" ride that gets used any day of the week

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Either would be great in their own way. The 410 would be different and cool for sure. I had a Lincoln 430 I planned to put in a 29 Roadster. Mainly cuz I picked up an Edelbrock 6 x 2 MEL intake before I even got the car.
Sounds like you're hot for the big old overhead valve engine with more power. Don't blame you a bit LOL. Of course you'll make it fit.
Good luck have fun.

 

Haha yeah, I am spoiled by my 2009 ram with the 5.7, it has plenty of power for getting around, so I figured that amount of power in a truck that weighs 2000 lbs less would work well.

Still have that intake? Would you sell it?

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I was mainly going on about the want for keeping it a working truck, in my case the 6 ran too darned good. Lol.
I did get lots of dirty looks on the freeway doing 65, when the rest weee doing 80. Lol

 

Unfortunately, had to sell the projects including the intake years ago.

Some inspiration...

 

Oh thats incredible, I love the running board exit exhaust, definitely using that for mine

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Sorry I missed your post, I have a party in Texas interested, I will know in a day or so.

 

Sounds good!

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So I think the edsel with manual is the way to go, will need to build the car to suit the engine, I found a wilwood disc brake kit for the fronts, anyone have any experience with those?

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A T5z transmission, 351 Cleveland and upgraded brakes.

 

A Cleveland would be awesome! But I dont have one, I do own the edsel, the flathead, and the 351 windsor. I probably wouldn't go with a Cleveland unless I picked one up for a steal

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....AMEN on that MeanGene!!!... chuckleheads and their rodent engines...and I'd stick that MEL410 in their in a heartbeat.....and this from a guy that owns nearly a dozen flatheads !!!