How Uncommon is this "OBAS" Ford Flatty?

I've been into Ford flatheads for a long time, but recently picked up one that's kind of strange (to me). Anybody got any info on the OBAS model?

 

That is one manly generator.
I have never seen an OBAS engine, so I can't help much.

 

I'm thinkin I saw one in a fire truck once. That would explain the mondo-generator to run all the lights/pump/siren/etc...?

 

I hadn't seen one either --- not until this one. Of the post-WWII flastheads I've had or seen many of the 59 series (59A 59AB, 59L, 59Y, 59Z) and of course the later 8BAs and Merc equivalents, This one has water outlets on the heads like the '49 and newer 8BA and Merc blocks. but what's with the "OBAS" casting in the middle of the heads???

The Generator is original Ford as far as I can tell.

 

I sure don't think that generator is an original Ford. I think thunderbirdesq is right and that is a high output generator for something like a fire truck.

 

I think it is an original ford generator, but it's a high output model specifically for fire trucks, ambulances, emergency vehicles, the batmobile, that type of thing. Certainly not a passenger car application.

 

yep-original ford gennie i`d say fire truck type -to run all the extra gear, special manifold also from factory to suit with extra clearance for the gennie-quite rare-stroked36

 

Come to think about it, the guy I got the Flatty from said something about it being a "cop" flatty. Maybe he got the motor out of a highway patrol car or some such. Those would have accessories like sirens and flashing lights etc. that would require greater amperage.

Nobody knows what the embossed "OBAS" on the heads connotates? Where are the HAMB Flathead gurus?

 

Maybe if your post was on trying to ID the generator on this flatty, maybe by now, someone would have told you all about a "OBAS" head casting.

 

One Big Alternator Special ? I know it's a generator but sorry just couldn't resist...Seriously never heard or saw one like that. Bruce??

 

Quick thinking......... very funny! sort of thing i think of after beer.

Ask on Fordbarn some of those guru's on there would know....... where's Bruce?

Kev.

 

by doing a two second search I came up with this

O=1950

B=239

the rest we will have to wait for the experts....I have no idea if this is valid info.

All I did was take the time to search...all of two seconds

 

My Tex Smith book shows OBA as a 1950 Model. No S listed though, might mean something like plant of manufacture.

 

It isn't real clear in the picture, but that 'S' looks like an '8' to me...

 

What he said, looks like an 8 to me too.

 

If it came out of an old cop car, it might be a higher than normal compression head and hotter cam. I would pull the heads and volume check them. And get the cam spec'd out to. you might have a fairly rare peice on your hands.

 

S in that position=special in Fordspeak. Same symbol used on Denverheads, fat tire setups, super radiators in earlier rigs. Pretty sure these will prove to have smaller chambers than stock '50, probably police/high altitude.
Ford offered a LOT of generators, including some real monsters, for Police/Ambulance type use. All are now very scarce except the base passenger one. Early communications radios ate a LOT of electricity. Show pics of whole manifold are and of exhausts...maybe there are other goodies in there. I know there was a special dual exhaust manifold at one time...very interesting motor.