I just fired up my first flathead that I rebuilt myself in my 39 1/2 ton. It fired rite up on the first crank!!!!!! Anyways thought you guys might like to see some pics of the old girl.
Great truck, looks like tons of fun! Gotta be carefull thou, I built my first flathead a couple years ago, now I have 6 more + 2 bangers. Very addicting!
That truck is sweet. Was it your first engine build or just first flathead. Just found a another 1939 ford pickup with a flathead in it. Got flatheads on my mind. What other plans do you have for it ?
I've built several engines, but this was my first flathead. Here are some details on the build: 59A block with factory releives/ slightly ported(not too much) 49-Merc crank .010/.010 .030 over bore high volume oil pump Isky Max 1 cam adjustable lifters new valves and springs Eldelbrock heads Mallory ingnition Old Edlebrock SU359 tri-power 97 primary and 48 secondaries (maybe a little overkill on the 48's) Runs great, just did the first oil change!
What year is that 1 1/2ton? I have a pair of 33's that look just like that? I sold a 34 last summer, what a sweet truck! I kind of wish I would have kept it, but I would'nt had been able to pick up this 39!!!!
Guess your refering to mine. 32. Don't look like this anymore, pulled the body to build a pu, sold the chassis to a truck restorer in Cali. Yeah 33 look just about the same.
Well the cost on this engine is not really going to be reality for some people!! I kind of have a knack for scrounging! I found a really good deal on a rebuilt 49 merc, $200, I found a virgin 59A block with no cracks in it(traded for a 37 cushman scooter I got for free) machine work cost me about $1000 then you just add up the add ons: cam, lifters, valves, guides, all new bearings, gasket set, oil pump,heads, ingnition,carb base plates and rebuid kits. I assembled the engine my self so I cut some cost there, overall after it was all said and done, I would say it cost me around $3000 to $3500 maybe even a little more, I have'nt added any recripts up yet! (maybe I should!!)I'm sure most of you have the skill to do it but if you don't you could'nt build one for that price! thanks for the comment on the truck! Its starting to really grow on me!
I plan on driving it this summer, and then when snow starts falling, I plan on tearing it down to the frame and doing the body work. I might even pull the flathead and put it in my 34 sedan, then install my Y block. We'll see how the summer goes!