Re: Flathead highway speeds
Trucks & cars are somewhat different. My 34pu has a flat grill, flat windshield etc. which equals a lot of wind resistance. It has 4:11 rear gears and at 55mph, I'm in the 2800-3000rpm range. I ran it up to 65+ once but a lot of wind noise, shakin and rattling, vibrating from unbalanced tires and somewhat wobbly wire wheels reminds me that a 45-50mph is more sensible and safe.
I have early hydraulic brakes and my wife insisted on shoulder type seat belts so she would feel safe. You must also realize that the narrow tires have a very small footprint so emergency stops can lock up the wheels but forward momentum is still maintained for some distance. I built a 34pu restorod some years back and it was much more comfortable at higher speeds. Lets face it, these old flatheads have a lot of low end torque but high speeds are not safe on most vehicles made in the 30's. So we enjoy them even with their limitations. Just my opinion.
Jack 34pu
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