Caution: Wet Paint
 

OK, so it isn't the correct color, but my Ford authorized overhaul is almost ready for the run stand. I say 'Ford Authorized' because as usual I followed all the instructions and measurements listed in their orange ford service manual written in 1948. It suggests that the procedures if followed will produce an engine that is in good repair, but not totally reconditioned to brand new condition. This 3 1/16 59 engine was ford reconditioned with .060 oversized pistons as evidenced by the tag. It was stuck 'real good' when it arrived in my '47 2 ton. I put an 8ba in the 2 ton and put this engine in the back of a shed. When I pulled it out and measured everything with plastigauge and my digital micrometer, the bottom end was as new. This is one of the engines I set fires in the holes with mmo, brake fluid, atf anything that would burn. I did have to buy 2 NOS pistons, which came in heavy cosmoline and along with them it now has a set of current stock Hastings rings, All NORS 8ba valves with rotators, adjustable lifters with the drilled lifter bores, A Bubba's crab, a carb that Jere Jobe built years ago and was still in the packaging, Bob Drake water pumps, new fuel pump and all the little stuff. I reused the best studs I found in cans along with the best 48 of about 200 head nuts. They all tightened at both ends with excellent feel, in stages to 55 lbs. Best of all, I got to correspond with so many of you highly experienced and friendly flathead builders and enthusiasts. I have now done eight of these overhauls and they all still run very nicely as far as I have learned and I see no signs of getting tired of them. I can drag this stuff out forever, so here's a couple photos of where I am as of after work today. I promise I won't run it very long on the stand this weekend...:D

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Beautiful

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NICE!!!!....... how soon do we all go for a ride??...... LOL .... Mark

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I remember your "fire method" I must admit, I had my doubts. Great job.

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wish you had installed a clutch, so it would be ready to go without pulling the oil pan back off

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Good job, something I need to do to my tired flathead someday.

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I had the flywheel redrilled for a 10" clutch. It was my understanding that this can be r&r with this pan in place. I have a two piece truck pan but am saving it for my next build which will go into a tonner PU with 11" clutch. I have the new clutch set in a box. This engine will be going into the woodie project, my first half ton. I have never owned a flathead car either, just tonners and larger. Here's hoping it installs. Thanks all. GB

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Clutch went right on. I'm happy now!

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good, glad clutch went right in--just so you know, I did not put clutch in and it would not go!

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There are parts from a few different engines here. I must have gotten just the right pan. I know it is from a different year engine as it had a baffle in the way of oil pump pickup and no fitting for filter return on dipstick boss. I bolted on the correct dipstick fitting with a gasket and right stuff sealant.

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Nice. I like your creative thinking on getting these old engines back to running.

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Good job GB

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Thanks! I hoisted if off the engine stand and onto my run stand and primed the fuel and oil pumps. It started right up, purrs like a kitten. For once I used carb and distributor built by genuine flathead masters. New coil and fuel pump as well. The bolts in the lifters are good and tight and I micro-adjusted them 3 times until they were in the middle of ford's range. I could not be more happy with the results. I have read endless posts about all the systems and technology, old and new that have been discussed here on the Barn. For me this was my first rodeo with a ball hone (lubed with gojo), first valve seat grind with proper equipment, proper care of head studs, etc, etc. As many of you know, this initial start up is the second best feeling on earth. The third best is getting that ugly 3 day old splinter out of your finger. Thanks again for all the patient teaching.

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wow gary that turned out nice!

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Been doing a couple of short runs today. Tomorrow I'm gonna put a radiator on it, run it at varying speeds for 20 minutes and then put a tarp over it so I can get back to work in the cabinet shop. I'll test to see if yesterday's pictures will post now. Nope still not working....

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Nice work, GB. I like that green, it's like the colour the German and French flatheads come in.

Mart.

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As many of you know, this initial start up is the second best feeling on earth. The third best is getting that ugly 3 day old splinter out of your finger. Thanks again for all the patient teaching.[/QUOTE]

I always thought that getting out of the Army was the second best feeling on earth!

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I always thought that getting out of the Army was the second best feeling on earth![/QUOTE]

Being discharged in the fall of '45 still alive and kickin', may well have rivaled the first!