The Ford Barn

Mart · 03-03-2023, 03:20 PM

In today's video I try my hand at lightening a flathead Ford flywheel. I didn't want to go too mad at it, but did take a few pounds off it. I also had a stab at balancing it using a method I have been developing. I think it came out ok, I hope you do too.

https://youtu.be/Ozcl47iublk

rockfla · 03-03-2023, 03:37 PM

Thanks for sharing Mart!!!! Interesting work!!

Ronnieroadster · 03-03-2023, 07:26 PM

I would be very careful about using a lightened cast flywheel without having a steel scatter shield to contain the parts if or when it comes apart. Safety first.
Ronnieroadster

Pete · 03-03-2023, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnieroadster

I would be very careful about using a lightened cast flywheel without having a steel scatter shield to contain the parts if or when it comes apart. Safety first.
Ronnieroadster

Yes, I was riding in a 32 roadster (no scatter shield) and the driver was going to show me how fast he could button shift. He missed the shift. According to the tatletale the engine freewound to 7400 and the flywheel exploded. We both got shrapnel in the legs. It almost cut the car in half.

Cast iron flywheels and clutches are not allowed in race engines any more.

Ronnieroadster · 03-03-2023, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Yes, I was riding in a 32 roadster (no scatter shield) and the driver was going to show me how fast he could button shift. He missed the shift. According to the tatletale the engine freewound to 7400 and the flywheel exploded. We both got shrapnel in the legs. It almost cut the car in half.

Cast iron flywheels and clutches are not allowed in race engines any more.

Dam Pete that must have been one heck of a day you have scars to prove it.

Ol' Ron · 03-04-2023, 02:54 PM

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We had one blow at the track, no body got hurt but a piece of the wheel was 4" into the track/ The 59 wheel I have in the roadster street engine is an early one with the lip cut off so I could install the 9 1/2 clutch, but it's been balanced
G

03-03-2023, 03:37 PM	#2
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 4,804	Re: A job on the lathe! Lightening a Flathead Flywheel. Thanks for sharing Mart!!!! Interesting work!!

03-03-2023, 07:26 PM	#3
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,697	Re: A job on the lathe! Lightening a Flathead Flywheel. I would be very careful about using a lightened cast flywheel without having a steel scatter shield to contain the parts if or when it comes apart. Safety first. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead, Focus and Finish "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 First Ford flathead roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH reset the record in 2024 to 211.830 running to mile four. Top speed 2024 mile five 220.672 exit speed 221.587

03-04-2023, 02:54 PM	#6
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: A job on the lathe! Lightening a Flathead Flywheel. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) We had one blow at the track, no body got hurt but a piece of the wheel was 4" into the track/ The 59 wheel I have in the roadster street engine is an early one with the lip cut off so I could install the 9 1/2 clutch, but it's been balanced G