Flathead engine rebuild advice needed

[4DForDor]

I’m starting a rebuild on the engine from my 1940 Ford ForDor Deluxe. It was my grandfather’s daily driver up until he passed in 1967, when I inherited it. I’m doing a partial restoration, trying to keep it as original as possible. I have a machine shop lined up for what might be needed along those lines, but will be doing all the fun disassembly and reassembly work myself. I have rebuilt several overhead valve engines with conventional cast iron cylinder bores, but never a fiat head with sleeved cylinders. The flathead issue is no problem, but I need some guidance on the sleeve issue. I can purchase replacement sleeves at a reasonable price, so I’m leaning towards removing the old ones and inserting the new. It’s a 221 cu. in.. 24 stud, 1941 vintage block engine. How about some words of wisdom from you wizards out there. Thanks in advance.

[Jack E/NJ]

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/can-you-sleeve-a-flathead.1206740/

[alchemy]

Remove the tin sleeves, do minimal overbore to next size up. We won’t tell anyone it’s not stock.

[flatjack9]

Remove the sleeves carefully. Find a set of .083 oversize pistons and hone the cylinders to fit. This was a common repair. Least expensive option.

[GB SISSON]

If you go with the .083 route, which is a good choice, I can tell you about a guy who has a complete set of .083 sealed power brand pistons in original boxes along with rings, pins and clips for 150.00. Here in Western Wa.

[v8fordman]

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I have everything to do the .0835 conversion, but as previously stated, you have to be careful when removing the steel sleeves. I would also like to know if you find anyone with steel sleeves. A friend of mine needs some of them.

Also, you can overbore that engine to 3 3/16 (3.1875) std which makes a really good engine. You may consider having the cylinder walls checked for wall thickness if you do this. I believe I have a set of pistons, rings and pins as well (still in cosmolene).

[KiWinUS]

I may have a set of sleeves if you need them. I also have a KRW sleeve remover installer set I would sell.

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by alchemy

Remove the tin sleeves, do minimal overbore to next size up. We won’t tell anyone it’s not stock.

What he said! I'd probably have it bored/honed to the next available piston size (depending on whose pistons you're using).