Caution: Wet Paint

[GB SISSON]

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...