Unique Flathead Jack Parts

[Shoebox]

Whether you liked the guy or not, Flathead Jacks catalogs over the years featured a lot of parts, many of them familiar to us, but also many unique or not found elsewhere. I have often wondered where he sourced or who he had produce them. He listed a nice crankshaft pulley machined from 6061 T6 in both wide and narrow belt, I had one on an 8ba, it was perfection. Also a chrome cylinder head acorn nut (not a cover) said it was a "chrome reproduction of Henry's original" I had a set of those too, haven't seen them offered elsewhere. Paging through his catalogs was always fun, often I found parts that I hadn't even known I needed. Just wondered if anyone had similar experience OR know where some of his neat stuff came from?

[Krylon32]

I bought a lot of parts from Jack and had a personal relationship with him through the Flathead parts I produced. On the current Flathead I had built I have acorn huts from ARP

[Ken/Alabama]

I’ve got a Potvin cam and a set of adjustable lifters that came from him.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by Krylon32

I bought a lot of parts from Jack and had a personal relationship with him through the Flathead parts I produced. On the current Flathead I had built I have acorn huts from ARP

I too got to know him a bit, I always called orders in because he ALWAYS was the one answering the phone, was great opportunity to ask questions or BS with him. One time, after completing an 8ba that I had purchased many parts from him, including a new 4" stroke crank, I asked for him to send me his latest catalog, and he said sure, that will be 12 bucks. I raised a stink but said send me the catalog and charge me if you must. He sent me the catalog no charge with this inscription on the cover (see attached pic), that was Jack.

[Ken/Alabama]

Just curious, I know his business is gone but is he still living? I talked to him a few times way back when .

[petehoovie]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Shoebox

I too got to know him a bit, I always called orders in because he ALWAYS was the one answering the phone, was great opportunity to ask questions or BS with him. One time, after completing an 8ba that I had purchased many parts from him, including a new 4" stroke crank, I asked for him to send me his latest catalog, and he said sure, that will be 12 bucks. I raised a stink but said send me the catalog and charge me if you must. He sent me the catalog no charge with this inscription on the cover (see attached pic), that was Jack.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

Just curious, I know his business is gone but is he still living? I talked to him a few times way back when .

I can not say with certainty, but I believe he is still with us. Not too long ago there was an offering for some high end adjustable lifters called Jax Lifters which I believe he was involved with,..... but I could be wrong, my wife says I am frequently.

[Tim Ayers]

I loved those catalogs. Still have a few. It is surprising to me that no one picked up his business.

[tubman]

I too, liked the catalogs and poured over them for hours. I never bought anything from him because of his prices.

[wga]

Jack prior to the flathead biz, had an art gallery in Walnut Creek, Ca. His 'warehouse' and office were located in the same area. I'd trade T shirts and woodie posters with him.
His showroom had a two beautiful flatheads with all the shiny bits on them, blocks were painted white. He would always answer the phone, got in early to take care of the east coast calls.

[sidevalve8ba]

I wonder whatever happened to that twin-engine dragster that was in his catalogs?

[19Fordy]

In 1996 I wrote Jack an unsolicited letter complimenting him on his cool flamed Mercury. To my surprise he responded with this free catalog with price list. He made excellent products. Hope he is well.

[Krylon32]

First time I was a vendor at Good Guys in Pleasanton I was selling my T5 to Flathead kit and my 348/409 water pump to Flathead kit. Jack walked by my booth a few times and finally he couldn't help himself he had to comment and all he said (blastfimy it's just blastfimy)

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

In 1996 I wrote Jack an unsolicited letter complimenting him on his cool flamed Mercury. To my surprise he responded with this free catalog with price list. He made excellent products. Hope he is well.

[drolston]

Valves (with the notch in the right place), guides (the reduced profile version), and lifters for my 284 build came from Flathead Jack. It took a few sessions of MMO down the carb to get those valves unstuck after sitting for a few weeks, but now they are properly broken in and work perfectly. I miss the clever catalog!

[Flathead]

He even shared his chili recipe, I made some it was real good.

[Krylon32]

Possibly the dragster was put in a museum?

[sidevalve8ba]

You could share that chili recipe with the rest of us! I'm a big fan of chili, especially in cool weather.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by sidevalve8ba

You could share that chili recipe with the rest of us! I'm a big fan of chili, especially in cool weather.

Here ya go!

[Flathead]

Yep that's it. Now for the arguments on whether or not "real" chili has beans.