The Ford Barn

Binx · 03-02-2016, 08:37 PM

As a kid I loved the hemi and the flathead in a rail dragster. Where the plugs sit is my weakness, but the low-slung flathead with a blower has always been my favorite.

Lonnie

Midnightcaper · 03-02-2016, 09:09 PM

I saw one in a car. And instantly started doing research on them. As time passed and I started a 29 Tudor sedan build I just new I had to have one. I sat the wife down and explained that this motor is going to be a expensive affair, luckily she understood. As fate has it I met whom I consider a flathead God. Mr. Dave Tatom I go up to his shop on some of my days off and help him. I told him I would work for free if he passed his knowledge down. As the end of March gets here we will be starting my motor. Can't wait.

GB SISSON · 03-02-2016, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightcaper

I saw one in a car. And instantly started doing research on them. As time passed and I started a 29 Tudor sedan build I just new I had to have one. I sat the wife down and explained that this motor is going to be a expensive affair, luckily she understood. As fate has it I met whom I consider a flathead God. Mr. Dave Tatom I go up to his shop on some of my days off and help him. I told him I would work for free if he passed his knowledge down. As the end of March gets here we will be starting my motor. Can't wait.

I was in Dave's shop 3 weeks ago looking for a three speed tranny. I don't always get the parts I'm looking for, but I always leave with a huge smile on my face from his stories. I met him 25 years ago and I always look forward to my next visit. He is a master flathead builder without any doubt, and has had a very interesting life and career in everything from Alaskan bush flying to racing the engines we love at Bonneville. You are fortunate to get to work with him.

Midnightcaper · 03-03-2016, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

I was in Dave's shop 3 weeks ago looking for a three speed tranny. I don't always get the parts I'm looking for, but I always leave with a huge smile on my face from his stories. I met him 25 years ago and I always look forward to my next visit. He is a master flathead builder without any doubt, and has had a very interesting life and career in everything from Alaskan bush flying to racing the engines we love at Bonneville. You are fortunate to get to work with him.

Ya I cherish every moment. I'm getting pretty quick at tearing a motor down. Lol.
Btw did u find a tranny?

jhb · 03-03-2016, 10:57 PM

I really like all these youth knuckle-bustin' Flathead stories. I'm from the same era, 1949, so I also teethed on these engines. Usually laying under them in the rain and snow and cold doing whatever to keep them running strong for the weekend. I also agree the sound is unique and music to any ears young or old. When I pull into a cruise-in or show my wife says 'here comes the flathead zombies' as several older fellas who heard us arrive will hobble limp or amble up to the front of the car and when the hood goes up the flat stories begin. Happens every time and always interesting. I still feel young when I drive my '40. jackb

GB SISSON · 03-04-2016, 01:06 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightcaper

Ya I cherish every moment. I'm getting pretty quick at tearing a motor down. Lol.
Btw did u find a tranny?

Actually Stu Mcmillan (Truckdog) is going to ship one to me. He is strictly MH, but he bought an 8ba years back with the correct open drive top loader bolted to it, and he has no need for it. He came to visit 2 years ago and recently saw I needed one. I built a crate today and will ship it empty so he doesn'y have to make one. We just got a fastenal store where the ferry docks on the mainland, so shipping is very reasonable. About 1/2 the cost of a cluster gear for example!

mindox · 03-12-2016, 08:07 AM

I like the 34 chrome acorn nut covers on my flathead v8 with the finned aluminum heads, sharp, sharp, sharp

greencom · 03-12-2016, 12:01 PM

Hi,
I love the flatheads too, but I have had to scrap several of them because of valve seat issues, one was cracked and another was so worn it could not be machined out, it went too deep into the jacket. I love their simplicity but that is a weak area of the block. BTW, this past weekend I picked up a spare block for my 30 Tudor I found on Craigslist, the seller showed me his 1940 Lincoln Zephyr , it was a barn find, he got the V12 flathead running and it was smooooth! That long V12 is a thing of beauty!

V8COOPMAN · 03-12-2016, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencom

Hi,
..... he got the V12 flathead running and it was smooooth! That long V12 is a thing of beauty!

Yes, but some say that the optional, seldom-seen V-14 was even SMOOTHER-running. DD

greencom · 03-12-2016, 07:07 PM

Wow, V14, didn't know that was an option, must have been a dream to drive.

jhb · 03-12-2016, 07:53 PM

I never heard talk of a 14 cyl flathead. What years and what cars/trucks/equipment were they offered in ? jhb

Ol' Ron · 03-12-2016, 08:19 PM

I just love the sound of the V14, nothing like it??

jhb · 03-12-2016, 08:24 PM

Here's a few pictures of my '40

JSeery · 03-12-2016, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

I just love the sound of the V14, nothing like it??

Yep

Graeme / New Zealand · 03-13-2016, 01:15 PM

Next it will be a V15

GB

39topless · 03-13-2016, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Yes, but some say that the optional, seldom-seen V-14 was even SMOOTHER-running. DD

Cool, must be some really small pistons in there huh?
Thanks for the photos.

V8COOPMAN · 03-14-2016, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 39topless

Cool, must be some really small pistons in there huh?

Yup, to fit in those "really small" holes. Picture of the empty block. DD

1938 Coupe · 03-16-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzlegend

Agree

If 42 looks better than 48 I guess my 17 is even better?

rick r · 03-16-2016, 10:31 PM

Original Hot Rod engine and simple to work on.

03-02-2016, 08:37 PM	#41
Binx Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Gloucester VA Posts: 1,042	Re: Why the flathead? As a kid I loved the hemi and the flathead in a rail dragster. Where the plugs sit is my weakness, but the low-slung flathead with a blower has always been my favorite. Lonnie

03-02-2016, 09:09 PM	#42
Midnightcaper Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Lake tapps wa Posts: 63	Re: Why the flathead? I saw one in a car. And instantly started doing research on them. As time passed and I started a 29 Tudor sedan build I just new I had to have one. I sat the wife down and explained that this motor is going to be a expensive affair, luckily she understood. As fate has it I met whom I consider a flathead God. Mr. Dave Tatom I go up to his shop on some of my days off and help him. I told him I would work for free if he passed his knowledge down. As the end of March gets here we will be starting my motor. Can't wait.

03-03-2016, 10:57 PM	#45
jhb Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Florida Posts: 23	Re: Why the flathead? I really like all these youth knuckle-bustin' Flathead stories. I'm from the same era, 1949, so I also teethed on these engines. Usually laying under them in the rain and snow and cold doing whatever to keep them running strong for the weekend. I also agree the sound is unique and music to any ears young or old. When I pull into a cruise-in or show my wife says 'here comes the flathead zombies' as several older fellas who heard us arrive will hobble limp or amble up to the front of the car and when the hood goes up the flat stories begin. Happens every time and always interesting. I still feel young when I drive my '40. jackb

03-12-2016, 08:07 AM	#47
mindox Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: prescott wi Posts: 19	Re: Why the flathead? I like the 34 chrome acorn nut covers on my flathead v8 with the finned aluminum heads, sharp, sharp, sharp

03-12-2016, 12:01 PM	#48
greencom Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Gettysburg,PA Posts: 10	Re: Why the flathead? Hi, I love the flatheads too, but I have had to scrap several of them because of valve seat issues, one was cracked and another was so worn it could not be machined out, it went too deep into the jacket. I love their simplicity but that is a weak area of the block. BTW, this past weekend I picked up a spare block for my 30 Tudor I found on Craigslist, the seller showed me his 1940 Lincoln Zephyr , it was a barn find, he got the V12 flathead running and it was smooooth! That long V12 is a thing of beauty! Last edited by greencom; 03-12-2016 at 12:08 PM.

03-12-2016, 07:07 PM	#50
greencom Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Gettysburg,PA Posts: 10	Re: Why the flathead? Wow, V14, didn't know that was an option, must have been a dream to drive.

03-12-2016, 07:53 PM	#51
jhb Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Florida Posts: 23	Re: Why the flathead? I never heard talk of a 14 cyl flathead. What years and what cars/trucks/equipment were they offered in ? jhb Last edited by jhb; 03-16-2016 at 01:12 PM.

03-12-2016, 08:19 PM	#52
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: Why the flathead? I just love the sound of the V14, nothing like it??

03-13-2016, 01:15 PM	#55
Graeme / New Zealand Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lower Hutt , New Zealand Posts: 2,126	Re: Why the flathead? Next it will be a V15 GB __________________ "you can't make honey out of dog sh*t" "You're a long time looking at the lid"

03-16-2016, 10:31 PM	#59
rick r Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodville Ontario Posts: 227	Re: Why the flathead? Original Hot Rod engine and simple to work on.