New to flatheads

[1931 flamingo]

Hi, long time Model A guy here.

Going to look at a V8 flathead coupe about 150 miles from me tomorrow. How much damage driving it with a leaky intake gasket??


Any guidance would be appreciated.
Paul in CT

[ford38v8]

Hi Paul, welcome to the V8s! Leaky intake gasket will simply cause a stumble due to a lean fuel mixture. No damage. Guys drive around not even knowing that their wiper vacuum is disconnected, and some even with their distributor vacuum brake disconnected, both open would be more vac loss than any gasket leak.

[Ggmac]

I'd tow it unless you know the car . 150 miles on a new purchase is a scare to me . It's no fun broken down on the side of the road . No help from just any repair service if needed .
Lots to worry about , keep it cool , both banks , make sure the gauges work . Check dif an trans oil .
Good luck

[ford38v8]

Ha! Ggmac makes a good point. The car will break down in 150 miles, guaranteed. If the seller hasn't replaced an intake gasket, who knows what else he hasn't taken care of.

[RKS.PA]

Bought my '39 in 1996. Thought I'd drive it home 90 miles from Anacordis Wa. to Issaquah Ws. Made it off the ferry ok, but car died going up hill to the parking lot. Turns out problem was the condensor. Worked great when cold, died when hot.


Will never not trailer a "new" old Ford again, no matter how much the seller says, "should make it!"


If you buy it, don't take a chance. U-Haul car trailers are cheap insurance.

[51504bat]

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I would trailer trailer it if possible. In addition to the engine quitting I always worry about the brakes failing. A much worse scenario IMO.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Paul, I'd trailer it too. If you don't have a trailer, maybe a fellow Fordbarner, or a V8 Club member who lives near you, might lend a hand.
Put some pictures of your new to you early Ford V8 up here when you get a chance.

[revkev6]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Hi, long time Model A guy here.

Going to look at a V8 flathead coupe about 150 miles from me tomorrow. How much damage driving it with a leaky intake gasket??


Any guidance would be appreciated.
Paul in CT

150 in which direction?? if it's not 100% I wouldn't even consider it myself. beg borrow or steal a trailer. things like a thorough inspection of brakes and chassis need to be done before I take a car on a trip like that even when I have owned the car for years. SOMEONE you know must have one.



and, on a side note... before considering driving 150 miles I'd change the intake gasket! doesn't take long on a flathead v8.

[51 MERC-CT]

I'm assuming that you are going to look at a car and may do a test drive there.
Everyone seems to assume you are going to pick it up and drive it home.
Which is it??

[1931 flamingo]

51 MERC-CT: Just going up to look. Fellow says brakes done, fluids changed, etc. May "borrow" a plate, drive 50 miles then AAA it home IF I can make a deal.


Thanks all for the responses.
The last flathead I dealt with was a 50 shoebox my Dad had back in the 60's.
Thanks again.


If I purchase there will probably be many questions, tho I've been "lurking" on the site for about 7 years.


Paul in CT

[JSeery]

7,589 post is a lot of "lurking". Good luck with making the leap.

[B-O-B]

JUST DO IT. You can always find a U haul. Where is your sense of adventure. Bought my 32 in Lou-ville & drove it back to Oregon with bride following in the 57 bird & haven't stopped driving it yet & it has never let me down. Just change the oil & add gas.

[AnthonyG]

Make sure you notify ur insurance Co. & ur insured! Said you’ve got AAA & a live plate you can use. Go early, have a friend take u & follow back, if u have a prob call AAA.

[1931 flamingo]

Bit the bullet today.
1940 DeLuxe Coupe w/jump seats, black tuck and roll interior, headliner, 48 f/head, reds headers, smitty's s/s exhaust, dual 97's, Kogel Rocket cyl heads, 39 tranny, all new brakes and lines, all fluids changed. Radiator drops temp 30* top to bottom. Newer 15" white walls, red wheels w rings. All fluids changed. Going to drive it home in about a week.


Paul in CT

[petehoovie]

Good for you, Paul.....

[JSeery]

Sounds cool, need to post some photos as soon as you can!

[Ford Freak]

Congrats ! BTW - we love pics around here ...........

[corvette8n]

Nice score post some pictures when you get it home.

[Mike in AZ]

Sounds great. Congrats! Safe drive home. Mike

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Bit the bullet today.
1940 DeLuxe Coupe w/jump seats, black tuck and roll interior, headliner, 48 f/head, reds headers, smitty's s/s exhaust, dual 97's, Kogel Rocket cyl heads, 39 tranny, all new brakes and lines, all fluids changed. Radiator drops temp 30* top to bottom. Newer 15" white walls, red wheels w rings. All fluids changed. Going to drive it home in about a week.


Paul in CT

Paul,

I've seen you on the Model A page....A LOT. Congratulations on your '40 Ford Coupe.

I have a question. You said it has a '39 transmission. Is this a column shift car or is it now a floor shift?

Put some photos up here when you can.

Thanks,
Seth