Too many spares

[oldford2]

After building and selling 2 flatheads (221 and 59ab) I thought I would build a spare for our 46. So last year I got an 8BA and built it to fit the 46 (truck bell, pan, pumps). I had fits with a rebuilt carb. CharlieNY rebuilt it right and she runs smooth. Distributor from Bubba. Then I found a 52 Merc that I couldn't pass up. Just finishing it up and have to take the 8BA off the test stand and modify it to hold the Merc so I can test it. Fun



Now, my dilemma,
our 46 is running strong and will probably last longer than me. I don't want to fix it till it is broke so I am trying my best to wear it out but no luck. She just keeps ticking. We have some longer trips planned this summer (Gettysburg, Maine, Rhode Island). So now I have 2 spares! Going to the Fitchburg swap meet next week and if I see another good block it will probably follow me home. My wife says "why don't you sell one?" I explain the need for spares but she doesn't get it. If she catches me building another one I will have to sell. What to do, what to do??
John

[Steves46]

John, simply find another early Ford or Merc in dire need of an engine to follow you home and install one of the spares. This way you will be back to one spare engine. Problem solved!

[Russ/40]

I'm sympathetic. I love building these things, and you can't have too many. They are all a little different, with a personality of their own. They live..

[B-O-B]

I like Steves46 answer, more is betteror else keep her in Mass.

[19Fordy]

As you get older and realize that what you have will probably outlive you, there arises the question of how many of these spare engines do I really need? Storage space and costs will help answer the question.

[Mike51Merc]

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I had a "spare" SBF 289 and decided to find a car to wrap around it. Found a project that came with 2 engines and 2 transmissions.

Let the hoarding begin.......

[peewee2you]

John B-O-B is right, Steve's answer is the best.. your good at rebuilding and making look like new, help out another ol carcus and beauty one of those beauties in it. Best of luck in what I consider a good dilemna. Peter

[Mart]

If you get another car that needs an engine and put one in it, then you will only have one spare engine. That's no good, is it? two cars, only one spare engine. You need two spare engines at least. So you'd better start looking for another engine too.

Sounds good to me.

Mart.

[Planojc]

Just when you sell it, you'll need it.

[Torchie]

My brother collects antique guns.
His philosophy is to have so many that his wife can never tell if he's added too or reduced his collection.
Good luck with your problem.....
Torchie.

[flatjack9]

Well, I had to move my shop last year because the city wanted my property. I counted 81 engines and blocks(all flatheads, some
v8-60s) that they moved to my new shop. That does include a few that I am building for others. I definetly have the disease.

[32phil]

Let's see, right now there's 2 complete 1937 21 stud V-8s w/head mounted pumps, an in process 37 21 stud block, a rebuilt 55 Dodge 270 Super Red Ram Hemi, a low mileage 53 Dodge 241 Red Ram Hemi, just got rid of 2 Model B blocks w/counterbalanced cranks but some how a complete 1936 21 stud V-8 took their place. Some kind of a trade deal or something. Now don't get all carried away.....I wouldn't call it a disease, more like an itch that ya just gotta keep scratchin'.. that's all.

[32phil]

Oh I forgot... do Keys count ? ....Lots of keys ? .....

Lots and Lots of Early Ford V-8 Keys ?....

I mean like " HOLY S&*T that's a lot of Early Ford V-8 keys" ??

[Heard]

I could probably be talked into storing one in my '35 pickup if you ask real nice.