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04-30-2018, 11:05 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 20
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Time to rebuild flathead
I've got a 1937 Ford 1/2 ton stake/platform that is original mechanically with the exception of the 24 stud engine; 38-42, with '37 commercial intake and 81A 'A' heads, mechanical brakes, 6 volt, single brake/tail light, etc. The engine is tired and needs an overhaul. This is an opportunity to replace with a '37 21 stud engine, making it 100% factory like original; possibly increasing the overall re-sale value. It will never be on a trailer as long as I own it, no plans to do a complete 'show room' restoration (It's a truck and was originally used on a farm outside of Fresno, CA), driven a dozen times a year and I attend 1 annual antique truck show each year (Won best of show pre-1942 stock category last year that included a block of wood with plaque affixed and water pump shaft attached ). I like original overall, can care less about hp and bling. Start it and drive it. I'm looking for feedback with opinions; replace with with 21 stud or 24 stud? Thanks for your input.
Last edited by 37stake; 04-30-2018 at 11:52 PM. |
05-01-2018, 12:32 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
mmm rebuilding a 37..? may god have mercy on your soul.. ; )
You might get lucky and someone might a have a good runner...
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05-01-2018, 03:21 AM | #3 |
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Location: Masterton, New Zealand
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
What does tired mean? Do you have a good replacement 21 stud to fit in? Might be easier to freshen up the 81A- valve grind, ring job, bearings? Even tired it'll no doubt run for a few more years yet. End of the day, it's your call as to what to do.
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05-01-2018, 03:42 AM | #4 |
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
I wouldn't worry about resale value and take the path you prefer. Me? I'm also partial to stock vehicles, warts and all.
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05-01-2018, 04:55 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Marana Arizona
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Reality, resale value cannot be your priority. Build YOUR TRUCK for you. If you have a weak heart never go back and total up your receipts.
It's like spending the money for an overpriced meal. The next day it's flushed down the drain. Enjoy the adventure, Chap |
05-01-2018, 05:23 AM | #6 |
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Location: Guston,ky
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
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Last edited by edhd58; 05-01-2018 at 08:04 AM. |
05-01-2018, 06:50 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Edgefield, SC
Posts: 811
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
The 37 half-ton stake is one of my favorite pickups. Nolan Cason was a former president of the V-8 Club and he had a 37 Deluxe half-ton stake as well as a 37 Deluxe half-ton panel delivery. He is no longer with us, but years ago he invited me over to his home and it probably only took a few days for him to clean all of my drool off of his vehicles. If it was me and my project, I would find a 37 engine and rebuild the 37 engine while driving the pickup as it is until doing the engine swap. To me, what you have is a very nice example of one of the rarer models of Ford pickups and going back with a 37 engine would be my first choice.
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05-01-2018, 08:23 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oshkosh, Wi
Posts: 4,526
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
If you are rebuilding, the engine is coming out anyway. I would replace with a 21 stud. Sounds like this is what you want to do anyway.
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05-01-2018, 08:48 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 1,137
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
The question is ... do you want to do it right, or do you want to do it wrong?
You have the wrong engine in a beautiful truck. That's OK, but why would you repeat that? You have the opportunity to preserve a great truck ... without ever having to make excuses because it has the wrong engine. ('37 engines are not that hard to find ... if you were closer, I'd show you how easy it can be.)
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05-01-2018, 08:55 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Ohio
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Sounds like you're leaning toward a 37 21 stud engine - why not just go for it. If you were chasing horsepower, then I'd go a different route . . . seems you care the most about having a beautiful and originally styled truck - if so, then a 37 engine is your solution. You might consider just a small cam upgrade and make sure you have a tight 'quench' area above the pistons - this really helps ALL these engines perform better. Good luck!
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05-01-2018, 10:08 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: westport ct.
Posts: 166
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
I know it is on the wrong coast but i just saw a 21 stud on Craigslist New Haven Ct for 200$ or best offer, O well.
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05-01-2018, 10:35 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern Illinois
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
How about just rebuilding the engine you currently have?
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05-01-2018, 11:10 AM | #13 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,316
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Personally, if I had a truck like that, I'd be using it (at least once in a while) for what it was originally intended. In such a case, the less trouble and the more power it would have the better. I'd rebuild the engine in it. I wouldn't think that an engine that is not strictly original would make for much of a value hit in a truck. I could be wrong.
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05-01-2018, 11:39 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Newnan Georgia
Posts: 206
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
First let me say you have a great looking truck, as far as keeping it or changing it back to the original type engine that depends on what you want or need. I kept my car close to original with upgrades that made it safer and more enjoyable for me. Sometimes upgrades increase the value to the buyer.
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05-01-2018, 12:19 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oshkosh, Wi
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Both engines are 221 cu in and 85 hp.
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05-01-2018, 02:12 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Beautiful truck ,As said both engines are 85 HP ,I would build the 37 engine because you can still use the truck until its done ,plus its closer to stock then .Ted
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05-04-2018, 12:07 AM | #17 |
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 20
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
Thanks to all for your input.
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05-04-2018, 02:55 PM | #18 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 1,498
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Re: Time to rebuild flathead
There is nothing inherently wrong with a '37 engine. Use block mounted water pumps.
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