My first dumb question

[o2bnkc]

Hey everybody. New guy here. I've always been a corvette guy, but there's nothing more beautiful to me than a 32-40 Ford with a flathead. I finally got my 1940 Deluxe last Thursday. I'm jazzed!! I'm sure this is only the first of my stupid questions over the next few years, but what is an "8ba"?

[V8COOPMAN]

An 8BA is the latest, and last iteration of Ford flathead engine, in passenger cars from 1949 thru 1953 (1954 in Canada). Welcome aboard! DD

[petehoovie]

8BA Engine (Modified) ↓

[cas3]

easily recognized in that they use a conventional type of bell housing on the back of the block, unlike the earlier blocks with half the bell on the block, and half on the tranny. have fun with your new 40 ford, welcome to the barn. around here, when talking 40 fords, member Kube is like Merrill lynch, when he's talking 40's, pay attention!

[Lanny]

Welcome to the FordBarn. Lots of good info here.
Say, just an idea, a Ford flathead engine will fit in a Vette...

Click on picture to Enlarge.

[o2bnkc]

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Originally Posted by Lanny

Welcome to the FordBarn. Lots of good info here.
Say, just an idea, a Ford flathead engine will fit in a Vette...

Click on picture to Enlarge.

Oh man, I'm going to pretend I didn't see that.

[o2bnkc]

Thanks, you guys. I will have plenty more in the future.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

8BA Engine >

That sure is pretty.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

An 8BA is the latest, and last iteration of Ford flathead engine, in passenger cars from 1949 thru 1953 (1954 in Canada). Welcome aboard! DD

Thank you very much!

[o2bnkc]

OK. Another one. What would have been the stock carb on my 40? It has a single barrel with an oil bath air cleaner on it now. I assume they didn't have oil filters because I can't find one.

[o2bnkc]

Thanks!

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by cas3

easily recognized in that they use a conventional type of bell housing on the back of the block, unlike the earlier blocks with half the bell on the block, and half on the tranny. have fun with your new 40 ford, welcome to the barn. around here, when talking 40 fords, member Kube is like Merrill lynch, when he's talking 40's, pay attention!

I got it!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

OK. Another one. What would have been the stock carb on my 40? It has a single barrel with an oil bath air cleaner on it now. I assume they didn't have oil filters because I can't find one.

Single barrel??? Are you sure? The stock 1940 carb would not be compatible with the 8BA engine you now have in your '40....


This Holly 94 is the correct carb for the 8BA you have...


"VINTAGE" 1939/1940 FORD V8 #94 CARBURETOR MODEL : 91-99 "ORGINAL" below

[tomcarman]

Off topic but your avatar shows you playing a left handed guitar. True?

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Single barrel??? Are you sure? The stock 1940 carb would not be compatible with the 8BA engine you now have in your '40....


This Holly 94 is the correct carb for the 8BA you have...


"VINTAGE" 1939/1940 FORD V8 #94 CARBURETOR MODEL : 91-99 "ORGINAL" below

I'm kind of cornfused now. I thought the 8ba is the later engine in the 49-53 cars.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by tomcarman

Off topic but your avatar shows you playing a left handed guitar. True?

Yep!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

I'm kind of cornfused now. I thought the 8ba is the later engine in the 49-53 cars.

Yes, the 8BA is the later engine.

I misinterpreted your question....I assumed from your post that you were asking what an 8BA is because that's the engine you have in your '40....Sorry...

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

OK. Another one. What would have been the stock carb on my 40? It has a single barrel with an oil bath air cleaner on it now. I assume they didn't have oil filters because I can't find one.

================================================


The '33 Ford V/8 was the Last to use the 1 barrel carb.
1934 Ford V/8's had the first 2 barrel carbs on the 221 ci engine.



.

[o2bnkc]

[QUOTE=Lanny;1991247]================================================


The '33 Ford V/8 was the Last to use the 1 barrel carb.
1934 Ford V/8's had the first 2 barrel carbs on the 221 ci engine.

[51 MERC-CT]

Just a slight addition, the first derivative of the 8BA engine was used in the

1948 Ford pickup truck.

[flatford8]

Welcome to the ‘Barn!.....we love pics so, let’s see your car. And while your at it, drop in a YouTube link (if there is one) of you playing. A lot of music lovers on here to!.......Mark

[Ol' Ron]

Good start, welcome.
Gramps

[tubman]

To clarify the carburetor situation. The earlier (circa 1940) and 8BA engines use almost identical Holley model 94 carburetors. A lot of people can't tell the difference and confusion reigns. In 1949 ('48 in trucks), Ford went to a post-style distributor that used a specialized advance mechanism they called "Load-a-Matic". This distributor has no mechanical advance capability and relies solely on vacuum signals from the carburetor for advancing the spark. A special version of the Holley 94 was developed that supplies that specialized signal through a port about half way up the backside of the carburetor. If you don't have that special version, the distributor advance will not function. Simply connecting the distributor advance line to manifold vacuum will not work, as it supplies the wrong vacuum signal to the distributor.

Most people that are not using strictly original engines in their old Ford's usually want to change the carburetion system to multiple carbs or maybe a 4 BBL. It should be noted that updated carburetion systems will not work properly with the "Load-a-Matic" distributor, requiring it to be replaced. The usual replacements are an old Mallory dual-point intended specifically for these engines or an updated SBC distributor reworked to fit the flathead. These have a regular mechanical or vacuum over mechanical advance mechanism.

[AnthonyG]

Welcome to the barn! Another tip on the correct 94 Holley Carb. Not positive but pretty sure all the stock 8ba’s required a Holley 94 with a vacuum port on the base for vacuum advance on the stock distributor. Many of these carb’s if not all were marked 8BA7A486A7B-13D6-4F82-A11A-B37BBE7EF327.jpg

[tubman]

One last bit of information. "8RT" is the model number for 8BA engines insttalled in trucks. "EAB" is the designation for '52-'53 passenger car engines. These are all "regular stroke" 239 ci engines. "8CM", 1CM", and "EAC" are Mercury versions of the 8BA. These all have the 4" stroke crankshaft yielding 255 ci.

Being a "Corvette Guy" myself, I will give you a bit of a warning. There are various casting codes, etc. on the 8BA engines. Except for a date stamp that may be present on the intake manifold surface, most of these have no known meaning and can't be interpreted by a "matching-numbers geek".

[AnthonyG]

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PeteHoovie, how do you get that great large pic full size on the post?

[19Fordy]

WELCOME to the Fordbarn. Great that you got a 40.
Enjoy and ask lots of questions when you need help.

[Kens 36]

Welcome to the Fordbarn! To complement your new '40, you absolutely need the new 40 Book from the Early Ford V-8 Club, available at https://shop.efv8.org/collections/fo...ng-rates-apply.

Ken

[KenBolton]

Congrats on your first flathead and, asking the first dumb question if your life! Actually the question wasn’t all that stupid.

[melisahe]

congrats on your 40 Ford!

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

I guess that would explain the 2 throttle linkages. Duh! I guess the third one is the choke?

I think what you are seeing is the foot throttle, hand throttle and
choke linkage.

[Karl Wescott]

Originally Posted by Lanny

Welcome to the FordBarn. Lots of good info here.
Say, just an idea, a Ford flathead engine will fit in a Vette...

Actually, could be a bit of an improvement over an inline 6...

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

I guess that would explain the 2 throttle linkages. Duh! I guess the third one is the choke?

The throttle linkage on the right (passenger) side is the for the floor pedal (was called the "foot feed") and the left (driver's) side is for the hand throttle which is handy for holding fast idle for warming up or charging the battery. Generators do not charge at idle so you need to raise the RPM a little to recharge the battery if you've idled awhile, especially with the lights on. You will notice this by watching the headlights. Notice how they get brighter when you rev up the engine. This is normal.
The hand throttle was also used as a sort of cruise control on level roads but not a good idea because in a panic stop, the car didn't slow down very well as the engine was still trying to maintain speed until you remembered to push the throttle in.

[AnthonyG]

Delete

[AnthonyG]

Deleted

[AnthonyG]

E52EEC2E-DD58-4C58-8141-9AF30F7D6C8B.jpg

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

Welcome to the barn! Another tip on the correct 94 Holley Carb. Not positive but pretty sure all the stock 8ba’s required a Holley 94 with a vacuum port on the base for vacuum advance on the stock distributor. Many of these carb’s if not all were marked 8BAAttachment 457060

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by Bob C

I think what you are seeing is the foot throttle, hand throttle and
choke linkage.

Not only do I have dumb questions, but dumb replies. Thanks.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

The throttle linkage on the right (passenger) side is the for the floor pedal (was called the "foot feed") and the left (driver's) side is for the hand throttle which is handy for holding fast idle for warming up or charging the battery. Generators do not charge at idle so you need to raise the RPM a little to recharge the battery if you've idled awhile, especially with the lights on. You will notice this by watching the headlights. Notice how they get brighter when you rev up the engine. This is normal.
The hand throttle was also used as a sort of cruise control on level roads but not a good idea because in a panic stop, the car didn't slow down very well as the engine was still trying to maintain speed until you remembered to push the throttle in.

Thanks for the info.

[o2bnkc]

So the carb in my 40 is a Holley94?

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by Kens 36

Welcome to the Fordbarn! To complement your new '40, you absolutely need the new 40 Book from the Early Ford V-8 Club, available at https://shop.efv8.org/collections/fo...ng-rates-apply.

Ken

I think I do need to order it. It looks like it will come in handy.

[mfirth]

By the way, there is no such thing as a stupid question.....so, welcome to "The Barn".
mike

[JayChicago]

Your carb may appear to be a single barrel because it has a single opening air horn. But look down the throat and you will see two venturies and two barrels below.

[19Fordy]

o2bnkc;
An oil filter on the stock 40 was a $7.50 option. Part 01A 18658-A.

[Terry,OH]

There are two manufactures of the 94 style carburetor for the 1940 Ford. Both Holley and Ford made them. The Holley has a small "H" embossed and the Ford a letter "F" embossed, on the main body over the accelerator pump section. Both are marked 91-99 on the center main body. The top section is unique because it does not have a fuel bowl vent tube in the center of the venturi the bowl vents through a oval hole in the die casting. The internal parts are the same on both Carbs. so one rebuilding kit will repair either Carb. If you want an original Carb. Look to a rebuilder such as Charlie Schwindler in NY. Daytona in Florida sells a good rebuilding kit for the DIY.

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

o2bnkc;
An oil filter on the stock 40 was a $7.50 option. Part 01A 18658-A.

WOW....That's ALMOST hard to fathom when you consider that $7.50 is well over ONE % of the MSRP of a WHOLE '40 Ford being approximately $660. DD

[solidaxle]

Welcome, I too was always a Vette guy. Now the Vette sits and I take out the Ford.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by solidaxle

Welcome, I too was always a Vette guy. Now the Vette sits and I take out the Ford.

Ahh! Now the term "solidaxle" makes sense....from one "Vette guy" (and owner) to another. DD

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by JayChicago

Your carb may appear to be a single barrel because it has a single opening air horn. But look down the throat and you will see two venturies and two barrels below.

That's exactly what I thought when I first looked at it. I've got a lot to learn here.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by Terry,OH

There are two manufactures of the 94 style carburetor for the 1940 Ford. Both Holley and Ford made them. The Holley has a small "H" embossed and the Ford a letter "F" embossed, on the main body over the accelerator pump section. Both are marked 91-99 on the center main body. The top section is unique because it does not have a fuel bowl vent tube in the center of the venturi the bowl vents through a oval hole in the die casting. The internal parts are the same on both Carbs. so one rebuilding kit will repair either Carb. If you want an original Carb. Look to a rebuilder such as Charlie Schwindler in NY. Daytona in Florida sells a good rebuilding kit for the DIY.

Great info. Thanks!!

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Ahh! Now the term "solidaxle" makes sense....from one "Vette guy" (and owner) to another. DD

You can't beat that! How do you enter pics on here?

[JSeery]

There have been a number of past threads on uploading photos. The basics are, click Go Advanced, then on the bar across the top is a paper clip that opens a drop-down menu. That will open a pop-up window that allows you to select a photo and up-load it. There are a lot of pitfalls figuring it out the first few times, a big one is the file size limits.

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by JSeery

There have been a number of past threads on uploading photos. The basics are, click Go Advanced, then on the bar across the top is a paper clip that opens a drop-down menu. That will open a pop-up window that allows you to select a photo and up-load it. There are a lot of pitfalls figuring it out the first few times, a big one is the file size limits.

Thanks for the help.

[JSeery]

If you want anything posted while you are figuring it out, I can post them for you. Email them to me at [email protected]

Couple of links:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=posting+photo

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=posting+photo

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=posting+photo

[moefuzz]

's

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

So the carb in my 40 is a Holley94?

Not necessarily,
Did you say the engine was an 8BA? -in your 40?


Carbs....
It could have been swapped out many times.
It could say Ford on the carb
It could say Holley on the side
It could say Chandler Groves on the side

All these carbs appear near identical to the unknowing eye.

Things get swapped around and hacked in and sometimes the wrong carb is in where a Load-O-Matic (a later version of the "94") should be.

I would expect that having the original or correct carb on the car is about as likely as having the original Ford Factory Air in all the tires...


....But if you have an 8BA engine (1949 -54 Flathead) in your 40 than more than likely It's probably got it's 'correct' Holley 94 Load-O-Matic and they are reliable and easy to work on...



cheers, moe of the north






















.

[solidaxle]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

You can't beat that! How do you enter pics on here?

I have owned that 61 for 35 years and can't give it up. NCRS member 10654 and have had the car reach Top flight. I don't even look at Vetts anymore at car shows, well maybe a glance.

[AnthonyG]

I’ve had 3 Vettes, if I saw the right deal in a ‘71 or earlier would do it again in a minute! This was the prettiest! Thought I made out great when I sold in 1983 for $15,000, should never have sold it! shoulda woulda coulda

[Lanny]

Anthony, your Vette looks like it was in pretty nice condition for a '61 or '62
as it would have been over 20 years old when you sold it then.
Also, unless '71 has a sentimental value, don't pass up a '72, as they are
almost identical to a '71. and in the same ball park, value wise.




.

[AnthonyG]

Agreed Lanny!

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

Hey everybody. New guy here. I've always been a corvette guy, but there's nothing more beautiful to me than a 32-40 Ford with a flathead. I finally got my 1940 Deluxe last Thursday. I'm jazzed!! I'm sure this is only the first of my stupid questions over the next few years, but what is an "8ba"?

Welcome. Some sharp Ford people on this forum.

[Gene F]

Hey Tubman....I read this...
This distributor has no mechanical advance capability and relies solely on vacuum signals from the carburetor for advancing the spark. A special version of the Holley 94 was developed that supplies that specialized signal through a port about half way up the backside of the carburetor. If you don't have that special version, the distributor advance will not function. Simply connecting the distributor advance line to manifold vacuum will not work, as it supplies the wrong vacuum signal to the distributor.

So what carb? Where might I find one? Or at least that section of the carb?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Gene F

Hey Tubman....I read this...
This distributor has no mechanical advance capability and relies solely on vacuum signals from the carburetor for advancing the spark. A special version of the Holley 94 was developed that supplies that specialized signal through a port about half way up the backside of the carburetor. If you don't have that special version, the distributor advance will not function. Simply connecting the distributor advance line to manifold vacuum will not work, as it supplies the wrong vacuum signal to the distributor.

So what carb? Where might I find one? Or at least that section of the carb?

They are quite common and usually marked 8BA on the side. If you have limited resources where you are. I suggest you contact "Charlie ny" on this forum. As you may have seen on some other recent threads, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful gentleman and I am sure he can help you out.

I will now try to find pictures of what you need (I don't have any easily available as I am in Florida for the winter and away from my shop).

Found a picture of the one you need. Please notice the female fitting on the back side. That is where the vacuum line from the distributor attaches. This is all I could find in a hurry and I notice they are out of stock. Not to worry, they are around and not that hard to find. (Just because I posted a link to their picture is not a recommendation).

https://www.ecklers.com/carburetor-m...2-19669-1.html

[Mart]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

Not only do I have dumb questions, but dumb replies. Thanks.

Nothing dumb about this reply.

Foot throttle, hand throttle and choke. 3 levers. What's dumb about that?

Mart.

[big job]

Originally Posted by solidaxle

Welcome, I too was always a Vette guy. Now the Vette sits and I take out the Ford.

I agree take out the Ford and replace it with a 337 OK......lol

[BillCook]

The 8ba was the last flathead made by ford but the French copied it for there Mil vehicles and kept on till the 60’s ,only miner changes !

[solidaxle]

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Ahh! Now the term "solidaxle" makes sense....from one "Vette guy" (and owner) to another. DD

I still have a lot of numbers matching instilled in me from owning the Vette. Since this is the Ford Barn, I must expound. I don't do anything to the 32 that can't be reversed.The previous owner Gerald Groswold who owned it for 30 years, installed the 8ba, 39 tranney, juice brakes, hydraulic shocks. I turned it into the Hot rod is today without cutting the body or floor.

[moefuzz]

Originally Posted by BillCook

The 8ba was the last flathead made by ford but the French copied it for there Mil vehicles and kept on till the 60’s ,only miner changes !

I believe they went on and used them into 90's and only in about 2002? did the
French sell off all the extra warehoused engines, parts and stock.

It was a great time to be in and around Texas as that's where the hundreds? of engines (and thousands of parts) all ended up.










































I wonder where they all went too?

You don't see much hype or info as to people who bought them
all those years ago





.

[moefuzz]

.



Here's a Great Video of some French Flatheads in action.
Most of these ex military vehicles have the French Flathead in them,
there is however the odd puguet? or something in with them...

BTW, the hammering you hear in the cab is the auxiliary air-pump
that is used to run additional attached equipment and to run an air hose and tools etc.

The Flatheads sound great! but they should definitely spend some money on new tires...



Sortie_en_SUMB_et_R2087




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0aJxA6kZE







.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by moefuzz

It was a great time to be in and around Texas...that's where the engines (and thousands of parts) all ended up.

I wonder where they all went to?

You don't see much hype or info as to people who bought them
all those years ago

It was Christmas of 2002 I believe that my wife bought a crated block in cosmoline from Richard LeJuerrne of Halibrand in Kansas, as a surprise Christmas present for me. It's still in that crate today in my garage, and will likely be offered for sale very shortly. The few left have become rather spendy. DD

[Gene F]

Hmmm..I didn't reaize that was a diff carb. I have Holley/Ford 94s on my car...

[o2bnkc]

Originally Posted by solidaxle

I have owned that 61 for 35 years and can't give it up. NCRS member 10654 and have had the car reach Top flight. I don't even look at Vetts anymore at car shows, well maybe a glance.

My favorite is the 61. First year of the round tail lights and last year of the painted coves. It was a tossup between getting a 32-40 Ford or another c1. You see what won out, but I feel like I might be in over my head.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Gene F

Hmmm..I didn't reaize that was a diff carb. I have Holley/Ford 94s on my car...

Just to be clear : the 8BA carburetors used on '49-'51 Fords ARE Holley/Ford 94's. They are just a different model. If you have the proper center section, I believe you could install it in one of your existing carburetors. I have never done it, as I like to keep as many original parts together as I can.

[tomcarman]

Originally Posted by o2bnkc

My favorite is the 61. First year of the round tail lights and last year of the painted coves. It was a tossup between getting a 32-40 Ford or another c1. You see what won out, but I feel like I might be in over my head.

A 40 Ford over a Corvette. Being left handed you're in your right mind.
Thank you for your service!

[AnthonyG]

It was a tossup between getting a 32-40 Ford or another c1. You see what won out, but I feel like I might be in over my head.

Nah, ur not in over ur head! If u were mechanically inclined w the Vettes you’ll do fine w the Early Ford! With a little help here you’ll do fine & have fun doing it! I too was a Vette & GM muscle car guy pre my ‘35 Tudor around 2012. With these guys helping I’ve put a full wiring harness in it, converted to 12V, put new engine (8ba also), clutch pressure plate fly wheel, had 2 tranny’s in & out several times, & due to ring & piston issues recently refreshed engine w Rod bearings, rods, Pistons & rings. Can’t say there wasn’t a lot of loud cursing along the way but in general fun & satisfying when complete! Keep asking “the dumb questions” because they really aren’t & how we all learned here on The Barn! Enjoy the Ride!

[solidaxle]

o2bnkc
Just a little advice. I always try to use the search engine feature in the tool bar before I ask a question in the forms with good results. Make sure your spelling is correct and try a couple of different ways to form your question. BTW don't ever ask what oil should I use in my flattie. HaHa

[Als48]

Didn't Simca use the flathead V8 for a few years? May have even had a column shifted 4-speed? I think I knew a young lady who had one in the 60's.


Al Hook

[AnthonyG]

Simca 4 speed for a Ford Flathead I think?

[coxswain98]

Welcome to the club! I've only had kind answers to my first questions.

[FRANK PKNY]

Welcome aboard, this site has a intense amount of knowledge, lot's of helpful people here.