engine question

[1939Deluxesedan]

What is a easy engine to install on my 39 sedan? I don't have a ton of money, and would like to do it on a budget. Just get her running where I can enjoy the car more. It has the original 85hp flathead, and original 3 speed trans. Are there any engines that will bolt to the old trans? I know most folks put a powerhouse V8 in one. I would too, if I had the money, but what is a good economy plan?
Thanks

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 1939Deluxesedan

What is a easy engine to install on my 39 sedan? I don't have a ton of money, and would like to do it on a budget. Just get her running where I can enjoy the car more. It has the original 85hp flathead, and original 3 speed trans. Are there any engines that will bolt to the old trans? I know most folks put a powerhouse V8 in one. I would too, if I had the money, but what is a good economy plan?
Thanks

What's wrong with the "original" engine that came in the car? Just a few pieces off the motor sent to a few of "THE guys" here on the Fordbarn for refurbishment/Upgrading AND you will have a very reliable good running "Original" flathead with a fraction of the work required to "replace"/repower your car. What issues are you currently having??

[rockfla]

1) take the coil off and send it to: Skip Haney
29436 Taralane Drive
Punta Gorda FL 33982


2) take your distributor off and send it to: Skip Haney
or
Michael Driskell
Third Gen Automotive
2600 Old Nashville Hwy
McMinnville TN 37110
OR
CharlieNY/ Charlie Schwindler
5845 Cole Road
Orchard Park NY 14127


3) Take your carburetor and fuel pump Off and send them to :CharlieNY (above)


After that, you will "most" likely be set for many miles of carefree driving AND joy beyond belief

[19Fordy]

1939DeLuxesedan: Take rockfla advice. Your best bet would be to rebuild or install the same engine that is already in your car. Yes, you can make other engines fit but, that always leads to additional unexpected changes and modifications. KEEP IT SIMPLE by keeping what you already have.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 1939Deluxesedan

What is a easy engine to install on my 39 sedan? I don't have a ton of money, and would like to do it on a budget. Just get her running where I can enjoy the car more. It has the original 85hp flathead, and original 3 speed trans. Are there any engines that will bolt to the old trans? I know most folks put a powerhouse V8 in one. I would too, if I had the money, but what is a good economy plan?
Thanks

[1939Deluxesedan]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

When it came to me, the engine was frozen in place. Over time I was able to free it. It spins with the starter now. No fire at the plugs. It needs a distributor. It had a Mallory after market distributor. I believe it has failed. So i need another. If i could get fire, perhaps I could get it to sputter, or even run for a split sec. It needs a carburetor, fuel pump, gas tank and line. One water pump is frozen solid. I would replace both. Likely more. Is the cylinder wall damaged?
This process has the same feel as pulling the handle on one of those "one arm bandits" out in Vegas. But it would be my preference, to restore it. i wish I had the money to send it out and have it professionally rebuilt.
I am exploring my options. Otherwise it will sit out in my barn for more years.
Thanks for the input.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 1939Deluxesedan

When it came to me, the engine was frozen in place. Over time I was able to free it. It spins with the starter now. No fire at the plugs. It needs a distributor. It had a Mallory after market distributor. I believe it has failed. So i need another. If i could get fire, perhaps I could get it to sputter, or even run for a split sec. It needs a carburetor, fuel pump, gas tank and line. One water pump is frozen solid. I would replace both. Likely more. Is the cylinder wall damaged?
This process has the same feel as pulling the handle on one of those "one arm bandits" out in Vegas. But it would be my preference, to restore it. i wish I had the money to send it out and have it professionally rebuilt.
I am exploring my options. Otherwise it will sit out in my barn for more years.
Thanks for the input.

At this point, what you have listed as issues doesn't sound to daunting BUT, can you post a few pictures of the motor so we can see what exactly you have and can better advise you at this point. Getting a distributor, coil, carburetor and fuel pump isn't too difficult and shouldn't be ALL that expensive. I "may"..... have a distributor that I can donate to the cause, I will look at my stash of distributors and see what I can come up with. Lets see what you are currently working with first? In the mean time, I would pour some Marvel Mystery Oil down all the cylinders and down the intake and let that soak in for the next few days!!!!

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by rockfla

At this point, what you have listed as issues doesn't sound to daunting BUT, can you post a few pictures of the motor so we can see what exactly you have and can better advise you at this point. Getting a distributor, coil, carburetor and fuel pump isn't too difficult and shouldn't be ALL that expensive. I "may"..... have a distributor that I can donate to the cause, I will look at my stash of distributors and see what I can come up with. Lets see what you are currently working with first? In the mean time, I would pour some Marvel Mystery Oil down all the cylinders and down the intake and let that soak in for the next few days!!!!

I spent many weeks soaking the rings with marvel mystery oil. That is how I finally got the crank to turn. I would rock it back and forth, taking my time, just a little more each time until I finally got a full rotation. My first hurtle is to get fire to the plugs. I installed new plugs and wires when all this came up.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 1939Deluxesedan

I spent many weeks soaking the rings with marvel mystery oil. That is how I finally got the crank to turn. I would rock it back and forth, taking my time, just a little more each time until I finally got a full rotation. My first hurtle is to get fire to the plugs. I installed new plugs and wires when all this came up.

[Karl Wescott]

1. You would likely get more money at Vegas.
2. You will likely have much more fun over the years with the car than at Vegas.
3. Before you start throwing parts at it check for compression and do a pressure leak check on the block. Pull the heads and check for hardened valve seats and no cracks. If all looks good the V8 slot has been good to you, if not you may need to spend the $$ to rebuild the block. Drop the pan and CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. Then new oil, of course.
4. Send the water pumps to Skip Haney too.
5. If you are moving forward keep us posted.

[1939Deluxesedan]

I like your thought.
It is hard to put a value on the "cool factor". Riding around with flathead V8 has it in spaded!

[leon bee]

Wondering if you got a way to get the engine out? That's how I like to start.

[19Fordy]

You might want to contact folks who already have a good running engine for sale. 1940 will fit a 39.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...&o=relevance&c[node]=47

[Ggmac]

Where do you live ? I’ve got 5 very good running flatheads hanging around . Most rebuilt or just re ringed and valve job . I’m in s Florida.

[Ggmac]

I also have many parts that you could try before you drop alot of money on it .
Its fairly easy to remove the intake , just to get an idea of the internal condition. If its decent cyl head removal would be next but not right away . Remove plugs get it cranking easy and check compression. Low is okay at this point .
Dog walk time …

[mcgarrett]

Super neat car! I have a passion for old Ford survivors. It' your car, but I wouldn't do anything to it that would harm its originality; just do what it needs to make run reliably and stop safely. What you have there is a bit of a rare flathead Ford. It's known as aConvertible Sedan and 1939 is the last year they were made; it's also the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford. To my knowledge there aren't many around. Get with a local Early V8 club chapter and you should be able to recruit some eager club members to help you get it going again. Wish you all the best in getting her back on the road!

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Super neat car! I have a passion for old Ford survivors. It' your car, but I wouldn't do anything to it that would harm its originality; just do what it needs to make run reliably and stop safely. What you have there is a bit of a rare flathead Ford. It's known as aConvertible Sedan and 1939 is the last year they were made; it's also the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford. To my knowledge there aren't many around. Get with a local Early V8 club chapter and you should be able to recruit some eager club members to help you get it going again. Wish you all the best in getting her back on the road!

I don't know of any early V8 chapters. I am in a rural aria, and like it that way. I know it is rare. I picked it up right before the pandemic. Rescued it. from a field under a tarp. I have a passion for old cars too.
I did do some brake work a while back. The master cylinder says "Lockheed". It must be original. Lockheed aircraft partnered with Ford in 1939 to help with hydraulic brakes. It was rusted solid. I replaced it. But likely need to rebuild each slave cylinder. Maybe I will have working brakes at that point

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Super neat car! I have a passion for old Ford survivors. It' your car, but I wouldn't do anything to it that would harm its originality; just do what it needs to make run reliably and stop safely. What you have there is a bit of a rare flathead Ford. It's known as aConvertible Sedan and 1939 is the last year they were made; it's also the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford. To my knowledge there aren't many around. Get with a local Early V8 club chapter and you should be able to recruit some eager club members to help you get it going again. Wish you all the best in getting her back on the road!

I don't know of any early V8 chapters. I am in a rural aria, and like it that way. I know it is rare. I picked it up right before the pandemic. Rescued it. from a field under a tarp. I have a passion for old cars too.
I did do some brake work a while back. The master cylinder says "Lockheed". It must be original. Lockheed aircraft partnered with Ford in 1939 to help with hydraulic brakes. It was rusted solid. I replaced it. But likely need to rebuild each slave cylinder. Maybe I will have working brakes at that point.
I really would like to see if I can produce a spark at the plugs. I need a distributor to make that happen. I understand the need for a compression check. I had a compression checker some where. Haven't seen it in years. Maybe I need to buy another. An after market distributor was around $400 last time I checked. Always something comes up that depletes any money I save. Its called living. Next thing I know, another year (or 2) goes by, and there she sits.
Additionally. I wouldn't know a stuck valve if it hit me in the head. I have worked on cars all my life. Now 70. When I grew up, points were the norm. But I never owned a flathead. It is a source of frustration and shame to me. It is a pretty yard ornament. It only moves if loaded on a trailer or rollback. These are the thoughts that cause me to consider another engine. One that will run. That or sell it.
Thanks for all the good advice.

[rockfla]

1939Deluxesedan


Where are you located??? I think I have a distributor I changed out on one of my cars that I know is good and a coil I use on my Sun Machine, it has not been re-done by Skip BUT I know it will work for you to at least draw a spark that I could send to you as long as you send it back once you figure out what direction you are going to take.

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by rockfla

1939Deluxesedan


Where are you located??? I think I have a distributor I changed out on one of my cars that I know is good and a coil I use on my Sun Machine, it has not been re-done by Skip BUT I know it will work for you to at least draw a spark that I could send to you as long as you send it back once you figure out what direction you are going to take.

Troy, Alabama. About 80 miles North of the Fla/Al. line