Nuclear BUUUUUUUUUURNNNN 
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FINALLY found it
- Thread starter Horseplay
- Start date
Who didn't see this one coming?! I expected more like "Wonder if the truck will be done before the car...".
Truth be told I am really unsure which way to go. I really like the idea of sticking with the original flathead. Just dress it up and cruise around town. Not so sure I would be comfortable on a long haul though. Have much to learn about the engine and components. I figure it has to just as reliable as a SBF, right? I do think I will for sure upgrade to 12v which is a shame since it's got all new 6v electrical put in it.
As far as suspension likely just lower what its got for now and call it a day. At least for now. Maybe...
We know you lost your mind some time ago, you really think you found it just in the past couple of days? Nah...
JD08
Active Member
Whenever I go to car shows, you see people marvelling at a flathead. SBF, not so much.
Mach1 Driver
Well-Known Member
It'd be a shame to take the flat head out. Its iconic, and cool to see the spark plugs sitting up there on top of the head.
I know I said I would start another thread for the build of the new truck (and I will) but since I'm still in the planning (dream) stage of things I will keep things rolling here. Been on the road all week and spent way too much time at night in the hotel on the internet researching parts and planning.
Pretty set on keeping the flathead. Not sure <200 H.P. will satisfy me but for now it will have to do. After watching a few dozen Youtube videos of some radical mills the sound has really grown on me. I will have to find out what cam is in it but know it will be getting new heads and induction. I've found parts are available to connect my T5 to it so that is the plan. I think. Might have to go auto to satisfy the wife. Would be cheaper given the pedal work that I'd have to do to have a hydraulic clutch. I will sell off my freshly rebuilt 306 and a good array of accumulated parts to help fund the project. After researching the parts cost to lower the truck (new springs, etc.) I've decided I'm going to weld in a MII IFS and a 4-Bar rear set-up. It's not that much more money for such an upgrade and will make a huge handling/driving difference, obviously. On a tight budget this time around so nothing too fancy. Eventually it will ride on air but out of the gate likely just coil-overs. Plan is to do the opposite of the mustang and have this one ready for the street by winter.
Going to order up some stuff today to convert it over to 12v. Once that's done I can fire it up. I'll be in the garage this weekend getting things squared away and will have a chance to take more pics that I will share.
Pretty set on keeping the flathead. Not sure <200 H.P. will satisfy me but for now it will have to do. After watching a few dozen Youtube videos of some radical mills the sound has really grown on me. I will have to find out what cam is in it but know it will be getting new heads and induction. I've found parts are available to connect my T5 to it so that is the plan. I think. Might have to go auto to satisfy the wife. Would be cheaper given the pedal work that I'd have to do to have a hydraulic clutch. I will sell off my freshly rebuilt 306 and a good array of accumulated parts to help fund the project. After researching the parts cost to lower the truck (new springs, etc.) I've decided I'm going to weld in a MII IFS and a 4-Bar rear set-up. It's not that much more money for such an upgrade and will make a huge handling/driving difference, obviously. On a tight budget this time around so nothing too fancy. Eventually it will ride on air but out of the gate likely just coil-overs. Plan is to do the opposite of the mustang and have this one ready for the street by winter.
Going to order up some stuff today to convert it over to 12v. Once that's done I can fire it up. I'll be in the garage this weekend getting things squared away and will have a chance to take more pics that I will share.
FINISH THE CAR FIRST.
Just have the headlight buckets, front grill, valance and bumper to bolt on. It will get done first. Be taking a week off just as soon as it stops snowing!!! around here to get the mustang wrapped up. Maybe you should plan a drive East to make sure I stick to it.
jims6t6
Well-Known Member
Here is you answer. How does 335 HP sound?
335 HP Flathead Ford V-8 Performance Handbook Paperback – April 4, 2009
by Joe Abbin (Author), Kathleen McCaughey (Editor), Corey Weintraub (Illustrator)
Gee thanks, Jim. Way to help me into the poor house!
The stock engine was rated at 90 h.p. I don't have ll the specks of the rebuild but I do know it was over bored to some degree. These things only have 3 main caps and a cast crank. As I've read you can get to about 200 h.p. with better heads, cam and an increase in compression. Gotta believe adding boost of any significant level could blow out the bottom end. I'll order up that book (and a few others) and read up. I'm staying away from any bottom end work for now. Going to cost enough with the suspension and all the other necessary bits to get this thing on the road. Besides, its not like I'm above building a second engine for a project! Round two maybe gets a bit crazier.
The stock engine was rated at 90 h.p. I don't have ll the specks of the rebuild but I do know it was over bored to some degree. These things only have 3 main caps and a cast crank. As I've read you can get to about 200 h.p. with better heads, cam and an increase in compression. Gotta believe adding boost of any significant level could blow out the bottom end. I'll order up that book (and a few others) and read up. I'm staying away from any bottom end work for now. Going to cost enough with the suspension and all the other necessary bits to get this thing on the road. Besides, its not like I'm above building a second engine for a project! Round two maybe gets a bit crazier.
Had to sort through all the stuff I brought home with the truck and make some room in the garage. One thing led to another and next thing I knew I was test fitting all the parts of the front clip. Couple panels I knew were missing I found on E-Bay (one being the primer center nose piece) and wanted to see how all lined up. They don't re-pop front fenders for '51-52 and originals as hard to find, need lots of metal repair and cost a fortune. Really wanted the 'glass to work. Happy to report it's not too bad. With some tweaking and massaging I think it will be good. It looks like a truck!
Fst Blk
Well-Known Member
Cool project Terry.
kb3
Well-Known Member
Well, since you have to paint the entire front clip, maybe you could do a color change and get rid of that god awful mint green and brown color combination. While I know it has had a lot of work done to it, I can't see you sitting by without tearing it down, at least twice, and building it your way!
Color is staying. It has grown on me. I actually really like it now. The stock interior will go. I will do something custom for sure at some point. Likely this winter the soonest. Still debating a two-tone scheme or single color. It snowed again today here. When winter finally gives way to spring/summer my focus will swing back to the car. Truck will come along as time/interest allow. Just happy I found it and have it in my possession for now.
kb3
Well-Known Member
As for the color.....to each his own! I am happy you found the truck, I keep scouring the want ads for my next one, even though I have three projects in the wings currently.
JD08
Active Member
Rear gears can make up for a lack of horsepower.
3175375
Well-Known Member
that truck would look really cool with Cragar SS or Torquethrust wheels on it.
Likely going with old steel rims and moon caps. More and more this thing looks to be going old (really old) school hot rod all the way.
painted wire wheels.
Wagon wheels might be better!