Russ 2/27/00 - 7:24:22 PM
Roster of forum participants
I know I'm a latecomer to this forum, and obviously very inexperienced compared to the caliber of guys here. I am really impressed by the knowledge base here. I have always been a straight forward shadetree mechanic, doing an occasional rebuild. The extent of my high performance experience includes a merc crank and a few two's, which by the way always caused me terrible peoblems and a few engine fires. My point is that you guys are really getting to me, and a nostalgic hot-rod is becoming something that i'm getting interested in doing. That seems to be the orientation of the group. I am very interested in the group, who you are, where you live, what is your area of expertise etc. Has anyone put togther some kind of roster. Seems like you have a virtual club going here. It is very interesting and enjoyable visiting the forum, and I would enjoy tremendously knowing a little more about the people. Thats what clubs are all about, People. If I'm out of line with the group, just let me know guys and I'll just keep back, and soak up all I can.

Harlan: 2/27/00 - 10:05:47 PM
Hell-o. Ill start it. Im in my mid 60. and am a heave equipment feald service mack, I own my own company and being old,forgot what I new in the50-60. Had to give up toys whall puting two Kids through school. I am going back to what I love. I have a frame up 35 pick up that the wife and I go to Sunday brunch and a cone at the DQ in the evenings in. Will try to get some pictures in one of these Days if I can find out how. Live in northern Nv.

Russ: 2/27/00 - 10:30:01 PM
Thanks Harlan! I live in Southern CA, in my early 50's, Work in a Hospital Heart Lab, Have a '40 sedan restored and an original '49 - new engine in progress.

ALLEN: 2/28/00 - 7:30:39 AM
I THINK IT A GREAT IDEA YOU DONT HAVE TO LIST ADDRESS MAYBE JUST EMAILS IM CLOSEING HARD ON 40 MONTHS AWAY BEEN LOVEING FLATHEADS SINCE HIGHSCHOOL TURN ON TO IT BY A FRIEND WHO I STILL HANG OUT WITH TODAY. I OWN MY COMPANY WHICH I SELL MOTORCYCLES MUCH LIKE EVERBODY ELSE, COULD NOT AFFORD ONE TILL LATER IN LIFE IT STILL DIDNT MAKE THE WANT GO AWAY LIVE IN SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI WHERE THE RUST IS.

Jim Marlett: 2/29/00 - 11:05:52 PM
Hey, Ol'Merc, I'm 54 myself and work in a zoo. My automotive life history is on my web page and you can see where I work at www.scz.org I just thought I would add that like so many folks my age, I dropped my automotive hobby in about 1969 to marry, do my stint in the Army, raise a family and so on, and only within the last few years developed renewed interest. In a sense, I'm a newcomer too. It's amazing what you can forget in 30 years!

Tdiddy: 2/28/00 - 4:50:15 PM
I'm 38 years old and I'm a welder by trade. I work for Dana building 4x4 ford truck frames in Reading, Pa. I think that I will be picking up my Lincoln 337 on Sat. I don't have a car to put it in yet. I will keep you posted.

MTflat: 2/28/00 - 5:31:27 PM
I am pastor of a country church in the mountains of Montana. My interest in flat motors descends from my dad who was born in 32 and grew up with them and then I came along in 53 and was always referred to as 'the last of the flatheads' even before I knew what one was. Enjoy being here with all this fine company. May the good Lord just flat-out bless you all!

flatjack: 2/28/00 - 8:17:24 PM
I'm 56 years old and a plumbing contractor in Wisconsin. Previously, I was a mechanical engineer for IH working on gasoline engine development. I cut my teeth on big block FE and 429 CJ engines. When I picked up my 39 coupe about 15 years ago, I got the old flathead fever. Never plan on recovering. Working on a 36 roadster now.

stlgreg: 2/28/00 - 6:05:53 PM
I'll be 41 come Sunday and been a firefighter since I left college. Drive a pretty much stock '35 Tudor Sedan on the weekends in nice weather. My dad is would likely do flips in his grave if he knew I bought a a Ford 'Flattie'

Jay: : 2/28/00 - 6:40:26 PM
I dont do too many posts but I enjoy sitting back and learning from you folks.I am 28 years old and am a firefighter in Saskatoon,Saskatchewan, Canada.I got the old car bug from my father who is stuck in the fifties.I currently have a 49 ford sedan(factory original)that I plan on restoring and hopping up.I also enjoy the old flathead harleys so I am looking for leads on these as well. This is a great forum with super people.Thanks

Arrowsmith: 2/29/00 - 12:00:11 AM
I'll be 53 in 12 days retired from Chrysler after 30 years was a world II airplane mechanic for uncle for 4 years the airplanes were world war ll not me, have a 47 coupe this is my first flathead.

finn34: 2/29/00 - 1:29:39 AM
I work for the government (civil servant) and I am an engineer. I began building my 34 about ten years ago and had to learn everything myself, partly the hard way. (One cracked block) Have no nostalgic connections to flatheads but knew many years ago that the flathead is the way to go if you want a fast old car. So I have dreamed of a 30´ies Ford (hot rod) as long as I can remember. Got quite addicted to this site!

Roger: 2/29/00 - 6:02:38 AM
I'm 49, was raised in a large junk yard. my father came home from ww2 and started it in 1946. He ran it until 1993. I have had more flatheads than I can recall. My brothers and I used to pick a body and put in a motor, didn't mater what kind of body or what kind of motor as long as the body was decent and the motor didn't smoke to bad. I drove long distance trucks, Yes Dad was into long haul produce trucking to. Had an accident on Jan 7 1998 and broke my back. I'm disabled now. Now I have time to sit in the yard as we call it a dream up things to build. right now my son and I are building a home made forklift. I have a 50 ford coupe that is flathead powered, a 51 ford sedan with a winsdor engine, a 1930 model A pick-up, a 31 model A 4 dr. sedan. A 29 model A coupe with a 302, a40 pick-up a 53 pick-up on a 74 4 wheel drive chassie, and My favorite a 1963 Galaxie with a 514 cu in 460 Lincoln motor and a 4 speed. The a models and the 40 I got from Dad when he past away in Jan 1999. My wife acuses me of being LOST IN THE 50's with no road map out.

trader: 2/29/00 - 9:10:30 AM
Hey. I am 53, own a high performance machine shop in central Texas, and cater mostly to the circle track and drag race gear-heads. The most common question from my young customers' who come into my shop is; what in the hell is that??? A flathead, I reply. COOOOL!!! Does it run??? YUPPPPPPPPPPPP..... I Have a Master's degree in Southern Engineering, and a B.S. in making Chebbies go-fast. I do however, get to makeover a few flatties each year. I have been PUSH-ROD challenged, since I was 16, when my Dad made me buy a Model A. I bought my first v8 when I started college, a 35' 3-window coupe. I currently own a 35' pickup, and a 35' ton and a half grain truck, we refer to as ' yard art '. My vehicles are set to go, not show... I have only recently found this site, but enjoy checking it frequently. I have been there, broke this, and fixed that, and learned to separate the hype-from-the-help. Therein lies the best quality of this forum. People giving you help-for-nothing. Sharing their knowledge with perfect (or-not-so-perfect) strangers. Is America great, or what???? Keep it between the lines yall!!!

JWL: 2/29/00 - 9:33:53 PM
I'm 57 years young and got hooked on Flatheads more than 45 years ago. I stumbled in to the helpful hands of a very patient and knowledgable Flathead drag racer who taught me more about Flatheads, and about life, than all the books and all the teachers, and all the professors combined. I have spent the majority of my working career in manufacturing management. Today I live in southern Georgia and have a small shop where I get involved in a variety of engineering and manufacturing projects, and of course build a few''special'' parts for my racing friends and an occasional engine. I do consulting work for a local company in the Manufacturing Engineering and Designing fields. I have several projects in-process for Flatheads including aluminum waterpumps, aluminum oil pans, lip type rear main seal, and a few others in the design phase. My first car was a 1940 2 Dr. and one of my present cars is a 1940 2 Dr. I maintain a small inventory of new parts and try to 'break even' on that side of the business. I enjoy trying to help others who do not have a guru to work with like I was lucky enough to have.

Dennis in LV: 2/29/00 - 9:45:50 PM
Like JWL, I am an old Manufacturing guy, having retired just last year at 57. Wife and I relocated from So. Cal to Las Vegas shortly thereafter. My love affair with the Ford flathead began as a teenager and has never waned. Except for short stretches of my life I have always owned one in one form or another. I am impressed with the knowledge and courtesy of the posters here - and the fact that there are so many fine young people participating in the forum. We old guys are very happy to see you developing a real interest in this fun pursuit.

Jim flatheads forever: 2/29/00 - 9:49:11 PM
I am 48, live in Ohio, and am an engineer. I still have the '50 Tudor my grandmother had when I was a little brat. In '90 I bought a totally junk 41 one-ton express, spent 8 years restoring it just to see if I could - mainly because it reminded me of the 49 F-5 my dad had - I learned to drive in the 49 - any 7 year old can drive a truck if the creeper gear is low enough ratio! Great to hear more about the wonderful people on this forum!

F1Tim: 2/29/00 - 9:53:36 PM
I'm a 31 year old mechanical engineer from Wisconsin. I just completed my first flathead project last year. It is in a '48 F1. I definitely plan to build another flathead.

BillB: 3/1/00 - 6:19:45 AM
Well, at 63 I seem to be one of the elders here, may change my stage name from 'BillB'' to 'Ole Bill'. I have recently retired after 37 years from what is now called the 'Document Management Industry', simply put, designing and selling computer integrated business forms and related printing. I've just sold my business this past year and decided to go back to what I enjoyed as a kid, Fords and flatheads. Also, I'm an avid scuba diver with over 450 logged ocean dives from the Great Lakes, Caribbean to the Pacific. Funny, I've heard of 'Full Circle' before and now it's here, back where it began, just no more circle track stuff. I shuttle between Chicago and SW Michigan spending more time doing a frame up restoration on my '37 Coupe. It's been a real project trying to rekindle all that info, thought I knew a lot until I found this forum and the wealth of knowledge here, along with the willingness to help. Now, I'm a year older than that car, if it's running, I'm running. BillB

Kansaskeith: 2/29/00 - 10:22:51 PM
I am 62 years old and of course live in Kansas. I am a construction estimator and project manager. I got my first flathead in April of 1955. It was a 50 Ford Custom Deluxe tudor. It only lasted about 9 months. Too much racing, wine, women and song. I didnt have another 50 Ford till 1973 when I bought a 50 tudor which was a 6 cylinder. I then got the bug for a 50 convertible. I bought one of sorts out of a salvage yard. For the newcomers to this board I am posting a link to pictures of the restoration. I also have several other restored cars but they were all manufactured by the G word company, so I won't mention them. My current project is a frame off restoration on a 55 Ford. convertible.

Flat32: 3/1/00 - 12:03:12 AM
I'm a couple months shy of 57, retired and owned by a '32 3 window coupe with a 59A engine. Live just south of Seattle now after 18 years in Taiwan. I've a passion for hot rodding and a deep appreciation of bone stock restorations.

Jim: 3/1/00 - 5:22:29 AM
I'm 58, live in East TN. Retired Army Officer, had heavy equipment repair and welding business for 10 years, been an overseas equipmnent supt. on construction jobs in Africa and the middle east and presently am an account manager for a national sign manufacturer. Had my first A v8 in 55, still have my dirt car from the early 60s and have a quite a few of my Ford aqusiitions of the last 40+ years still on hand. Also still have my Indian Chief!

Paul Selfe: 3/1/00 - 6:42:31 AM
Good morning all, I'm just months shy of 57 also, and live about 20 miles east of Cleveland O. I'm a Mfg. Eng.(mech.) working on a very large and expensive business software implementation project for Marconi Medical Systems. I rebult my first flathead when I was 14, and proceded to a 46 convert at 17, with a 51 motor that I modified with cam, heads, and two carbs. I gained a lot of experience from my father (long time Ford mech.) and my older brother (who went through several old fords by 21). Got married in the late 60's and was away for a while raising two fine kids. About 10 years ago I re-activated my interest in hot rods with a freebee 53 pu. and a scrap 47 coupe. Both were parted out and provided parts for my T roadster. Current ride is a 23 glass roadster with much reworked 51 8RT . I'm proud of the fact that I did all the work on it, with a lot of help from my son, as well as the upholstery, with help from my wife. I am currently working on a 51 pu. for my brother, and will soon start on a 40 pu for myself, and a 39 2dr. sedan for my wife.

32tom: 3/1/00 - 7:38:08 AM
I'm 55 fell in love with hot rods building models in the 50's. I have an independent muffler and brake shop in suburban Wash. D.C.. I have a 32 sport coupe,roadster,p/u,47 woodie and a 57 ranchero (some with Chevys). now if I can just live long enough...

Pat: 3/1/00 - 10:20:53 AM
52 years old, geologist, '27 T on A frame with '50 Lincoln 337 ci (under construction), also have '65 El Camino and '65 Mustang and a 26 bucket on A rails with '50 industrial engine and '39 box that will be for the Antique Nationals (that too is under construction), live in beautiful Ventura , Calif.

Fred: 3/1/00 - 11:35:02 AM
I'm 54, have always wanted to restore and drive a flathead. I've owned at least ten flathead Fords growing up. I enjoy the hobby tremendously.

gmm: 3/1/00 - 11:59:00 AM Another view
I'm 49 and had a couple of flathead motors and an old ford truck in the back yard in highschool. Got my first flathead that was anygood in 1973. It was a 60 horse 37 coupe. Been fiddling with them ever since. I've had several 34's another 37 coupe. 34 dump truck, 51 dump truck,many engines, all were flathead ford V-8's. Also had a 1920 Overland 4-banger touring car which was fun, but not a flathead ford by anymeans. Also at one time i had 14 vehicles of varying degrees of disintegration , turned them all in for a 49 buick convertible and a 1960 ford dump truck and a couple of ford 8N tractors to boot. I turned all of that into a 47 ford 'shiny red' convertible and a 1941 coupe. these 2 are the only 2 vehicles i now have. I am currently rebuilding a 49 merc for the 41 coupe. Will have isky max 1 cam, Holley 4000 4 bbl., offy heads, mallory dual point distr.,..all thats left to do is clay the heads, set up the mallory and pout on the oil pan, paint it all chevy red and pop it in the 41. re-built a columbia this winter for the 41 and just need to pop that in. Oh, and i forgot, i have a 52 ford truck in stock waiting for some work someday. greg minerich AKA anonymoose

John: 3/1/00 - 3:59:39 PM
I'm a 61 year old retired police officer and have been into flatheads since the mid fiftys. Am presently rebuilding my 50 Ford with FR flathead. Hope to have it done this summer for some cruising. And yes, inspite of my previous occupation, I still like to put my foot into it and rap those pipes. I live in the Detroit area.

Mart: 3/1/00 - 5:05:58 PM
Mart here. Real name Martin Holden. Age 42. Transmission Engineer for luxury car manufacturer. Located in Solihull England Have Flathead powered 34 coupe Building AV8 57TBird 'Resting' AKA Flatty on RRT.

Bubba: 3/1/00 - 6:14:10 PM
Bubba here. I'm 55 and (dammit) still working as a copywriter and all-round advertising misfit. My ride is a 41 Ford Tudor, 59L flathead and the usual array of hop-up/dress up stuff (pix in the flatheader's album) My hood is still in the rafters above my 39 Stude flat-six Champion. I live in Minnesota, but wish I was a neighbor of MTFlat in Big Sky country.

mr bill: 3/1/00 - 10:54:52 PM
I just turned 48 I mean 12 yesterday on the 29th. I didnt really know much about flatheads but I love old pickups and when I got my '38 I was hooked. I am a self employed retailer and I live in central Minnesota. If I am not messing with my flathead I can be found playing with my Harley.

Wayne: 3/1/00 - 7:13:56 PM
I'm 43 years old and an Electrical Engineer in Houston, TX. I bought my first flathead in 1978, a 36 5-window coupe. After restoring it with a LOT of help from friends and fellow car buffs I moved on to a 29 roadster, a 49 Chevy truck, and a 66 Mustang. Sold them all between 1983 and 1991. Last year I just couldn't stand it any longer and bought a 1936 Ford Roadster. I've just started the restoration process and have found this forum to be an invaluable (and friendly) source of info. Thanks everyone!

NOTPIT500: 3/1/00 - 7:02:27 PM
Am 43 years young, live on the east coast, have a 53 Ford PU that is being restored. Have 2 337 lincoln motors complete except for small odds n ends, one with the od tranny attached. Have half a dozen 49 -53 flathead V8s, one that runs and another that has been rebuilt to put in the 53 so have not started it yet. Am a jack of all trades master of none

Kestas: 3/1/00 - 7:37:01 PM
I'm a flatheader wannabe. I'm about one inch away from putting together a '32 Ford highboy. I've got my eye on a cabriolet. I've always had classic cars my whole life, and I'm trying to get a 'feel' for what flatheading is all about. By trade, I'm a metallurgical failure analyst for the auto manufacturers here in Detroit. Once in a while, I see a question where I can give some technical insight; but for the most part, I'm just soaking up what you guys know in the real world.

FlatV8: 3/1/00 - 10:35:45 PM
Well.... guess it's my turn. Hopefully this isn't too long. I've been visiting this forum since Classicar created it. Because of all of you, it's been the first place I head for after work for some time now. As for my love of the flathead, I think it all began in early 1956. I was 8 when I helped my dad replace the rings in a '49 Merc Woody. We did it with a monkey wrench, a couple pair of pliers, and a screw driver, with the engine staying in the car. Needless to say that rebuild didn't last very long. Even then, my Dad always said that, up until that rebuild, the old Merc was the quietest running and best looking car he ever owned. When I was 14, my Scoutmaster let the troop work on his 33 Sedan. That's when I learned about Merc cranks, Offy heads, Isky cams, Jahns pistons, twin carb Hi-Boy manifolds, Fenton headers, and car thieves (the 33 was stolen our first trip out with it). This Scoutmaster not only introduced the Troop to real hotrods, he also taught us how to scrounge the So Cal desert canyons for swap meet trade material. At 15 I worked all summer long for my first flathead. 'Sposed to of been a '47 Club Coupe, but through a heavy handed switch I ended up with a bent up and broke '52 Hornet. A flathead as well, but not the car I dreamed of all summer long. A number of failed purchase efforts followed and then college, family, ... you all know the story. Then, fifteen years ago I saw an add for a '47 Coupe. Having a sympathetic and tolerant wife, a few weeks later I had the Club Coupe I wanted as a teen. Since then I have been scrounging up reference materials, visiting wrecking yards, the shops of old mechanics, classic car shows, car museums, etc, to learn as much as I can about the post WWII Ford. The bug had bit, and bit hard. Much to my wife's frustration, for a while there it seemed that I would drag home almost every derelict post war Ford and Merc I came across. Having now learned of my limitations as a restorer, I have reduced the projects to two. The coupe and a '52 F-1. I did complete a refurbishment of a nice old Merc (see the URL above). Been living in the pacific northwest for 30 odd years now. Since starting my quest for information on the Ford flathead I feel this forum has been one of my greatest finds.

Kratester: 3/2/00 - 9:11:32 AM
A Ford Freak from SW PA, born '57, caught the fever at an early age became stronger in junior high and outta control in H.S. in the '70's. 1st car was a 71 Ranchero 500 351C 4spd. Wish I had it today. Now redoing a 53 F-100 which is how I stumbled onto this forum. Also have '67 Fairlane sw,'55 Ford 800 tractor amongst my vintage toys. Not to mention an understanding wife. Postal worker by night, tinkerer by day.

hotrodA: 3/2/00 - 9:24:37 AM
Got hooked on this forum last month. Have a 31 highboy with a belly button engine, that I am planning to convert to Flattie. Have an 8BA to build with Offy heads, 3-2's, Merc crank, Mallory, still need pistons. I'm a 53 going on 16 year old with an addiction. Also have a 33 5-window in the wings for retirement. Live in Memphis, TN. Thanks for letting me listen.

rumble seat: 3/2/00 - 6:51:25 PM
I'm a retired electric engineering manager for a utility company. I'm 68 years old (yeah, I was born the same year as the flathead V8...1932, but drive a '34). Started messing with flatheads when I was 12 by tearing a '34 engine down and putting it back together. I'm amazed it ran at all! The local garage got tired of me hanging around all the time asking dumb questions, so they hired me to clean parts, sweep, etc. at 25 cents an hour! One mech took a liking to me and let me hinder his work every day. He'd show me things and talked to me about engines etc. Within a year, I had rebuild my first trans and engine for them. When I was barely 16 I got a job as a tune up man at a local Ford agency. Got married a few years later and joined up before they could draft me. While in the Navy I started stock car racing and building hot flatheads in Texas before I shipped out. After my Navy aircraft mechanic stint, I built stockers, modifieds, sportsmans, midgets, and sport cars in the evenings. Days I worked as a general mechanic on any kind make of car. Got tired of all the BS that went with working with other mechanics that didn't want to do things right and quit. Went to work as a draftsman with a local utility company and worked my way up to engineering manager. Retired from there in 1994 after 35 years. During that interim, I rode dirt bikes a lot and worked on flatheads at a local wrecking yard. Never got into drag racing too much... couldn't stand waiting half the day to make a run I guess. Now I'm driving a '66 Falcon Ranchero with a built 289 and overdrive as a daily driver. My fun car is a '34 roadster with a built 286 59 series flathead, Edelbrock heads and dual intake with offset generator, Stromberg 97's, Isky 77B cam, big intake valves, Lincoln springs, cut flywheel, Mallory, 3 ring Jahn's racing pistons, and is ported and polished. It has Zephyr 26 tooth gears in a '39 box, 3.78:1 gears with a Columbia O'D, 4 inch dropped axle, big and littles, and, naturally, a rumble seat! Neat ride and I drive it about 14-16,000 miles a year with a cross country run every year to one coast or the other. Guess I'm just an old gear head. I live in the Denver area. Sorry to ramble on, but you know I do... rumble seat

GERALD B.: 3/2/00 - 9:11:10 PM
I WANT TO GET ON YOUR ROSTER, TOO.I AM 62,AND RETIRED FROM A CHEMICAL CO. LAST JUNE. I HAVE 4 FLATHEAD CARS, AND 2 FLATHEAD TRUCKS.I HAVE FLATHEAD INFORMATION FROM REPAIR MANUALS,MAGAZINES,AND OLD CATALOGS. I ALSO BELONG TO THE EARLY FORD V8 CLUB. I AM ALLEN'S FRIEND AND I LIVE IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI WITH ALL THE HEAVY RUST. GERALD B.

BILLY: 3/2/00 - 10:46:23 PM
I must've missed this post...Billy here. Day late and a dollar short...As for me, live in So. Cal. 'born in the USA' in 1946. Was a computer hardware manager at the L.A. Herald Examiner for 22-yrs., later worked as a heavy machinery/diesel mechanic for a paving company for nine years, and currently co-own an industrial hardware and supply company with my wife. You guys know, Miki, the one with the 41-pick-up. Have been fascinated since my childhood with engines and such. My father got me my first 40-tudor sedan (flathead, of course) in 1961 and that's when it all started...been tinkering with model airplanes (remember the ol' U-Controls), trains, go carts, motorcycles and still have many cars and motorcycles. Sitting on three right now that need to be restored but my first love is fabrication, welding, body work, and paint. I could spend 12-hours in a hot garage and never snivel once. God I love this hobby!

SteveM: 3/3/00 - 10:54:47 PM
I guess I should tell all.I`m a 36 year old airframe/powerplant/avionics technician working in Hartford Connecticut.Before getting my A/P license I was a self taught machinist working in a manufacturing factory.I also am a Navy vet but never saw action.I`m building a replica of a lakes modified Model A `31 Ford powered by a 1952 Mercury flathead.Origionally this was suppose to be a neat hotrod powered by a spare SVO Mustang turbo cylinder engine with fully modern drivetrain.However the urge struck me build oldstyle.I even copied the quickchange rear built by Wayne Atkinson.I`m using 40 Ford brakes and other neat stuff.All in all thanks for the help and it`s neat to sort of belong to this group.

IBUILDM: 3/4/00 - 12:18:16 PM
I think this roster idea is a good one. I'm 52 years old and own a streetrod shop near Spokane, Washington. My own personal car is a Wescott bodied 32 roadster with a 8BA motor with a Merc crank, Isky 400 JR. cam, Edelbrock headsand a old Weiand 2-2s hi-ram manifold with 97s. It has a 4 speed saginaw trans adapted to it with a V-8 QC bringing up the rear. I have driven it over 25K miles since building it about 4 years ago. This summer we are driving it on the R&C Americruise to Lincoln. It should be a great time. Maybe we'll some of you guys there.

erbssr: 3/4/00 - 6:15:55 PM
My name is Fred Erben (erbssr - my son is erbs)I just turned 57 in February. Originally from Texas, now living in Missouri. A member of Goodguys & NW Missouri Street Rodders. For those who don't know, I have a 49 2dr sedan, metallic maroon, lowered 4" all the way around. Lots of chrome under the hood. LeBarron Bonney interior, dual Smitty's, chrome smoothies, skirts, dual baby dummy spots, peep mirrors. Currently getting ready to install an Offy regular dual intake with 94's and a chrome 6 Volt Pos. ground alternator from HR&CS. Just got my Mallory dual point installed today & runs great! After the engine modifications I am going to install Moon lakes pipes to make it look even lower than it is now. Started playing with rods when I was 16. First car was a 40 coupe with a 39 floor shift tranny. In the Navy I had a 41 coupe, customized with frenched & shaved everything & a stock flatty. Then went to a 49 Plymouth coupe with a 57 Olds J-2 engine with 6 dueces! Other gems included a brand new 68 Road Runner, 70 Dodge Challanger, 55 Chevy, 57 Chevy, 67 GTO.

Billk: 3/4/00 - 9:05 PM
My name is Bill Klein and I live in the St. Louis area. I got started in the flathead thing when I bought a 50 Merc 2-door. I drove it stock for a while then picked up another motor to rebuild for it. I built a 3 5/16 by 4 motor with aluminum heads, 1.6 intake valves, isky Max1 cam, 3x2 intake with 94's, Accel Chevy dual point distributor, Mild port and relieve job, tube headers and Smithy's. My current project is a '26 roadster on '32 rails. It is to be a period car with all early parts. It will have a 3 5/16 by 4 1/8 59L motor with aluminum heads, an Iski 1007B cam, 1.6 intake valves, 3x2 intake with 97's, port and relieve job, Harman-Collins dual coil ignition, custom headers and Smithy's. I'm running a Columbia 2-speed rear end and a Quickchange, 16 inch wire wheels and big-and-little blackwalls. Currently I'm putting the motor together and have the body stripped and in acid etch primer with a friend doing the finish body work in his spare time. You can see some not too current pictures at http://home.swbell.net/wmgkle/wmgklhome.html

Dick Listro: 3/4/00 - 11:45 PM
Hello, I'm Dick Listro and I live in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. I have been in the Aerospace business for the last 25 years. I get a chance to see a lot tof the US especially wherever the airlines are. Eight years ago I purchased my 1949 Ford Tudor and in January I added a 1950 Ford Convertible. You might have read some of my articles in the now defunct 1949-1950-1951 Ford Mercury Newsletter. I usually attend the national convention with my friend Chuck Watts of Springfield, Mass. During the spring summer and fall you can find me and my wife Anne at a Cruise Nite in the Hartford-Springfield area almost every night. My Black 1949 Ford Tudor has been completely restored. LeBarron-Bonney interior, a fresh paint job with all metal patch panels (no bondo), complete rewire. Last winter's project was to rebuild a 8RT for the '49. It is a 276 CID with a MCF 3/4 cam, a Chrysler HEI ignition, Offy heads, and a Edelbrock 500 CFM 4V carb. All chromed up and buffed under the hood. The '50 convertible is stock. Runs great, looks great - I bought it out of South Carolina form someone that had the car for close to 30 years. Black with a beige top. Enjoy this board immensely and am thoroughly impresed with the knowledge base here.

Lars Brandow: 3/5/00 - 12:12 AM
I was born 1955 in Sweden, and still live there. 200km south of Stockholm. I got my first flathead when I was 22, a 39 fordor. Currently owner of a 1942 Business Coupe. I work with computer support, mainly mainframe stuff, VMS, SAP R/3.

TomG: 3/5/00 - 4:41:21 PM
Tom G here. I was born in 1965, a really great year for the fine folks at Ford. I just love the looks of a Gaxlie 500 drop-top. Anyway, I've owned this flathead powered 1952 F-1 truck twice now. And I'm having a great time with my three young son's. My youngest son built a 'Pinewood Derby Racer' for Cub Scouts, and it was a truck. It was his idea, and we had a great time. I'm building my truck into a fifty's style custom. I work for an oil company here in Indiana.

James: 3/5/00 - 9:39 PM
I own three F-1 pickups, 50, 51 & 52 all taged & running V-8 flatheads in all. I check this list every chance I get. I live in Roanoke Virginia. Drive gas transport truck for living. Trucks take all my spare time, sometimes it's an obsession instead of a hobby. Got a flatbrain I guess. Oh, I've been around since 7/11/47, that makes me about 39.

Sherrel:3/5/00 - 10:41:08 PM
I am 64 years old,located in N.E. Ala.,retired after 34 years with Western Electric/Lucent Tech.From the time I was 15 to about 20 years old,my Dad towed cars from Chicago for resale here. My first flathead was a '41 2dr. sedan (super ugly!) At 17,I purchased a 1950 Ford,4 dr. and have owned a 49 or 50 Ford from then until now. I've never been into racing and am not mechanically inclined, I just love nice orig. auto of all makes. I've spent the last 40 years restoring and showing cars as a hobby. Currently I have 2 albums on PhotoPoint, they are Shoeboxes:past & present and Cars I've owned since 1964.These are only a part of the cars of have owned over the years. I enjoy the forum very much!Flatheaders Online, Page 2

Sopp
David Soppeland, Eau Claire, WI. Born in 1947, grew up building hotrods with older brother. First flathead was a '46 that we put in '31 Chevy coupe. That was in 1962. Black & white photos on Flatheaders 1 photopoint. Built several street rods through the years. Rekindled my interest a few years ago after going to El Mirage and seeing the Kong powered streamliner. Retired 10 years ago due to health problems.
1953 Ford F600 1949 Ford school- bus Several other engines. Building XF/GL bellytank

GasHouse: 3/6/00 - 3:23 PM
My name is Jerry Smith. I'm 39 and a young pup by these mature standards. I am a degreed Computer Engineer and Senior Consultant for a Software/Demographics company in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Several years ago I purchased two 1950 F-1 pickups. Both Kansas farm trucks that made their way to Oklahoma. They both have Flatheads in them. I like that because I'm a Kansas native. Sorry for my ignorance but at the time I purchased them I didn't know a Flathead from a hole in the ground. My family doesn't have a long link to the Ford product. They're all Chevy people from way back. My dad raced on the weekends in his '56 BelAire in Wichita until we moved to Kcity, MO.
My dad talked me into rebuilding the Flathead, imagine a Chevy man talking someone into rebuilding a Flathead! I've helped him and my brother rebuild 350s and 305s but never took one on myself. I missed out on the family legacy. But now I am doing something neither of them has done. I'm frame off customizing the nicer of the two trucks. This includes rebuilding the motor.
After some 3-4 months of study I started rebuilding the Flathead at my father's insistence. Now he's a Chevy guy. So I've finished up the engine rebuild last year. Love the old motor. But after the rebuild/cleaning it certainly does not look like an old motor. The motor was in great shape, for a 47 year old motor. It's been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.
The motor makes a wonderful sound even without a muffler.
So I'm not an old Flatheader but it doesn't take age or experience to appreciate fine classic iron. GasHouse is a name I use online to honor my grandfather who just loved the "Gashouse Gang" from '35-'36. It's got no meaning to a filling station, although ironically my initials are GAS and I work for a petroleum demographics company.

flatheadking
Walt Dupont , I'm a 64 yr. old hot rodder. I'm a retired automotive machinist. All my life i've run an auto machine shop. I'd like to have a nickle for the 100s of engines I've built in the last 45 yr's. I did my first valve job on a 38 ford when i was 15. An old time mechanic ran a garage near my house showed me how, I've been hooked on flatheads ever since. I still have a shop at home and build a lot of flatheads and model A's. My ride is a 1940 Ford coupe, channeled, with a full race flathead w/supercharger. Will send a picture to 32tom. I built the car 20 yr's ago. Wife and I put about 10,000 miles a season on going to rod runs. I live in Maine so our season is shorter than Calf. I'm on my 3rd engine in 20 yr's. I've never got out of the 50s so the car is dark grey primer, it will never be any different.

Frankie Flathead
G'day to all !!
Stumbled onto this great Flathead site today. My name in Frank Pana and I live in Melbourne, Victoria Australia, yeah that's right, the LAND DOWN UNDER !
I am 33 yo and belive it or not still single, a 30's - 50's lover and love the cars, clothes and music of that period. Work as a business development manager for a flexible packaging company in Melbourne. Have built other cars, predominantly Chrysler muscle cars, but have always wanted to build an old timey HOT ROD - and am realising this as am now putting together a '32 3 window coupe.
Am now building a 49 8BA Ported & relieved, 3 5/16 bore, 4" stroke have Offy heads, triple 97's on Offy intake, Potvin cam, Mopar electronic ign, modified 5 speed g/box and am now saving for a Halibrand Quickie. Already have chassis. This is my first flathead and first hot rod. Have two other cars on market to fund new project.
Possibility of travelling to States in July - Aug 2000 and would love to hit swap meets / events / cruise nites with local So Cal rodders. Will advise new website for correspondence over next 2-3 weeks.
Frankie Flathead FrankP@Hofmann.com.au

FLATOUT29
I am 17 and live in Indiana, I am currently building a 1929 tudor sedan highboy. With obviously a '48 flathead. I got my start in cars through my dad and Grandpa, My grandpa restores Model A's mostly now, Others if some one brings him one, and My dad just recently changed over from stockers to Street rods. Although when I was very little I remember the bright Yellow Model T speedster we had, which were the FIRST hot rods. We also have a 34 3-window, although not powered by a flathead a fun car all the same.
Although I work as a dishwasher right now I plan to attend Purdue toward the end of next year. The Forum Is great! I have gotten a lot of help from everyone!!

Stan Ochs
I feel kinda like the new kid here. I've only been participating with this group for about a week or two. I'm 57 years old, and live in Boring (not a joke) Oregon. My oldest flathead powered car is a '32 roadster. The running gear is all stock, and the body is glass. The flathead engine is a 4-cylinder! I'll fix that if I can find an original style radiator. I also have a stock (for now)'34 sedan,'47 4-door and '48 convert. I have met one of this group at the Street Rod Nationals in Spokane. That is IBUILDM. I grew up in Coeur d'Alene and we discussed Denny Powell's old 3-window coupe. I hope I can meet more of you as time allows.

Lowhotrod
I am 52 years old and live in the mountains of West Virginia. (Home of the winter snow and salt that rust thrives on.) B.S in Industrial Engineering and have worked for heavy equipment and diesel engine distributors since 1975. Currently working for a Cummins Diesel Distributor as Regional Sales Mgr. for the Power Systems Division. I have been building street rods for as long as I can remember and was bitten by the flathead bug a few years ago. Have found several old rusty Ford trucks and the only thing left to salvage was the indestructible flathead motor. Current project is an RT and I am still looking for a cherry "A" model body for the transplant. Your forum has been an invaluable source of information. Keep up the good work!

Saltracer
My name is Phillip Landry (saltracer@netscape.net). Born Sept. 51, formative years were spent in my dad's service station and junkyard. First motor I took apart was a flathead probably in 60 or so when I was 9 or 10. Was into streetrods for quite a while, went back to college and ten short years later graduated. Now work for Mazak (CNC machine tool manufacturer) as field tech. My friend Gary Ferstl and I are building a 27 roadster with 50 Merc power to run at Bonneville someday. The real pleasure is working on it though.

rodnut
I've been a flathead Ford lover since age 11 (1957) when I discovered that the high school kid down the street had a Model A drag car - severely chopped and channeled coupe with a full house, four Stromberg, alcohol burning flathead w/ foot long stack headers. He and his dad let me sit in the aluminum aircraft bucket seat one summer evening as they tuned it for the drag races the following day. Man, I was hooked!! The bitchin' sound of that frantic flathead and the blue flames belching out of those shorty stacks - I was in heaven! At 14, I purchased my first car (actually, traded my go-cart). A deuce 5 window body on a Z'd frame with a flathead long block - never got it running, and after about a year, dad said 'get it out of my garage' so I sold it for $65.00!!! Had many cars, rods and motorcyles (last was '47 Indian Chief) over the years, my last rod (home built in '86 - sold in '90) being a '30 A hiboy coupe w/ early Chrysler hemi on board! Since taking retirement a couple of years ago due to a bum back, I needed something to keep me from going further over the edge, so I've been slowly building a steel bodied '26 Ford track roadster (40's style hiboy) on a home built frame. She's running a ported and relieved 276" Merc, '42-'48 style Eddie Meyer cylinder heads and 2 carb intake, hot Snyder cam w/ Johnson adj. lifters, Ross forged pistons, full float rods, full balance, 'W' style headers w/ stainless lake dumps and exhaust, '39 top shifter, '40 rear w/ home made quick change, 16" Kelsey's w/ big and little bias 'Stones, split bones, primer and no chrome! It's been a long process, as I must enlist the help of my buddies to move and lift things, but I hope to have it functional by late spring / early summer. "Real hot rods don't have rocker arms"! Keep the rubber side down! rodnut@dellnet.com

BILL
I AM 62 YRS OLD AND STILL ACTIVE IN THE FLATHEAD FIELD. AM PRESENTLY RACING A FLATHEAD 29 ROASTER. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE PEOPLE IN HERE THAT BUILD ALL OUT ENGINES. ANYONE INTERESTED IN LAND SPEED RACING PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANKS, BILL
RYNDBOYS@aol.com

Chad:
Hi my name is Chad and I have a problem. Addicted to flatheads already even though this is my first one. ('50 Merc) I'm 42, live in NW corner of Alabama, machine operator in a paper mill. I'm into old Jeeps and Engish motorcycles (with a good appreciation for any thing with wheels)Just started a new project 46 Willys Jeep after selling a 47 I had finished. One of the first questions always asked was, "does it still have the old flathead in it?", meaning of course the Willys four cylinder (which it didn't) Well, I'll be ready next time they ask 'cause that's where the Merc's going to be (I realize that could be sorta' sacreligious to some but pretty cool when you pop the hood, nonetheless.I have this'gotta be different' gene in my body that really causes trouble sometimes! THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT INFO SO FAR AND HOPE TO NOT ANNOY YOU PROS WITH TRIVIAL QUESTIONS TOO OFTEN......

Brian Nelson
HI I am 35yrs old and ask all the dumb questions. I was raised with Ford Power, my first rod was my dads 34 pickup he had in the 50's, 62 Fairlane in high school, 57 Club Vic Fairlane in my 20's. Now I am working on a Late 31 Model A Tudor Dlx, this car is more rare than a Vicky and the last new model before the V8 came out. I am hoppin up a four banger to put in the A, Winfield head & Cam & 81's & V8 trans. The car will be built with a 30's-40's Farmboy look ( No fenders, orig. paint , '16 Bud wheels ) the car was my GR.GR. Grandfathers,it was stored in the family barn 1956-1999 and I drove it the day after it came out of the barn. Your forum is a big help for me, my father says he can not remember " all that flathead stuff " . I am a Millwright for a printing company in Minnesota. I know alot of "useless information" about Model A and B engine eMail me if anyone has a question.
THANKS Brian Nelson brjnelson@uswest.net

Jim Earle
Well let's see, I'm probably one of the youngest guys messing around with flatheads. My name is Jim Earle and I go by Jim E in the forum. I'm 31 and live on the south coast of Massachusetts. I've always been interested in customizing cars, but originally was looking for a muscle car. But after I thought about it, there are just too many around and I wanted to be different. I bought my 51 Ford two years ago and have been working on it ever since. When I bought it, it still had the stock suspension, stock flathead, but some of the body work mods had already been done, ie - nosed, decked, shaved. I drove it home and began dismantling it over the next year. I redid the interior and replaced the (yuck) - Toyota Camry buckets, to the original front and rear benches and even added carpet, the previous owner was running a bare metal floor. I replaced the front and rear suspension similar to Fred Erben's. I rewired it all and converted it to 12 volt. I am now doing the engine mods and have been following along with many people in this forum to get ideas and exchange thoughts. I do have to admit that when I show up at car shows in my car with the flathead, it leaves alot of the older (wiser?) guys kinda scratching their heads wondering what a "kid" is doing with a car like this.

Sonny Ayers
Hi to all,
I was about 14 when I bought my 36 Ford 3 window coupe. I'm 64 now, my how time flies.:-) My next flathead, a 40 deluxe coupe came a few years later while I was in still in high school. I went through the engine, porting, polishing and relieving. Found some good used hopup parts for it. 3/4 cam dual manifold, and aluminum heads. It was really a cool car, too much to tell it all. It was about that time that my dad became interested (at my prompting) stock car racing. Over the next few years we raced as many as three cars at one time and sometimes two nights a week. My dad even became a racing promoter at two tracks. I have some stuff on my web page that reflects some of this era. We eventually put a 53 Lincoln engine in one of our cars. It was basically stock except for headers and a Clay Smith Cam that had a FOMOCO part number. The thing ran well but was too nose heavy in the turns. Anyhow, we quit stockcars in about 1954. Had one full race 296 flathead left and I put it in a 1937 coupe and went drag racing. Only raced once at a "real" drag strip, and that was in Easterwood LA. Since I ran alky folks would sometimes put me in the dragster class. At that particular race I ran an altered flathead. Since he had the engine set back and was a thousand pounds lighter, I got beat. I did turn 13 flat at 102 MPH, not to bad for a full bodied coupe back then. Got married in 1956. Went to the 1957 NHRA Nationals at the OK City. Myself and 4 school buddies took another 36 three window coupe to the Nationals that year and ran "C Gas" We ran a 274 CI, 471 GMC blown Y Block. I fabricated the the blower manifold from sheet metal. A machinist friend machined the 3 drive pulleys, we used a 3 groove V belt setup. Donald Wright (who owned the body) was the driver and we eliminated about 8 cars and lost our clutch lining with the final round to go. What a downer, we came home and dismantled the thing and everyone went their separate ways. Finally began to settle down and follow the auto paint and body trade. By this time we had four little mouths to feed, one girl and 3 boys. Throughout the next 10 years or so I was involved with some other folks' drag cars, all Fords, BTW. :-) Those included a stock class 63 Falcon FB, which eventually evolved into a "C Modified Production". A 1961 Ford super stock Ford Starliner that evenually evoled into a "B Modified Production". These cars were top runners here in the Houston area. I'm having to leave out some other cars to keep this thing from becoming a book. My final drag car involvememnt was a 1960 "A Gas" Falcon. This car was built in 1965 and according to NHRA rules. We ran a 427 tunnel port engine with the normal stuff and a Borg Warner 4 speed, and 9 inch Ford read end. One thing that was unique was the one piece fiberglass front end. I took the original sheetmetal, cleaned it up and used it for an inside mold. The A gasser belonged to and was driven by David Williams. Best time was high 10s and 125 MPH. After a couple of years keeping the gasser up for David I hung it up to spend more time with the family, something I don't regret. Got eight grandkids now, and might even be a great Pawpaw one of these days. Might go into more detail on my webpage about some of the stuff mentioned and some stuff not mentioned.
Would like to build up a "Flathead" one more time. ....Sonny Ayers

Robert Livingston
I am a 41 yr. old rebuilding my first flathead car. A 40 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan that I purchased from a farmer in Kansas. This car has brought me lots of joy and skinned knuckles. I am doing a frame off restoration. I have been at it 2yrs. and am just getting the chassis done. It's been a tedious task. Most of the suspension parts were worn out. I had the motor rebuilt, but am currently going through the transmission and rear end. It's been a lot of fun working on this car and meeting people that have the same interest. Although I did not grow up in thisera I am fascinated by how they did things. Always looking for advice on how to do things and finding parts for this old girl. I live in Michigan so if any of you guys live near me or want to share ideas and thoughts I am sure a good listener.

Big Al
Hi I'm Alan. I have one of the new webs on the Flathead Techno Source Webring. I've live lived in Southern Calif. all of my 50 years. I am a machinist by trade and have worked all kinds of job shops I now manufacture marine prop shafting and marine hardware. I have been into boating and boat yards the last 20+ years. As large boats have just gotten to expensive for the working class, I have gotten back into cars! Although in high school years I was into the muscle cars, 66 GTO, I now find my interests in the nostalgic street rods & those beautiful little flatheads. I am amazed by the talent that is in this group and I hope I don't bore you with silly questions. For the most part I'll set back and learn from you!

Brian D Falkner Intro 29/06/2000
Hi guys! I'm from New Zealand & am almost 55.
My Father, "RED" started his own car repair business in 1956. He dismantled a few cars & then a Ford V8 which led very quickly to a specialist Ford V8 business known country wide as [Falkner`s Garage]. He became known as the V8 King. Under orders I left college at age 15 in 1960 to begin an apprenticeship as a Motor Mechanic with him.
We wrecked about 500 old Fords over the years and repaired others for clients, that's where the knowledge comes from, repairing, wrecking, sorting & selling parts over a 30 year period.
Dad & I built & raced Go Kart's for some years before I became more interested in Hot Rods, parties & Birds [double breasted bed thrashers!]. I built a '35 Fordor Sedan, "The Reverend Mr Black" with all the goodies & won Four Best Hot Rod Sedan titles [2 Nationals, '68 & '71 ] & won the Streetkhana at the 1st Street Rod Nats in Taupo 1971.
I owned that '35 for 22 years.
Also owned over the years were of note, 1934 Pickup, 39 Merc, 47 Coupe, Sedan & Pickup, 1951 F1, 38 Sedan, & many-many others used & dealt through the business.
In the 60s very old cars were all that young kids could afford & there were 1000s of Ford V8's & other American automobiles still on the road, 30s & 40s English & Continental "Tin" made for narrow flat country lanes didn't last here & brand new 50s & 60s average European cars mostly couldn't catch a good Flathead Ford V8 !. Cars were so expensive that they were really looked after & held their prices. Don't know for sure but I would guess that in 1956 probably 80% of cars on the road were at least 20 years old. Many Model A's were still in daily use till the early '70's.
In November 1968 I HAD to break away from the Old Man's grasp and escaped to South Africa. USA was my ultimate destination!... all those V8's were beckoning. But it was not to be. I got a job at a Mercedes & Volkswagen agency in Durban at first and then went to Johannesburg & was unbelievably employed as a Tour Guide for Springbok Safaris!. A couple of training tours & I was on my own driving anything from a Rolls Royce to a 45 seat Mercedes coach all over S.A, but mainly to Kruger National Park. Two years later with 52 KNP tours & 100,000 miles under my belt, a South African accent & some fantastic memories & experiences I decided that home was home. I also spent 3 months in Europe early '70.
As time progressed the old Flatheads were being phased out by Customlines, Ranchwagons, Australian Mainline utes, US Fairlane's, F100's, Galaxie's, Mustang's & Aussie Falcon's & Fairlane's, so I gained more than a fair knowledge on them as well. The last Yank cars assembled here were GM products, Chev. & Pontiac in 1968. The last US Ford assembled here was the 1965 Fairlane compact. ALL 50's Sedans assembled here were 4 doors. Australian Falcons, Fairlane's & LTD`s took over from then to now.
Specialization did not materialize here till the 70's so many Automotive Mechanics like me learnt everything & applied it!. I used to rebuild Generators, Starters, Distributers, Carburettors, Fuel pumps, Water Pumps, Steering Box's & Differentials. Apart from the machine work we reconditioned engines too. We had our own Valve Grinding Machine [I still have it] so we'd do a complete valve & seat job. In my early days we relined clutches & brakes. Brake lining material would be clamped to the shoe, rivet holes drilled & then the two rivetted together. Sometimes thin spacer material in different thicknesses would be required to allow for drum wear. Did we rebuild 3 speed Gear Boxes?. Just had to be 1000's!!. In later years I rebuilt a few automatic transmissions & power steer valve bodies & rams. In the eighties I rebuilt many 8" & 9" diffs, swapped ratios & installed my own NZ made 4 spider kits. Clutch plates for Top Loaders, T10's & the early V8's were rare or expensive so I had linings made or imported them & rivetted them myself.
Many V8 engine swaps & diff & transmission conversions were performed by myself & staff.
I further developed the New Parts division & set up a stock control system, utilizing Ford part number's for everything. Wife Maria & I bought the business off Mum & Dad back in 1974, turned it into a LTD company & traded also as Falkner's Ford Parts.
I computerised the business in 1987 at a cost of $16,000!!. To this day my PC's name is EDSEL!. One interesting job I took on was to design & fabricate from scratch a dual control clutch & brake system for a driving instructors car..it worked!.
We raised three kids over the years & eventually sold up in 1993 & moved to Levin 1 hrs drive north from the Capital, Wellington. Right now I'm an Advanced Driving Instructor for the "Ford Advanced Driving School". In this Province we run courses from a local airfield & a nearby car racetrack, can't get away from Ford!. Main hobbies are upland game hunting & deer stalking.
I don't currently own a Flattie but still have some bits & a decent Ford book & manual collection. I enjoy doing bench work for the odd friend etc. It bothered me that my knowledge & experience was being wasted & wondered how to put it to good use. Then I stumbled on to the Flathead Forum. I love it, great fun & worthwhile. It's given me the urge to build or buy one again!.
Kiwi Brian
falken@ihug.co.nz

Nathan Jones-UK
MY DAD RECENTLY BOUGHT TWO 24 STUD FLATHEADS ONE IS A 59a AND THE OTHER IS AN 8BA. THE 8BA HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME TO BUILD. AM I THE YOUNGEST FLATHEAD OWNER ? MY DAD SAYS YOUR SITE IS GREAT CAN YOU PLEASE INCLUDE ME IN YOU FORUM
THANKS NATHAN JONES AGED 10
MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND

dennis il
My name is Dennis Yates and I live in central ill. and I am 55 years old. I got my 49 2dr in 72 it is the third flathead I have owned. My dad had this car most of the time since I bought it he had it painted about 15 years ago and I overhauled the motor in 80 (assembled it) it hasn't been run for 8 years so I am going through all the systems and appreciate all the troubleshooting help I can get. I see there is already a dennis on the list so I will sign on as dennis il.
Thanks again.
Dennis Yates

Hello my name is Jim Young I live in Niles, Michigan and I am 42 Years old. I have a 1952 ford that I have been working on that still has the original. Flathead in it. In the beginning I was going to replace it with a 302 but got to playing around with it and got it running better than my 98 ford pickup!
So now I have decided to keep it in the car. It really runs smooth but it's never been built and is starting to get some blowby so I thought I would pull it in the shop and freshen it up. I mean after all what else is there to do on these cold Michigan winter nights. Would love to hear from anybody who would love to discuss flatheads I am kinda new with these motors although I did own a couple back in the 70's when I was in high school feel free to e-mail me anytime would enjoying hearing from you and if you would like to see my ride you can visit my website at http://truckerjimmy.8m.com just click on the hotrod button. Hope to her from you soon.
Jim Young
Niles, Michigan

Pat Bearss

My name is Pat Bearss and I am a fifty year old shop teacher (now called Technology Education) This is my first flathead and full restorationI have finished work on my `36 Ford 1/2 ton Platform Stakerack. I started on this truck in 1984. The only problem I have is that it tops out at about 45-50mph and I am in need of either a columbia or different rear gear,it has 4.11 now . I live in Traverse City, Michigan. My sons and I are now looking forward to another project.

Hi,
My name is Matt, 45, live in Queens, NY. I operate and maintain commercial building equipment for a living. I came to own a 50 ford four door from a Hot rodder. The car was bought with the intention of installing a 351W, but once I started the flathead (after 20 yrs. of dormancy) I decided to investigate the flathead.
I found this sight and been following the post for about 1 year. My car is in rough shape and needs a total rebuild (time, money and space is scarce). So far The brakes and gas tank are almost finished, I hope to drive it for the first time before the winter. I belong to the CHVA Big Apple Region car club. The club is small, but if anyone lives in the NY area there's a chance to meet at local shows.

hi, My name is jerry from southgate, michigan , or 2 deuces, just retired from fords last year, as a tool and die maker. 62 years old. have a 1951 ford, which I'm always messing with. This is my first computor, only been on it for 4 months, and bothering everyone. had a 1950 ford coupe back in high school and have always liked them, i also have a mustang mach 1, 1969. I just found this page today and its quite interesting, alot of the guys that i've been talking to and wondered about are on here to.

19FORDY, I'm 57 years old , live in Coral Springs,FL, (that's near Ft. Lauderdale), teach high school industrial arts wood and metal shop, and still own the same 1940 Deluxe coupe I bought in 1963 for $400.(that was a lot of money since I was making $1.15 per hr.) Restored it all myself including the 8BA flattie with Johnson adjustable, Fentons, mallory dual point and MCF 59 AB heads. Currently building a genuine '51 Merc. convertible into a custom. It's an honor to be surrounded by such "Flatheaded" individuals who prove that " Flat Is Where It's At."

Hi;
My name is Rick Cannon and I'm new to the forum. I've found it very interesting about the number of people that are still fooling with flatheads. It's hard enough to find someone that you can talk cam grinds with let alone flatheads. I got into flatheads when I started vintage road racing. I bought an original hot rod from a member of my dad's hot rod club (it was active from the '30s and '40s.) There are only 2 other flathead "specials" here on the West Coast that road race. We have two race cars restored and racing and now I'm working on the road race car that my uncle built and raced from '50 to '53 here in Calif. It ran Ardun heads at the end, which is the way I'm restoring it. It was based on a '34 Dodge frame that came stock with independent front suspension. The running gear is all Ford 3 speed with Lincoln gears and a Halibrand quick change. I have the most fun racing the cars and surprising the foreign car guys as I go by. The other thing I enjoy is dyno testing. Trying all the different combinations is really interesting. The car has about 20 dyno pulls on it with 2 different engines.

Blitz30
Well, a few years ago a buddy and I went to the drag races here at Seattle International Raceway which rekindled my interest in building a "project" car... in searching and trying figure out what it was going to be I thought that I'd build an old 50 Ford Convertable like a friend had back in the Fifties. Then it was a '55 Chebby.. soon I became known as the "Waffle". So, I finally settled on a collection of pieces loosely called a 1930 Model A Ford Roadster that would get the simple cookie cutter 350/350 ... once more a waffle. I really wanted something a little different than all the rest. The built 8BA Flathead was the difference. And, because it rains a little up here in the Northwest USA it has a full set of fenders. Well, I'm sixty plus and still working to pay for this little hobby ... looking forward to more road trips.

This roadster has a built 274 8BA with Offenhauser 425 heads and dual intake with Stromberg 97's (I didn't know how Flat32 did his Holley 94's or I would have kept them.); Schneider 270/395 Cam with 1.6 intake valves; Mallory electronic ignition; Ross forged aluminum pistons; and the block is ported, relieved and polished. The Flattie is backed up with a C4/FlatOmatic; 8" Ford rear end with 3.00:1 gears. The front end is a TCI Independent Front Suspension and the rear is a 4-Bar with Aldan Coil-overs. Tires are 195/60R14 X 6 in front and 250/70R15 X 8 in rear.

mims

I am 51 years old and finally have my teen age dream truck I have always wanted to restore an old truck ever since I was about 15. I am a plumber by trade so this project is a little hard for me because I don't have the knowledge it takes to rebuild a flathead my truck is a 1949 f-1 I have the chassie back together and rolling and now ready to start on the engine I live in south georgia so if anyone in my area has the knowledge on flatheads as far as rebuilding them I sure could use some help with my project thanks mims@datasys.net

Denny Kerin
Bill,Worked on my last flathead in 1954. Ran street rods with various Chevy engines since 1972. Bought a ratty 41 Ford last year cause it was just like my last flathead. Was going to drop my favorite Chevy in it till I got the flathead bug,mostly from Classicar forum. I thought I was cured! Finally found a good block, ordered a 4 inch stroker kit from Red's, can't wait to get it together. Hooked again. I'm trying to find the boosters for Flat32's 94 modification. If I can make it work,anybody can. Maybe you could add his forum entry from 2/5 post to the techno source. Thanks for all your efforts.
Denny Kerin ,dk88race@aol.com.

newt
a fifty two year old grandfather finally building the car of his dreams has just found this site...i've been carrying this engine around in a box since 1967.with your experience i just may get this puppy up and running.my dreams of power may have to be adjusted....reading numerous inputs from the faithful ...well..... lets just say that 3/16 over a 4 1/4 inch crank three 97's on an offy intake and a brand new sig erson 410 cam might be a little accessive on the streets of toronto.maybe i block off the middle carb and look for an isky 404 in my lighter than most 27 roadster.
whadya think,,,,,,,,,newt

Ed Muth Ontario, Canada
I am presently working on a 1950 flathead for a 33 ford coupe. It will have a 5 speed transmission. It is at the machine shop awaiting some MCF goodies, a 4" crank, Ross 3 5/16's pistons and I will be putting on a t-Bird blower with 2-94's. Going slow and learning alot from the old guys on the forum. I have had lots of experience in hands on mechanics and rebuild my own farm equipment and do some fabbing of my own. Look forward to learning more about this unique engine.

Hi, my name is Gord and I'm working on a 53 Merc pickup with a 255 c.i. Mercury flathead in it. I bought the truck when I was 18 (20 years ago) and brought it out of mothballs about 3 years ago and began a groundup restoration on it. The flathead is a factory rebuilt from Ford Canada that I bought 18 years ago and only fired it for the first time ever last year ( after tearing it down and unsticking everything). They're right, there's no better sound than a flathead rumble. I've been reading the forum board for a couple of years now with not much to say. It's been a privilege to learn from everyone's combined knowledge and would like to add my name to your flatheaders list. Thanks Gord

My name is Barry McCloskey and am from Newington, Conn and my age is 46. I'm on disability now, so I have time to work on my truck. I'm working on a 1950 Ford F-1 pickup. The frame is done and soon the V8 is going in. i have messed on and off since the early 70's with flatheads. I love the simplicity of the V8's and what you can do to hop them up. They have a sound all their own!
Thanks, Barry (e-mail is CLUSSY38@aol.com)

Jim Arnold here. Retired, 68, born the same year as Rumbleseat and the V8 Ford Flathead. Finally getting around to finishing my '48 Ford convertible purchased in '53 in Pittsburgh, PA when on leave while serving a 2 yr stint in the Army. Had to give away a perfectly good '40 Convertible before I left for the service. My Father's orders as it was "cluttering up the driveway". I did manage to save the engine, which was subsequently ported, relieved, polished, C & T Stroker kit, Weiand heads and 2x2 manifold, light flywheel, Weber cam, etc. Eventually went into the '48 but its now out, being replaced by a French Flathead. I'm hoping to find a '39 or 40 coupe to put it in. Prior to that I had a '34 tudor and a '47 Cadillac (hydraulic lifter flathead and a bear to rebuild.

Stored the '48 for about 40 years, while taking my place in the workplace as an Adv. manager for an aluminum company here in Pittsburgh and raising a family. Will be a great grandfather in a few months. Still enjoying doing
all the restoration work myself and expect to get the '48 on the cruisin circuit next year. Redoing the chassis suspension with dropped axle, parallel leaf rear, and adding power disc/drum brakes. Other than that I'm trying to keep it close to nostalgic '50s street rod style.

Sure glad to have found this forum as well as others. I'm relearning and realizing that most of the older people on this site have forgotten more than I thought I ever knew about old Fords and Flathead engines. It's been a pleasure to see the renewed interest in these cars and the information on keeping them running better than ever is astounding.
I don't expect to post much other than to ask guidance, but I'm building a large file of information, and will offer help when I can.

Don Herring "Flatheaded"
I read your bios with interest. I'm 54, and am VERY glad to be in here with people my own age. My first flathead was in a '50 convertible that I had in '64. Lost touch with them while I went through the SBC stages. I never lost the feel of the uniqueness of a flathead. I was a pipefitter out of high school, and stuck with Kodak for 33 years, retiring as a senior engineer. Just before I retired, a friend told me he was going to sell his '46. He was (believe it or not) a farm boy, and this darn thing and a phaeton were sitting way back behind the farm vehicles. We struck a deal, and it is currently in my back yard (under a foot of snow) patiently waiting. A local flathead friendly shop (Drakes Engineering, Bill Drake is old enough to remember when flatheads were common) promises to have it back to me in a couple of weeks. Last summer the car looked like it had blown up in the back yard. I think I'll be able to get the engine running and the interior completed this summer. GLAD TO MEET YA.

Roger/Sacramento
I am 66 and am basically retired. I have worked for civil engineering companies and land developers all of my life. I am a land planner. When I was 20 I had a '40 Ford two door with a 3/4 race flat head. I painted the car white primer with a fly sprayer. It took me a few days to do it. Wish I had kept the car.
Eventually I drifted away from cars as a hobby because of marriage and family commitments. Always wanted to get a 40 coupe and did so last year. After seeing the car and digging in to it I decided to go with a complete body off restoration. I have been lucky in meeting some flathead nuts and decided to go that way. They are helping me work on this project and with all of the good info on the forum I will probably get the car on the street this year. It will have a late block nearly full race engine with a T-5 transmission and an 8 inch rear end on parallel leaf springs. Disc brakes up front and 12 V electrical should make it a decent street rod. I plan on red primer until I get the mechanical work complete and put some miles on it. Then I will paint the car with a single stage maroon color. Most of my decisions on what changes to make on my ride are based on information obtained from the forum. Every morning my priority is check the forum first. When this car is complete I plan on jumping on a 32 or 34 flathead for the next project. Never a Chevy or an engine with valve covers.......

bobH
I bought my first (35) Ford in about 1952 or 53, and my second (36) shortly thereafter. The 35 had a good engine and rusty body, and the 36 was cherry, with a blown engine. The two became one, and that was my first flathead experience. I've been away from the hobby for many years, so now, I am a 'newcomer'. I had a 33 pickup for about 15 years, through the 80's and 90's, and just recently the bride (of over 40 yrs) and I, bought a 47 to use for EFV8 club events. My work has been involved with two phases, garage 'flat-rate', and mechanical engineering for spacecraft. I've also supported a Jeep-hobby for the last 40 years (this has also included an occasional flathead). I've enjoyed learning from the experts that support the forum.

iron mike - Mike Smith:
I got the iron mike name from one of my co-workers when,in an earlier time, I drove a series of Corvettes - go figure!
I just turned the big 60 (it didn't seem too long ago it was the big> 50). I am an early retired metallurgist and have lived in Connecticut for 35 years but am in the process of moving to north central Virginia. I had a "customized" '49 coupe for two years when I was in high school in Crystal City MO but didn't get another flathead until I bought a rough '49 convertible in 1983.About $25000 and 2 restorations later I still enjoy driving it with no plans to sell until they pry my cold dead fingers from the steering wheel. I'm in the process of building a '32 FH Merc powered high boy roadster- its in the rolling chassis stage but I'm looking hard for a fiberglass body. I'll try to get some photos in but moving is very time consuming.

Gflat-George Marshall:
70 years old,retired mechanical engineer. First flathead was a 1926 Model T when I turned 15. It hadn't run for 11 years and the engine was frozen up. Although the legal age to drive was 16 my dad let me keep the car figuring I would never get it to run. Took 6 months but I managed to get it on the road.Lived in the country and we had only one patrolman who was not around much.Model T was followed by two Model A's and a 32 five window while I was in college. A 49 Ford 2 door was the last flathead because of marriage/family obligations. Before I retired had a couple of MG's and restored a 356 Porsche. Finally came to my senses and bought a 1930 Model A Pickup 4 years ago which I restored and sold recently. Did a frame up restoration on my 48 Merc coupe which took about 2 years. I did all of the mechanical stuff except for machine work on the engine.Farmed out the paint, upholstery and the chrome.
Really appreciate the flathead forum as a source of information on the early V-8's. A great bunch of guys with an incredible store of knowledge. Regards- George

4tford July 1/01
I live in Regina Saskatchewan Canada, Have spent 25 years working as a millwright in a steel mill and will soon be 57 years old. Made 800 skydives. First car was a 34 ford. Never got it going and sold it for $10. Next was a 40 Hudson coupe I drove for a year and sold for $75. Presently doing a body off on a 40 ford 4 door I am doing as a rod. This link will take you to my web page to see what I am doing with it.
http://www.cableregina.com/users/bill.boomer/ford1940.htm
I have followed the forum since last November. Mostly reading the articles and saving a lot of them to my hard drive. Asked a quite few questions and recieved a lot of help. I am new to flatheads and really appreciate all the knowledge that is passed about. It is a pleasure to be a part of this forum.

JD
Born in '34 to a mother who took auto shop in school, and dad who built a T bucket from scratch to be able to have a car, was not the reason I was fascinated with mechanical things from birth, but at least I was understood. As we drove cars to school in the 6th grade in WW2, hands on experiments came early, and led right into cars after schooling. A variety of jobs, in and out of the auto industry for some 50 years made for a lot of experience, a lot of it bad, in the vein of "experience is what you get after you need it".

Retiring back to the town where I was born, gave some space and time to consider what I had never had time to do, build a car for me, after years of building for everyone else. Hope I have time for several. I don't know how people learn, these days, but the free GM training schools in Delco, Rochester and electrical in general, were big help in the 60's, and sponsored by the local "UMS" store, a GM parts outlet. The other free schooling was working for dealerships, if you were lucky enough to be chosen . The essential, I think is still to be curious enough to take it apart and work with it, and see if you can figure how it works as you go.

Ed Reitz, I'm a 36 year old father of two future flatheader boys. I pay the parts bills by working as an engineer for a large abrasives producer. Although I am originally from Southern Cal, I now live in Franklin, Tennessee, near Nashville.
My project is one that began almost 33 years ago when my Dad bought a '32 Ford pickup from somewhere in one of the high deserts. Although the body was in outstanding condition, the chassis had been roughly modified for an Olds Rocket. My dad dismantled the truck and began to source parts. Many years and several moves later, I'm finishing what my Dad would have done if he were still with us. I have kept all original components except for those that were beyond reasonable (affordable) repair, including an early babitt-bearing block. The truck is now powered by a factory relieved 276 cu.in. flattie with three 97's on an old Edelbrock SU359 manifold, Merc crank, old Fenton headers, Mallory electronic ignition, 12V generator, and a Winfield SU-1A cam profile. It feels like it could eat a dozen SBC's.
Thanks to Flatheaders Online, I have avoided and/or corrected a few mistakes that I would not have known otherwise. Also, I have been able to bring the motor to a much higher state of tune. We have a cruise night at a local mall every Saturday-- it's a blast to see an old pickup project draw a crowd to see a flathead. There are also several other regulars driving flat powered cars that are finished and look great.
Thanks again, Ed

Hi -- my name is Bob Rees, I was born in 1945 in the California mountains. I guess that makes me 56 this year. My first car was a 53 Ford Mainline 4dr. with a flathead in it. My problem at that time was my dad always said 'leave my tools alone'. He worked on it --not me so even though I have been bitten long ago by the flatbug, I am very new to the flathead idea. I am a civil servant (forensic investigator) working for the Las Vegas Metro Police department and have been for more than 20 years. My first attempt at hot the engine was gone. I put a 5.0l HO in it. I got the engine from Ford Motorsport in a box. Took 4 years to finish but I went to HAN in 1999 with it and had a great time. Now I find myself in possession of a 1942 1 ton pickup --have the engine out and enough of the crud off the block to see that it has been rebuilt once already. I have already learned a lot from the forum and will continue to lurk out in cyberspace. I am really suprised to learn of so many people who like to play with the flathead. I'm sure I'll be asking questions on the forum along the way to firing the 'ole man' up.
Thanks

Mac VP – I was born in ’53 (the last year of the USA flatheads) and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio; the middle of seven children. I was born a car nut and graduated from building model cars to fixing up my own ride when I was 16. My father was an engineer, who taught us to respect tools (especially HIS!) and how to use them. He generally watched and advised us as my brother and I started to repair our cars, but rarely lent a hand. My first car was a ’57 Ford Y-block V8, followed by a ’58 Ford. After marriage and kids I didn’t have much money or time for more old cars until recent years when I bought my first flathead powered car….. a 1940 Ford Coupe. I had always loved the looks of this car and dreamed of owning one. This was a nice older restoration of the original car and I pretty much kept it that way, while I learned all I could about flathead V8’s. My interest in them grew and I decided that I wanted to do a flathead car myself this time. So, I bought the ’39 Coupe in 2001 and started on it after I sold the ’40 in 2002. I am a manufacturer’s rep in the construction equipment business (over 30 years of selling) and developed a website for the business in 2000. I am self-taught on the computer and have learned all I know (such as that is…..) by trial and error. My interest in old cars, flatheads, and websites came together as the FORD FLATHEAD V8 ENGINE site that many of you have visited (http://www.flatheadv8.com). You can see the progress of my ’39 Coupe on the site. I’d like to add that I very much appreciate all the combined knowledge and help of various individuals who participate in this and other flathead forums