Unique Flathead Jack Parts

Shoebox

Shoebox

Well-known member
Whether you liked the guy or not, Flathead Jacks catalogs over the years featured a lot of parts, many of them familiar to us, but also many unique or not found elsewhere. I have often wondered where he sourced or who he had produce them. He listed a nice crankshaft pulley machined from 6061 T6 in both wide and narrow belt, I had one on an 8ba, it was perfection. Also a chrome cylinder head acorn nut (not a cover) said it was a "chrome reproduction of Henry's original" I had a set of those too, haven't seen them offered elsewhere. Paging through his catalogs was always fun, often I found parts that I hadn't even known I needed. Just wondered if anyone had similar experience OR know where some of his neat stuff came from?
 
I bought a lot of parts from Jack and had a personal relationship with him through the Flathead parts I produced. On the current Flathead I had built I have acorn huts from ARP
 
Krylon32 said:
I bought a lot of parts from Jack and had a personal relationship with him through the Flathead parts I produced. On the current Flathead I had built I have acorn huts from ARP
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I too got to know him a bit, I always called orders in because he ALWAYS was the one answering the phone, was great opportunity to ask questions or BS with him. One time, after completing an 8ba that I had purchased many parts from him, including a new 4" stroke crank, I asked for him to send me his latest catalog, and he said sure, that will be 12 bucks. I raised a stink but said send me the catalog and charge me if you must. He sent me the catalog no charge with this inscription on the cover (see attached pic), that was Jack.
 

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Just curious, I know his business is gone but is he still living? I talked to him a few times way back when .
 
Shoebox said:
I too got to know him a bit, I always called orders in because he ALWAYS was the one answering the phone, was great opportunity to ask questions or BS with him. One time, after completing an 8ba that I had purchased many parts from him, including a new 4" stroke crank, I asked for him to send me his latest catalog, and he said sure, that will be 12 bucks. I raised a stink but said send me the catalog and charge me if you must. He sent me the catalog no charge with this inscription on the cover (see attached pic), that was Jack.
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504779
 
Ken/Alabama said:
Just curious, I know his business is gone but is he still living? I talked to him a few times way back when .
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I can not say with certainty, but I believe he is still with us. Not too long ago there was an offering for some high end adjustable lifters called Jax Lifters which I believe he was involved with,..... but I could be wrong, my wife says I am frequently.
 
I too, liked the catalogs and poured over them for hours. I never bought anything from him because of his prices.
 
Jack prior to the flathead biz, had an art gallery in Walnut Creek, Ca. His 'warehouse' and office were located in the same area. I'd trade T shirts and woodie posters with him.
His showroom had a two beautiful flatheads with all the shiny bits on them, blocks were painted white. He would always answer the phone, got in early to take care of the east coast calls.
 
In 1996 I wrote Jack an unsolicited letter complimenting him on his cool flamed Mercury. To my surprise he responded with this free catalog with price list. He made excellent products. Hope he is well.
 

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First time I was a vendor at Good Guys in Pleasanton I was selling my T5 to Flathead kit and my 348/409 water pump to Flathead kit. Jack walked by my booth a few times and finally he couldn't help himself he had to comment and all he said (blastfimy it's just blastfimy)
 
Valves (with the notch in the right place), guides (the reduced profile version), and lifters for my 284 build came from Flathead Jack. It took a few sessions of MMO down the carb to get those valves unstuck after sitting for a few weeks, but now they are properly broken in and work perfectly. I miss the clever catalog!
 
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