A Bit of Nostalgia

RalphG

RalphG

Well-known member
Looking back on an old Macleods catalogue I have here from (I think) the mid or late 1950s. You could buy a flathead V8, rebored with new pistons (minus heads) outright for under $300. :eek:
 

Attachments

  • Varcon flathead Ford.jpg
    Varcon flathead Ford.jpg
    87.1 KB · Views: 109
Looks to be a good quality build. The price, though is up there. My pops worked as a 'grease monkey'. His yearly take home pay was under four grand. We lived pretty good. The going rate for a decent ( 6-7 yrs old) used car was a hundred dollars. Many 'bought out' meals came in under a buck. Thanks though, for sharing that. I always like to point to the fact that in our pockets, we held real silver and copper. The stuff that would jingle jangle.:D:)
 
You could also get John Deere model D parts through the MacLeod's catalogue. My 75 year old father tells me about buying "rebuilt" Ford flatheads for trucks on the farm here in Saskatchewan for $500 CDN. He couldn't fathom the cost to rebuild a flathead today.
 
I remember in 1966, I was able to pick up a rebuilt standard transmission for my '50 Buick Special at the local Sears store for $49.95. I picked it up, took it home, jacked up the car, and discovered the joys of automobiles with torque-tubes.
 
As a kid back in the mid 50's to early 60's, I definitely did not have $300 to buy a rebuilt flathead engine, however, the junkyards around Baltimore, and within a 50 mile radius, had plenty of these old engines to pick from in the $50 - $75 range. Some were tired and worn, but many were scored in great condition.
We could blowup an engine and/or a transmission during the week and by the weekend cruising the drive-in's again with a good engine/transmisson.
 
Hi Ol' Ron. I used to work in a 2 man shop in 55-56. We used to install alot of Sears rebuilt ingines. When a person bought a Sears engine the CO. had it set up with the shop I worked in. Walt
 
I remember visiting the Big Montgomery Wards store in Menands NY in the early 60's there were several rebuilt flathead's on stands in the showroom, short blocks and long blocks. I Don't remember the price, but I sure it was relevant to the time.
 
I thought I was making good money as a kid slinging bales at $1 per hour. That would buy at least 2 gallons of gas for the car at the time.
Here is the rest of the page. Not great quality lighting but look at the price of Ford water pumps! ($10.25)
 

Attachments

  • Varcon motors.jpg
    Varcon motors.jpg
    77.8 KB · Views: 27
I just saw an add in speedway for Offy heads for $750. I was going to sell my 49 Offy heads for $400. I think I;ll up then to a grand, they're getting pretty rare. I even have the thermostat housings for them
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top