Best flathead books

[Frank The Plumber]

If a guy wants to have 3 good books about early flatheads what would be the best 3 to obtain? Also is there a good book that covers roughly all the early engines?

 

[Flathead]

By early do you mean 21 stud, or just the Flatheads in general?

 

[Twinspinner]

Here are 4 suggestions for starters:-

1/. "Rebuilding the famous Ford Flathead" by Ron Bishop.
2/. "Ford Flathead V-8 Builder's Handbook 1932-1953" by Frank Oddo.
3/. "Flathead Facts" by John W Lawson. (JWL).
4/. "Nostalgia-Rebuilding and Modifying the Flathead Ford V8" by Ron Holleran.
(Ol' Ron).
Others I'm sure, will have further suggestions.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Maybe one or two of in general and 1 or 2 of specific, I would like a good base knowledge of the workings, some illustrations are always good and good spec references. I would even expand the number of books desired to cover performance modifications.

 

[keith oh]

Early V/8 FORD Service Manual by Victor M Page (Clymer Publications) Covers all V/8 cars and trucks from 1932-1950 inclusive. 870 pages, over 1000 illustrations. I have an extra one if you are interested. Keiththog@columbus.rr.com

 

[Barlea]

I agree with Keith on the Victor Page book, my uncle gave me his copy when I was 15, and that was not recently! ..B.

 

[Flathead Fever]

I have most of the flathead books and this 1951 book, "How to Hop Up Ford and Mercury & Mercury V8 Engines" is my favorite. This was my Dad's book when he was building his '32 Roadster in the fifties. They reproduce the book and several people have them for sale on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOP-...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[Jason M.]

I have spent A LOT of time with these 4 books. I do not have a favorite as each one fills a very specific need for me.

Ron Holleran A great piece, easy to read and from a reputable source, very logically written from a first hand perspective.

George McNicoll A bit exotic for my blood but the 59A build chronicled in the book is very specific and detail oriented, almost more of a manual than a book. The 59A section alone is well worth the cost of the book. A little bonus for me is it's a local book.

Roger Huntington A GREAT book and one of my favorites with all it's pictures, diagrams and very relevant old school tricks. In particular I really enjoy Chapter 7, THE INDUCTION SYSTEM and just keep re-reading it.

Jerry Hagens A very inspiring little book and an easy one to read cover to cover when you have 1/2 hr to spare. Nothing new here but it was written when the Flathead was almost obsolete and it's great to read about about all the "obsolete" parts in the 80's that are only a phone call away now 30 years later.

 

[Krylon32]

I use the Frank Oddo book all the time in my shop. My rebuilder borrows it when he's doing a FH. Says it's a great reference for a Hot Rod build. I need a new copy, this ones falling apart!

 

[Craig CT]

Hi Frank The Plumber; For stock, Ford and Motor's manuals. For performance and knowledge Huntington, Lawson, and Holleran. Huntington did use some other guys info but usually said so when he did and he had good science. For good science and hands on experience, Lawson and Holleran, hands down. For Bishop and Oddo, some good info but they were also promoting someone like the magazine articals do. JMO, Craig.

 

[adamsford40]

I am interested in the Clymer service book for 32 to 50 Fords. I have one I have had for years but it is all coming apart. Would like to get a new reprint if possible. Is yours in good shape, and how much do you want for it?
Marshal Adams (adamsford40@frontier.com)

 

[old Tom]

I agree totally with Flathead Fever

 

[BILLF/TRF]

I have: Ford Owner's complete Handbook of Repair and Maintenance by Hank Elfrink (Clymer Publications) that covers all models 1932-55. Copyright 1955. It appears to have illustrations that I have seen from other books? My copy is original but I don't know if it is being reproduced?