Flathead newbie

R

Ralph S.

Member
Hello everyone



So finally I was able to bring the car to where i'm at after owning it for about 3 years. I'm a flathead newbie so I figured I'd ask for some help and get educated. Car use to belong to my wife's grandfather. It's a 41 Super Deluxe coupe. It has rarely been driven, handful of times, since he passed about 4 years ago. Since the car has been sitting for so long I would like to go through it before I start driving it more regularly. I would imagine I have to change all the fluids, maybe plugs, clean the carb.Is there anything else Ishould check, service or pay special attention to? What do you guys recommend for coolant, diff and trans oil? I'm not going to ask about motor oil, I'm aware that's a whole different debate in itself. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

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Rear axle can be about anything (GL4/GL5). The transmission contains what are referred to as "yellow" metals and requires GL4 or GL1. The viscosity somewhat depends on preference, I would start with something in the 80-90 range. Unless you are good with older carbs I would suggest you consider sending to one of the rebuilders here on the Barn. Another consideration is the use of ethanol gas, it is a good idea to replace the fuel pump, carburetor and fuel line components. Again, rebuilders here on the Barn can help. I would check out the brakes and consider changing the flexible lines and flush out the system with new fluid. Would be a good idea to have the distributor gone through, and ones again there are rebuilders here on the Barn.
 
Welcome to the barn! That is a beautiful coop that deserves to be driven as much as possible. Make sure you drain out all the old fuel and put fresh fuel in, there should be a drain plug in the fuel tank, also when you get it running dribble a little Marvel mystery oil down the carburetor to help free up the valves because they may be sticking a bit.
 
Before you do much driving I would suggest checking the tires as well. If it has been sitting for pretty much 4 years the tires are likely somewhat older than that.
 
one of the best things you can do is join the national Early Ford V8 club and hopefully a local one also. the club has books on a lot of these cars and the local guys can be a wealth of information as to working on the car and who/what may be available locally. as said many times already there is a lot of help available here on the barn, Very nice coupe--needs to be driven
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of Ford flathead's. 3 years ago I bought my '41 my second purchase was this book https://shop.efv8.org/collections/ford-books/products/1941-1948-ford-book-softbound. I also joined the EFV8.org. I'd check the brakes first, stopping is more important than going. My purchase was from a dealer in old cars, they replaced all the brake hoses, wheel cylinders and brake shoes before I bought the car.(btw I pulled the wheels and checked). The second thing I did was to replace the tires. I also siphoned the gas tank and put in fresh non-ethanol fuel(my car sits in a storage facility for the winter). Another thing to look at is the under dash wiring, look for any frayed wiring. To forgo any future problems check all your ground wires, connections need to be clean and tight. Last of all enjoy you new ride, just think of the original owner driving that car during WWII. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn how to search this forum, it's full of great information.
 
Welcome Ralph
This is a great site
I’m just up the road in Charlotte feel free to reach out for any help
I have played with these gems for 48 plus years & have waaayyy to much flathead stuff
That’s a very nice car you have
Cheers
Tony
 
Thank you for your responses everyone. I'll start going through everything slowly and get the car running right and often.
 
I can’t add to the excellent advice already given but......I think I can see your smile from here!!.....Congrats!!.....Mark
 
Welcome to the ‘Barn. Great coupe. Hope you get it up and going to enjoy with your family. And reach out to Tony(KiwinUS). He does know what he’s talking about. And have fun. Mike
 
Love it! We didn't get these in NZ because FOMOCO New Zealand had converted to war Production.......but we did get the 41 Dash board in our post war 46/48 albeit in RHD form

GB
 
add proper insurance coverage. add seat belts. Check the anti-freeze level. assemble an assortment of tools and spare parts for road trips: coil/condenser/water pump/fuel pump. Check the spare for tire pressure. Practice your wave and drive that baby.
 
Very nice coupe, kinda looks like mine. I have been working on mine for 2 years now, and getting close to finishing. Good luck with yours and drive it like you stole it. Al
 
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