help needed in MN

R

rebelskichick

Junior Member
Hi all,
My husband is restoring a 52 F3 with a flathead V8. He is looking for a good mechanic in MN or close to help with the motor rebuild. Anyone know of any in the area???
Thanks!
 
Somewhat of a loaded question. There are a lot of good mechanics in MN. Not as many flathead mechanics and fewer still, good flathead mechanics. It's also a big state so a better idea of where in MN you are, what type of help are you looking for and where you expect the help to be performed at will help. What kind of mechanical skills does your husband have?
 
Dave,
he is pretty mechanical has rebuilt a few newer engines yet has never tackled a flathead before. He is looking to have it taken appart, hot dipped checked for cracks to make sure a decent block. It ran till we pulled it yest, but still want to make sure. He might also want to possibly have it bored out, new heads and new intake so can put a four barrel carb on it and new headers. He can do the add ons but would like it started preferably at a shop. We live just north of minneapolis but are not opposed to drive a decent amount to get to a better shop if necessary.
thanks
 
Two recommendations, both a ways from you:

1. Mark Moriarity of Warsaw NY. 40 years experience in building flatheads. Very low key and easy to work with. One advantage is he has a TON of good spare parts, so if you happen to need something a little out of the ordinary he's gonna have it. Prices are right on the mark for today's costs; not a bargain but no overcharging either. All he does is Flatheads 100% of the time for his living.

2. Walt Dupont of Gardiner ME. Another builder with a long history on Flatheads. Did 8 or 9 engines last year. Has a background in stock car racing, so is meticulous to detail and especially cleanliness. I don't have experience with his pricing. He has access to a shake and bake process that leaves the block looking like a brand new casting.

I know there are others and don't mean to slight anybody by not mentioning them, but I've had experience with the two above.

In my judgement, (many mistakes and hard knocks) I've learned it's better to deal with a specialist such as these two than to try and school your local machinist in the ways of a flathead.

Just my 2c. Good luck in your project

Henry
 
Call Little Dearborn in Minneapolis and ask them. They put me onto a Guy by the name of Frank Craft, unfortunately Frank has died. Little Dearborn knows who is doing good work on flathead.
 
Sounds like you're looking for a good machine shop to start with. I'd suggest Pm''ing Tom Wesenberg, spends some time here and on the "A" site. According to his avatar, he's in the Cities and can probably recomend a machine shop or two that's versed in these older engines.

I've got a machinist by me that could do it. Don't know if he's an expert on them or not but he did a good job boring the one I had.
 
Call Dave Hunter 651 636 4008 in New Brighton MN for complete machine shop services. Dave has done my machine work on Model T, Model A, and Flathead V8 -60HP engines for me over the past years.

Gary in MN
 
Hey Rebelskichick, I just had my flathead built by Rick Schnell located in Nowthen Anoka Mn. He has built theses motors forever and actually raced them for a spell. He held the 1/4 mile record in a flathead!!! How cool is that? He is a little more spendy but if you want it done right he's your man.
 
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