New guy with a 1952 Flathead

Rembrant said:
I couldn't remember if I had actually posted any pics or not, but here she is at a little local car show yesterday. It was just a quick cruise in, maybe 20 cars showed up.
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Rembrant said:
Hi Folks,

I just purchased a 1952 Mercury M1 pickup with a nice running flathead V8 in it. I'm brand new to these engines, but I've been reading and learning all waking hours for the past few days. I plan to modify the truck a little bit, but I'd prefer to leave the flathead in it, and focus on other things like braking and steering, electrical, reliability, etc. I've been doing a lot of web searching, and those searches often bring me here, so I thought I'd join up. I'll try not to bug you guys with too many questions. I'm reading as much as I can so I don't have to ask;).

I also worked as a truck driver for my whole life at logistic warehouse, so I know a lot about trucks, and I thought that it would help me to
figure out everything, but I still need your help :)

Basic details on the flathead: The truck is a 1952 Mercury as mentioned, and the engine is supposed to be original to the truck. It was pulled and supposedly rebuilt back in the late 90's. I'm going by some written (and mostly verbal) history. It has an Offenhauser intake on it, with an adapter plate and 2bbl Holley carb. The previous owner had to replace a head gasket a few years ago and ended up at the same time installing a set of 8CM Mercury heads. The original 8BA and 8RT heads came with the truck as spare parts.

Anyway, one of the list of items on my to-do list is to upgrade the ignition. A 12v has already been done, but I'm planning on doing some rewiring (whole new harness possibly) and was wondering what is the best bang for the buck in a more modern distributor and coil? Simplicity and reliability are key...I'm not going for power adders or anything like that. I plan to drive this thing as often as possible in the summer months.

Cheers,
Rem
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Mate, I also dream about an old classic car, but it's a bit expensive for me at the moment. Btw, my cousin also worked in drayage services for a long time, and he has 1954 Mercury M100. If you still have some questions, I can call him, and possibly he will give you advice :)
 
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Rem,
Thanks for the pictures of your very nice 52 Ford truck! Having been born in the same year I can relate! Your truck looks way better than I do! Welcome to the Ford barn! a Lot of your answers will be from guys that have done it all with Fords and Flatheads! You should fit right in! They even talk to me about four bangers!:)
Regards,
Chris
 
Hi Rem,
What are you running for a transmission? I did a restoration on a 51 F1for a good friend awhile back. I always wanted a Five Star 51. I like all the chrome. I put a 49 Merc overdrive in my friends and it was a dream to drive cross country. We drove it from Olympia WA. to Kansas City MO. then to Oklahoma City and back to Olympia all at 70mph. You have great looking truck . Enjoy it to the fullest, Tim
 
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