picked up a 1935 pickup project

Truck is apart and now actual work can get done. The frame from California is going to get blasted and then it is time to put the chassis together.


 
Today I got the '37 flathead. Turns over very nicely and the oil looks brand new. It was a running take out engine that has been stored in a shop for the last 15 years. I am very happy with it.



 
Be careful with the oil. It may look brand new, and could be brand new, but sometimes oil that has stood for a long time will let all the dirty particles settle to the bottom and the oil above can look remarkably clean. Good luck with the motor.

Mart.
 
Yeah plan is to pull the pan and clean it out. Check the pump/screen. Going to shoot some MMO down the cylinders to lubricate the rings. No stuck valves. I feel good about this flathead, the owner was very trustworthy and so far everything he said is true.
 
Sometimes you are better off leaving well enough alone, sometimes it makes sense to tackle a project while its out of the car.

Something I would suggest is remove the water pumps, send them out to Skip's for rebuild, and while they are off you can clean clud out of the cooling passages. Easier to do now than later when is in the truck. You probably already know there is a bolt inside the lower hose outlet that can be a b*tch to get to. Maybe replace it with a stainless steel bolt and ani-seize for future maintenance.

Congrats on your new powerplant, glad to hear you are pleased with it!
 
Thanks Scott! I am actually getting my 35 heads/intake/block off plates back from the guy who bought the original engine. I want it to look like a 35 so the 37 waterpumps are going bye bye.
 
The engine turned out having a strange crack from a water jacket to a cylinder wall. Do not know if it was actually causing problems but I decided to tear it down and have my engine shop sleeve it. I am putting a new cam gear in, new oil pump and new head studs as mine had marks on them telling me they were pulled once before.

Taking it in tomorrow.



 
Hey guys, today I was looking at my front crossmember in the 39 frame test fitting my 35 radiator mounts. They did not look right or line up well so I went over to the original 35 frame and the crossmbers are very much different. Also the engine pads are sunk in the 35 and not the 39. I removed the 35 crossmember and think I should put it in the 39 frame. Good idea or wasted time?
 
Crossmember is removed and needs cleaning before going into the 39 frame. Also got a set of 35 passenger radiator mounts as I could not find pickup mounts. Also put new shackles on the leaves, greased the spring packs and back together.

Picked up a NOS sleeve and gave it to the machine shop, also got a NOS cam gear and oil pump. Bubba rebuilt the distributor for me as well.





 
Thought I would do an update but this thread is starting to dwindle. Got the engine back and it is coming together. The nice California '39 frame was cleaned and painted. The original front '35 crossmember was saved and used. Cab is on for test fitting. Only some small work on the rockers and also front bottom cowl is needed. Steering is in and front fender braces were drilled and mounted.




 
Thanks, it has been daunting at times. Once the engine is back in with the trans, I want to start on the fenders. They all are going to require some work.
 
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