Possible amazing engine deal, Rochester, NY

Ken Henry

Ken Henry

Senior Member
Hi everyone, I had a major wreck in my 51 Ford on July 30 and it's unfortunately totaled. Thankfully there were no life threatening injuries, though I did break my pelvis. At this point I have let the car go to the insurance agency and declined an option to buy it back at $3500. This means it will go to auction through a business called copart.com (Rochester, NY location). I am not familiar with copart.com but would like to think the vehicle will sell for considerably less than $3500. The auction is not scheduled yet but here's the link:


https://www.copart.com/lot/63476033/1951-ford-other-ny-rochester


I do not plan to bid on the car and am simply offering some info to the group as a public service announcement in hopes that of some valuable parts go to good use. Keep in mind I was unable to verify that any of these components survived the crash.


The engine has 1,968 miles on it since an expensive rebuild (ugh). 8BA block was prepped by Al Clarke in Albany, NY, 4" Mercury crankshaft, Ross 3 5/16" pistons (276ci), metric moly rings, Zephyr valve springs, Schneider 248F reground cam with 0.350" lift, "full"-flow oil filter conversion, EAB heads milled and painstakingly clearance to piston tops and for uniform 69-70cc chambers, 10" clutch and diaphragm pressure plate, Edelbrock dual carb intake. I was running custom fuel injection throttle bodies and a distributorless ignition system, but it could be easily changed back to carbs and distributor. The engine made amazing power compared to stock and really woke up my old Ford for its last few thousand miles... No cooling problems at all. One final note, the rear cam bearing was installed turned 90 degrees so electric fuel pump is needed at this point.


Other details: 49/50 OD transmission. Most body panels are damaged except pass door, pass, fender, trunk lid. Both bumpers looked excellent still. Some of the grill chrome is OK, probably the seats (~10 year old EZ boy upholstery).


If someone here buys it I would be interested in acquiring back some of the fuel injection components.


Let me know if you have any other questions about the car or engine build. Also please add any experience with copart if some of you have it. The accident was due to my stupid mistake and I don't feel like commenting much further other than that the Ford held up well against a 4400# Toyota Highlander. I installed 3-point belts 10 years ago and am glad I did... Ken


53104338567_3e1d0f4def_b.jpgIMG_4457 by kenhenry_06268, on Flickr


50212091747_6517af460c_b.jpg0A123251-307B-42A6-BCB7-1AFA70AF1D46 by kenhenry_06268, on Flickr
 
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Holy crap! I hate to hear this, but I'm glad you're OK (though a broken pelvis is serious enough). You had done a great job on that car, and though kind of old-fashioned, I was very interested regarding what you were doing with the fuel injection setup. I hope this is just an interruption in your endeavors as it showed real imagination and skill.

If I were younger and closer, I'd be all over that auction. Thanks for mentioning it here and hopefully whoever ends up with it will appreciate everything that has been done.

Take care of yourself and best wishes for a quick recovery. Please stay in touch here, as I am already looking forward to the next project you have up your sleeve!
 
Thanks for the kind words Tubman. The pelvis will take some time but the can move about some w crutches, and I’m thankful the injury was not more serious. It might take a few weeks for it to come up for auction. I will try to get them to bag the air cleaner.
 
Sorry to hear of your accident. I am glad you are on the mend and hope you make a full and speedy recovery.

I have enjoyed following the modifications you have made to the old flathead induction and ignition systems and appreciate the notice about the auction.
 
Lots of value ther still. I hit a deer at '55 with my 53 in the daytime- just jumped out in front of me. Newc
 

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copart is a nationwide auction lot for various insurance companies. I had my suburban stolen it was recovered 9 months later, was told when the auction was going to held-went and my suburban was not there and nobody could tell me what happened to it!!
 
Thanks everyone for you kind words of encouragement. Seth, unsure what will be next. I'm nearing the end of a Corvair Corsa restoration now and am thinking of going with a bigger Ford next like a 61-63 T-bird, but it's hard to beat that flathead sound. Newc, were you able to fix up your car yet? It looks like a nice original car needing just a few parts. Alan, that is discouraging to hear about copart.com, though I was impressed how quickly the listing showed up on their website after the car was towed there. It seems like bidders have to register in some way and I'm unsure how difficult that process is. Ken
 
alanwoodieman said:
copart is a nationwide auction lot for various insurance companies. I had my suburban stolen it was recovered 9 months later, was told when the auction was going to held-went and my suburban was not there and nobody could tell me what happened to it!!
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Your take on CoPart is correct. They are nation wide. Not sure how it works, but the insurance company actually owns the car once it is totalled and the owner is paid off. It's possible that the insurance company could sell the vehicle for more money than they paid out to the owner and pull the car from the auction?
 
Right, the insurance company owns it now because I declined buying it back at $3.5k. I never added up my receipts but the engine alone was probably $5-6K for parts and machine work. Ken
 
Ken,
I was SO BUMMED to read and see what happened. As all have mentioned, most important is that you are largely OK. Was always fascinated with your FI adaptation, best wishes on future projects.
 
Ken, my regards on your misfortune.
Your FH motor cost . Was that before or after Covid ?
Because Al / Go Devil recently finished up a 51’ Merc for us .
Post Covid pricing is up quite a lot.
But I fell Al treated us very well in the long run.
 
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