re new 48 flat head

wp38

Junior Member
New project . I have a 1948 flat head in a 1948 Ford 1/2 ton frame with an international body that has been sectioned.
Is it practical to re furbish this flat head to get me to work as a daily driver in the good weather on the highway ? Engine turns over by had. I have most of the parts, If it is practical would like to install automatic for my wife , Any thought would be helpful thanks in advance
c59A on Head I will be doing all the work myself.:eek:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0693.JPG
    IMG_0693.JPG
    40.2 KB · Views: 59
  • IMG_0685.JPG
    IMG_0685.JPG
    43.4 KB · Views: 51
  • IMG_0343.JPG38.JPG
    IMG_0343.JPG38.JPG
    106.6 KB · Views: 43
Last edited:
All of that is doable, only issues would be cost. Flatheads cost more in machine work and rebuild cost than later model OHV engines. It is well worth the investment to most Ford lovers. First thing to do would be to have the engine checked for cracks or other damage and have it pressure tested. It is fairly easy to adapt a C4 transmission.
 
I had a 58A engine in a 47 Int with a C-4 trans and 3.3 rear. Ran great. Replaced the front suspension with a 52 Fi and Saginaw 535 steering box.
 
Sorry I am new to this site, Should this be posted under Hot Rod ? Thanks guys looking foreward to the challenge.
 
Sorry I am new to this site, Should this be posted under Hot Rod ? Thanks guys looking foreward to the challenge.


As long as it has a flathead it fits here. We're not all purists ;) And welcome!!

The only suggestion I'd make is, you're talking to mostly car guys who can't remember or don't know that 48 trucks got the 48 8BA/8RT late series flathead six months before the 49 cars. They get a little mixed up when you talk about a 48 truck lol

Your engine will work just fine - most of the pieces will swap. But keep in mind you really are putting a 47 engine in a 48 truck when you start buying pieces to make it fit.
 
wp38

Welcome to the Ford barn. I look forward to seeing pictures of your project.
Please keep us current with regular posting of your progress.

Bruce
 
1948 - 52 Ford introduced the first "F" series pickups and trucks. Prior to 48 they were just half-ton, 1 ton, 2 ton, etc.

Beginning Jan 16, 1948 the new pickups debuted in dealer showrooms. F1 is a half-ton. F2 was a 3/4 ton. F3 was a HD 3/4 ton. F4 = 1 ton. F5 = 1 1/2 ton. F6 = 2 ton. F7 = 2 1/2 ton. F8 3 ton.

Then in 1953 the designations changed to the more modern F100, F250, etc

My avatar is a 52 F6.
 
Back
Top