Simca Vedette flathead

4tford

4tford

Well-known member
I have been contacted by a fellow wanting me to rebuild his French flathead V8-60. It is out of a 1959 Simca Vedette. He is fully aware it is a small engine and will be using it in a custom built motorcycle. He simply wants something different. I need to know the original measurements of the bore, rod and main journals and also the original measurements of the cam so I can determine the wear on the parts. Also need to know where I can go to get the necessary parts. ie. pistons, rings, main and rod bearings and cam bearings. Thanks Bill
 
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Here are specifications for the American models. You'll probably have to do some digging on your own to determine if the later Simca models are the same as the '37-39 or '40 Fords, or different yet again.


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Specifications

Year	Displacement    Bore & Stroke    Notes
------------------------------------------------
1937    136             2.60" x 3.20"    1,3
1938	136             2.60" x 3.20"    2,3
1939	136             2.60" x 3.20"    2,3,4
1940	136             2.60" x 3.20"    2,4


Additional Specifications:
                                         1937     1938      1939      1940
                                         -----------------------------------
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed    150 lbs @ 2800 (Same for all years)
Compression Ratio                        6.6 to 1 (Same for all years)
Pistons (Alloy Steel)                    3 Ring (Same for all years)
Connecting Rod Bearings                  Full Floating with internal and external bearing surfaces (Same for all years)
Crankshaft Crankpin Journals             1.599"   1.599"    1.599"    1.699"
Crankshaft Main Bearing Journals         1.999"   1.999"    1.999"    2.099"
Crankshaft Overall Length                20.82"   20.82"    20.82"    22.88"
Crankshaft Weight                        45 lbs   45 lbs    45 lbs    46 lbs
Oil Capacity                             4 Quarts  (Same for all years)
Firing Order                             1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 (Same for all years)

Notes:
1) Had the tin-sided block
2) Had the all-cast iron block
3) Built with aluminum heads
4) Built with cast iron heads

Crankshafts were lengthened (just over 2" on the front snout) in 1940 for the direct mounting of the cooling fan. Also for 1940 the crankshafts went to a larger diameter for the connecting rod and main bearing journals. The 1940 connecting rod bearings were not flanged like the '37-39. All crankshaft bearings for the 1940 engines are unique to that year.

Source: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_specs-V8-60hp.htm
 
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Bill, I have the entire Vedette service manual scanned and saved. If these pages do not provide everything that you need please let me know and I will post more. Parts are very difficult to find. Best sources are in France and they are very expensive. If you decide to pursue the rebuild let your customer know that it will take time and lots of $ to track down all of the parts that you need. I can send you the web addresses of some French vendors if you would like. Best wishes, Greg in Jax
 

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Many thanks guys, getting some good info. I was away for a few days getting some quality time with my daughter. Now to get to the garage and see exactly what parts I need. One question for now. How do I remove the guides without doing any damage. Thanks Bill
 
Bill, you're pretty well on your own with that one. We'll all be looking to see how YOU remove the guides.

The owner might not realise the size of the task. The commonality and interchangeability of US built engines may lead people to believe all motors have that kind of backup. That isn't the case.

You may be able to basically reassemble it into running order with little more than some gaskets, but anything more than that will take a monumental amount of effort (not to mention money) and may prove impossible. I don't even know if gaskets are possible to source outside France.

I'm probably being over negative, but I just wanted to make the point that building an off brand motor isn't like putting together a normal issue flathead. (Even a V8-60).

Mart.
 
Valve guides can be removed from the block using a hydraulic press carefully. Guides are assembled in the block by frezzing the guides into liquid nitrogen.
As other people said, none of US V8-60 parts will fit French Vedette Aquilon V8 and parts and gaskets for these engines are difficult to find even in France (and very expensive).
 
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