Why the flathead?
- Thread starter 41Joe
- Start date
Midnightcaper
Member
I saw one in a car. And instantly started doing research on them. As time passed and I started a 29 Tudor sedan build I just new I had to have one. I sat the wife down and explained that this motor is going to be a expensive affair, luckily she understood. As fate has it I met whom I consider a flathead God. Mr. Dave Tatom I go up to his shop on some of my days off and help him. I told him I would work for free if he passed his knowledge down. As the end of March gets here we will be starting my motor. Can't wait.
GB SISSON
Well-known member
I was in Dave's shop 3 weeks ago looking for a three speed ******. I don't always get the parts I'm looking for, but I always leave with a huge smile on my face from his stories. I met him 25 years ago and I always look forward to my next visit. He is a master flathead builder without any doubt, and has had a very interesting life and career in everything from Alaskan bush flying to racing the engines we love at Bonneville. You are fortunate to get to work with him.
Midnightcaper
Member
Ya I cherish every moment. I'm getting pretty quick at tearing a motor down. Lol.
Btw did u find a ******?
jhb
Junior Member
I really like all these youth knuckle-bustin' Flathead stories. I'm from the same era, 1949, so I also teethed on these engines. Usually laying under them in the rain and snow and cold doing whatever to keep them running strong for the weekend. I also agree the sound is unique and music to any ears young or old. When I pull into a cruise-in or show my wife says 'here comes the flathead zombies' as several older fellas who heard us arrive will hobble limp or amble up to the front of the car and when the hood goes up the flat stories begin. Happens every time and always interesting. I still feel young when I drive my '40. jackb
GB SISSON
Well-known member
Actually Stu Mcmillan (Truckdog) is going to ship one to me. He is strictly MH, but he bought an 8ba years back with the correct open drive top loader bolted to it, and he has no need for it. He came to visit 2 years ago and recently saw I needed one. I built a crate today and will ship it empty so he doesn'y have to make one. We just got a fastenal store where the ferry docks on the mainland, so shipping is very reasonable. About 1/2 the cost of a cluster gear for example!
Attachments
greencom
Junior Member
Hi,
I love the flatheads too, but I have had to scrap several of them because of valve seat issues, one was cracked and another was so worn it could not be machined out, it went too deep into the jacket. I love their simplicity but that is a weak area of the block. BTW, this past weekend I picked up a spare block for my 30 Tudor I found on Craigslist, the seller showed me his 1940 Lincoln Zephyr , it was a barn find, he got the V12 flathead running and it was smooooth! That long V12 is a thing of beauty!
I love the flatheads too, but I have had to scrap several of them because of valve seat issues, one was cracked and another was so worn it could not be machined out, it went too deep into the jacket. I love their simplicity but that is a weak area of the block. BTW, this past weekend I picked up a spare block for my 30 Tudor I found on Craigslist, the seller showed me his 1940 Lincoln Zephyr , it was a barn find, he got the V12 flathead running and it was smooooth! That long V12 is a thing of beauty!
Last edited:
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
JSeery
Member Emeritus
Graeme / New Zealand
Well-known member
Next it will be a V15
GB
GB
Yes, but some say that the optional, seldom-seen V-14 was even SMOOTHER-running. DD
Cool, must be some really small pistons in there huh?
Thanks for the photos.
V8COOPMAN
Well-known member
1938 Coupe
Senior Member
If 42 looks better than 48 I guess my 17 is even better?Agree
