engine question

[38 coupe]

If your original engine is too far gone to economically get running well you should consider swapping in another flathead Ford V8. Any 39 through 48 engine is basically a drop in, and a 49-53 engine can be made to bolt in with careful selection of outside parts (water pumps, pulleys, oil pan, bell housing, etc.).
Let us know how your compression tests go (dry, then with oil added), and we can help you further. This doesn't have to break the bank, and does not require swapping in an overhead valve engine.

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Super neat car! I have a passion for old Ford survivors. It' your car, but I wouldn't do anything to it that would harm its originality; just do what it needs to make run reliably and stop safely. What you have there is a bit of a rare flathead Ford. It's known as aConvertible Sedan and 1939 is the last year they were made; it's also the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford. To my knowledge there aren't many around. Get with a local Early V8 club chapter and you should be able to recruit some eager club members to help you get it going again. Wish you all the best in getting her back on the road!

I don't know of any early V8 chapters. I am in a rural aria, and like it that way. I know it is rare. I picked it up right before the pandemic. Rescued it. from a field under a tarp. I have a passion for old cars too.
I did do some brake work a while back. The master cylinder says "Lockheed". It must be original. Lockheed aircraft partnered with Ford in 1939 to help with hydraulic brakes. It was rusted solid. I replaced it. But likely need to rebuild each slave cylinder. Maybe I will have working brakes at that point

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Super neat car! I have a passion for old Ford survivors. It' your car, but I wouldn't do anything to it that would harm its originality; just do what it needs to make run reliably and stop safely. What you have there is a bit of a rare flathead Ford. It's known as aConvertible Sedan and 1939 is the last year they were made; it's also the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford. To my knowledge there aren't many around. Get with a local Early V8 club chapter and you should be able to recruit some eager club members to help you get it going again. Wish you all the best in getting her back on the road!

I don't know of any early V8 chapters. I am in a rural aria, and like it that way. I know it is rare. I picked it up right before the pandemic. Rescued it. from a field under a tarp. I have a passion for old cars too.
I did do some brake work a while back. The master cylinder says "Lockheed". It must be original. Lockheed aircraft partnered with Ford in 1939 to help with hydraulic brakes. It was rusted solid. I replaced it. But likely need to rebuild each slave cylinder. Maybe I will have working brakes at that point.
I really would like to see if I can produce a spark at the plugs. I need a distributor to make that happen. I understand the need for a compression check. I had a compression checker some where. Haven't seen it in years. Maybe I need to buy another. An after market distributor was around $400 last time I checked. Always something comes up that depletes any money I save. Its called living. Next thing I know, another year (or 2) goes by, and there she sits.
Additionally. I wouldn't know a stuck valve if it hit me in the head. I have worked on cars all my life. Now 70. When I grew up, points were the norm. But I never owned a flathead. It is a source of frustration and shame to me. It is a pretty yard ornament. It only moves if loaded on a trailer or rollback. These are the thoughts that cause me to consider another engine. One that will run. That or sell it.
Thanks for all the good advice.

[rockfla]

1939Deluxesedan


Where are you located??? I think I have a distributor I changed out on one of my cars that I know is good and a coil I use on my Sun Machine, it has not been re-done by Skip BUT I know it will work for you to at least draw a spark that I could send to you as long as you send it back once you figure out what direction you are going to take.

[1939Deluxesedan]

Originally Posted by rockfla

1939Deluxesedan


Where are you located??? I think I have a distributor I changed out on one of my cars that I know is good and a coil I use on my Sun Machine, it has not been re-done by Skip BUT I know it will work for you to at least draw a spark that I could send to you as long as you send it back once you figure out what direction you are going to take.

Troy, Alabama. About 80 miles North of the Fla/Al. line

[cas3]

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My first compression check would be put my thumb over the spark plug holes while spinning the starter. That will tell how many valves are stuck, and any compression readings are going to change quite a bit after its been run, if sitting a long time.

[tubman]

My advice would be to stay away from any aftermarket electronic (or points, for that matter) distributor and use a properly set up stock unit. You'll probably save some dough, too.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 1939Deluxesedan

Troy, Alabama. About 80 miles North of the Fla/Al. line

Know exactly where Troy is, went through there twice a trip up to where I used to hunt in west central Alabama. Have two friends, One lives in Clopton and the other hunts in Brundidge. PM sent