New kid in town and a 40 Standard Coupe

[AZ Chris]

Hello All

Been lurking here for a bit and am finally getting around to posting. Been helping my boss with his newly purchased 40 Standard Coupe and have found a lot of great info here. I'm a bit younger so my tastes are more toward 60's-70's muscle cars but I have developed a great appreciation for these early Fords which are more works of art than today's basic transportation.

The car looks to have had an older restoration but is in nice condition. There are some things that need to be attended to, nothing too major, but the engine has some lower end noise and there is a "patch" on the block where I'd guess someone repaired a crack.

With this in mind, the owner is wanting to replace the engine with a 59 so we have been on the hunt for a block. Thought we had a good one but it turned out to have a 6" crack along the oil pan bolts (never seen this before). Just found someone that has both a 59A and 59L block that have been tanked and magnafluxed but seem a little pricy at $750. Any thoughts on if this is a good price or not and which block is preferred?

My boss is looking to do a stroker possibly with dual carbs but nothing too radical. Just something that will run well around town, sound good and give him years of enjoyment.

If anyone has some tips or a lead on a good block, it would be much appreciated. I look forward to learning more about these old beauties.

Thanks for listening

[hotcoupe]

i think the price for the block is appropriate, if the seller gauranties the block.
tom

[JSeery]

It is high, but you will have to locate a block, tear it down, clean it and have it checked. So subtract the magnafluxe and tank cost from the block price and see where you are. Then there is the teardown effort or cost. One question would be if it has been pressure tested?

[flatjack9]

The price is OK except it needs to be pressure tested to be worth that kind of money. Either that or a money back guarantee in writing. By the way, welcome aboard. I was a muscle car guy back in the 60's and 70's.

[AZ Chris]

Thanks guys! All things being equal would the L block be a better choice or does it matter?

[jrvariel48]

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Should the blocks get magnafluxed AND pressure tested??

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Originally Posted by jrvariel48

Should the blocks get magnafluxed AND pressure tested??

By rights it is. Mag a block is just as good as you can see, pressure testing will shown up a crack that you cain't see, like in the exh. ports inside the engine. Walt

[jrvariel48]

Originally Posted by Walt Dupont--Me.

By rights it is. Mag a block is just as good as you can see, pressure testing will shown up a crack that you cain't see, like in the exh. ports inside the engine. Walt

Thanks Walt!

[AZ Chris]

Thanks again. The more we talk about it the more he's considering just getting a built motor and not messing with finding the block. This way there are no suprises and some kind of warranty.

Anyone know any good flathead builders in AZ?

[Vonn Ditch]

Lock n Stitch it.

[gkgeiger]

Don't know about AZ but I had this guy build my 276ci 59AB and it is great.
http://www.unitedengine.biz/united_005.htm

[wga]

Chris - just 'over the border' is H&H Flatheads in La Cresenta, CA. Off the 210. Mike Herman can help you out with all aspects - parts to a complete motor.
http://www.flatheads-forever.com/

[AZ Chris]

Thanks gkgiger, will check them out.

H&H is definitely a consideration wga, they have a great reputation. Just checking out our options now. If there is someone in the Phoenix area that has does quality work we'd consider them too. Like to support local businesses.

[TJ]

If you are a V-8 Club member, check with the following club members regarding flathead rebuilders in Arizona. You'll find them in your roster; Jim LaDuc, Bert Snyder, Clyde Bangiola, and George Walker. These guys probably have some good references. You might also check with Joe Abbin in New Mexico. He builds some great engines.

[AZ Chris]

Originally Posted by TJ

If you are a V-8 Club member, check with the following club members regarding flathead rebuilders in Arizona. You'll find them in your roster; Jim LaDuc, Bert Snyder, Clyde Bangiola, and George Walker. These guys probably have some good references. You might also check with Joe Abbin in New Mexico. He builds some great engines.

Thanks TJ. Actually just signed up but haven't had a chance to go through the roster and make some connections.

[supereal]

A crack in the lower skirt of the block where the oil pan is attached is almost always a sign that the engine has been frozen. If so, it is a sure thing there is more damage where is can't be seen. The supply of rebuildable blocks has gotten very thin, and a sound block for $750 is probably a bargain.

[russcc]

Two sage pieces of advice offered by Fordbarners here. Money back guaranty, and pressure test the block. Most deck cracks can be pinned. A good local machine shop with some flathead experience is a good bet. Support local business and you can go there in person to get an education. I would skip the stroker, and go with the stock crank and 3 & 5/16 bore. A built flat-motor has plenty torque with the stock crank.

[AZ Chris]

Here are some pictures of the progress

[tiger.1000]

That is one clean workshop !

[40 FourDrDlx]

Nice! What size are the rear wheels? Are they stock p/u wheels or?