The Ford Barn

hardtimes · 01-22-2018, 01:51 PM

I have a set of NOS flathead V8 head gaskets that are steel/asbestos. Forgot about them in storage decades ago.
I figure that some here (older gentlemen

) have used this type older gasket.
I'm wondering whether this old style gasket would be preferred, or not, to the currently made styles of head gaskets ? I remember old days of soaking asbestos type in water prior to installing, but maybe same dream as when I had some '32 3 windows....ha !

19Fordy · 01-22-2018, 02:22 PM

Gee, they worked back then so I think they would still work ok now.
I recall Fitzgerald head gaskets were like that.

tubman · 01-22-2018, 02:24 PM

Just don't breath around them; if you do, there are a lot of lawyers on TV that can help you out.

Ole Don · 01-22-2018, 02:28 PM

Sometimes we would spray both sides with KW Copper Coat.

Brian · 01-22-2018, 02:31 PM

I'm using that exact style on my current engine. Work good. I put them on with a coat of silver paint.

Ronnieroadster · 01-22-2018, 02:40 PM

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Those are great gaskets I prefer using them anytime I can find a set. I always use silver spray paint on the gasket surface to help with sealing. I find that style of original gasket will hold a better torque than the newer gaskets with some type of poor filler material where asbestos was once used.
Ronnieroadster

petehoovie · 01-22-2018, 02:51 PM

They have a good 'squish' factor....

barnfind08 · 01-22-2018, 02:58 PM

They are the best and especially for alum heads. Can't speak for gaskets made now because I don't sell or use any of those. Asbestos steel is the best for brakes and gaskets.

GOSFAST · 01-22-2018, 03:13 PM

We actually had some of those older Fitzgerald's on the shelf recently, sold them all off about a year ago!

We still have some of the McCord's on the shelf here, also excellent gaskets!!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Here's a couple shots of the McCord's, single head gaskets and full set!

Talkwrench · 01-22-2018, 07:04 PM

I scored about 8 -9 sets of those just recently for my 21 studder, some are delaminating a little around the outer edges however I feel they would seal up just fine. I would just give them a spray with some Hylomar or as Brian did silver spray paint the ol' fashion way.. I wonder what the squish size would be between them and the copper style??

hardtimes · 01-23-2018, 01:42 AM

Good to know that a guy can still get something that worked well on our flatheads.

As you can see, this set is VICTOR. Probably recognized by some of you guys.
I'm not into the V8 flatheads any more. But, am into the '32 four banger. I was happy to also 're-discover' some old NOS Fitzgeralds for my fours ! And, a very rare Canadian made 'big bore' banger iron clad head gasket..this will be put to use !

What brand of silver paint do you guys use. I remember using that for sealer in old days, but forgot whether painted on with brush or sprayed on ?

Brian · 01-23-2018, 04:43 AM

I use a tin of Dulux 'silvasheen' ,that I've had for years!! Paint both sides of gasket with a paintbrush and fit whilst still wet

01-22-2018, 01:51 PM	#1
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,188	Head Gaskets... I have a set of NOS flathead V8 head gaskets that are steel/asbestos. Forgot about them in storage decades ago. I figure that some here (older gentlemen ) have used this type older gasket. I'm wondering whether this old style gasket would be preferred, or not, to the currently made styles of head gaskets ? I remember old days of soaking asbestos type in water prior to installing, but maybe same dream as when I had some '32 3 windows....ha !

01-22-2018, 02:22 PM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,971	Re: Head Gaskets... Gee, they worked back then so I think they would still work ok now. I recall Fitzgerald head gaskets were like that.

01-22-2018, 02:24 PM	#3
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,334	Re: Head Gaskets... Just don't breath around them; if you do, there are a lot of lawyers on TV that can help you out.

01-22-2018, 02:28 PM	#4
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: Head Gaskets... Sometimes we would spray both sides with KW Copper Coat.

01-22-2018, 02:31 PM	#5
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,841	Re: Head Gaskets... I'm using that exact style on my current engine. Work good. I put them on with a coat of silver paint. __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit! Last edited by Brian; 01-22-2018 at 02:41 PM.

01-22-2018, 02:40 PM	#6
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,538	Re: Head Gaskets... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Those are great gaskets I prefer using them anytime I can find a set. I always use silver spray paint on the gasket surface to help with sealing. I find that style of original gasket will hold a better torque than the newer gaskets with some type of poor filler material where asbestos was once used. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH

01-22-2018, 02:51 PM	#7
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,265	Re: Head Gaskets... They have a good 'squish' factor.... __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

01-22-2018, 02:58 PM	#8
barnfind08 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 893	Re: Head Gaskets... They are the best and especially for alum heads. Can't speak for gaskets made now because I don't sell or use any of those. Asbestos steel is the best for brakes and gaskets.

01-22-2018, 07:04 PM	#10
Talkwrench Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,687	Re: Head Gaskets... I scored about 8 -9 sets of those just recently for my 21 studder, some are delaminating a little around the outer edges however I feel they would seal up just fine. I would just give them a spray with some Hylomar or as Brian did silver spray paint the ol' fashion way.. I wonder what the squish size would be between them and the copper style?? __________________ *"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"*

01-23-2018, 04:43 AM	#12
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,841	Re: Head Gaskets... I use a tin of Dulux 'silvasheen' ,that I've had for years!! Paint both sides of gasket with a paintbrush and fit whilst still wet __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!