The Ford Barn

sp1ke · 11-07-2011, 08:45 PM

Which is the best way for instaling heads on a flathead? Should I use studs or bolts ? Also where do I get them?

thanks,
sp1ke

Fordestes · 11-07-2011, 10:22 PM

I buy my heads and Offy intakes from Patrick's, Antiuque auto and truck parts 520-836-1117, he also carries the Fenton cast iron headers.
Good luck,
Fordestes

52merc · 11-07-2011, 11:05 PM

patrics dont have themj seems theres been a problem with the casting of them

Fordestes · 11-08-2011, 07:24 AM

I havn't had any problem getting what I need I talked to Patrick about a month or so back and there was no mention of a shortage, I had an adjustment on set and and Tay Offenhauser handled it very much to my satisfaction. I have 2 sets of 49/53 425s on the shelf if there is a shortage
I will sell a set and replace them when the problem is rectified.
I called the other day about some 59a heads and intakes
nothing was mentioned about a shortage, it might not hurt to call again.
the last communication I had the Fenton repro. heads were not in production yet.
I realize you are a considerable distance, if I can be of assistance let me know
I can call them up and see if there is a problem.

Fordestes

Vic Piano · 11-08-2011, 07:35 AM

We produced a "how to" video on installing Offy heads and intake manifold on a 59A in the Vic's V8 Video home video series. We've also installed a set on an 8RT (not in the video) and we used studs for each installation. If you're interested in the video it is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $3.50 S&H. PM me for additional information. Vic

Ford Flathead · 11-08-2011, 09:45 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have them in stock at H&H Flatheads 818-248-2371.

Ol' Ron · 11-08-2011, 10:14 AM

I have a question. When In was building engines I used allot of Offy heads. Because I was using the L-100 in most of my engines I used the Offy 425, However, the net lift of the L-100 is only .360", you'd think it would fit under the 425. I also found the combustion chambet to varry quite abit between cylinders. In some respects this was a blessing because the heads are very thick and you can carve your own combustion chamber. I did this by hand to all my engines at no extra cost. I purchased a tilt table, made up a fixture to hold the head and in a coupls hrs had a Ron controlled combustion chamber. Question: Have they improved the quality?n I have to learn hoe to post pics because I have dozens of pictures of this operation.

Ford Flathead · 11-08-2011, 04:46 PM

I would say that Offenahuser is not improving on their machine work or tooling. All after market heads need to be checked. The castings may be off .100 causing valves to hit and so on. I always check all heads.

russcc · 11-08-2011, 07:48 PM

It seems like the question is how, not what.
How; Suggest using studs long enough for a hardened washer under the nuts. Follow the torque recs of the mfg, and retorque after running, cold. Best gasket is composition, and if Cometec makes ones, they are expensive, but very good.
Now for the what. Navarro heads are cast in Long Beach CA and machined in USA, and I doubt you would find inconsistencies in the castings or machine work. Anyone have experioiences to relate. Where are Offenhausers made & machined ? Just curious. Russ

Fordestes · 11-08-2011, 08:37 PM

The offy. heads are machined in California unless I misuderstood Mr. Offenhauser, the heads I had adjusted were not to my liking as far as combustion chamber , ( been using them for 40 plus years without any issues)
I was sent a return freight tag and had my replacements within 5 days the new castings were just delivered, from where I don't know , but were to be machined at the facility was my under standing.
the replacements were fine. I may check and see if they are of foreign manufacture. We never Know when or what changes are made these days
I am one to buy American made in the U.S.A if possible, regardless wether it's car parts or corn whiskey. I have an obligation to do so. Unfortunately
I can't always .
Just my way of thinking!
Fordestes

Ol' Ron · 11-08-2011, 11:18 PM

My grand son is in collage, studding mechanical engineering. He's been doing CNC programing and have seen his work in action. I'll bet he could come up with a combustion chamber program that would solve all these problems. The speed of these machines is increadable.

ora masters · 11-09-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp1ke

Which is the best way for instaling heads on a flathead? Should I use studs or bolts ? Also where do I get them?

thanks,
sp1ke

bolts every time get them at any good hardware store

52merc · 11-10-2011, 12:45 AM

whats h&h flathead site thanks

by the way the guy was waiting for 4 months for his offy heads he cancelled and was credited his money back

19Fordy · 11-10-2011, 08:29 AM

Unless your building a "race horse" engine, use bolts as they make it easier to remove the heads.

Ford Flathead · 11-10-2011, 09:54 AM

www.flatheads-forever.com
They were not waiting four months for heads from me. I always have them in stock.

52merc · 11-10-2011, 01:58 PM

no not from you sorry if i didnt make it clear

Ol' Ron · 11-10-2011, 03:41 PM

Bolts with Hardened washers. Make sure the bolts have at least 7 thread engagement , whatch out for blind holes. Grade #5 is OK torque to 45 lbs through 3 heat cycled COLD.

11-07-2011, 08:45 PM	#1
sp1ke Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Port Charlotte,Florida Posts: 68	Offenhauser head instalation Which is the best way for instaling heads on a flathead? Should I use studs or bolts ? Also where do I get them? thanks, sp1ke __________________ SW-FLORIDA

11-07-2011, 10:22 PM	#2
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 886	Re: Offenhauser head instalation I buy my heads and Offy intakes from Patrick's, Antiuque auto and truck parts 520-836-1117, he also carries the Fenton cast iron headers. Good luck, Fordestes

11-07-2011, 11:05 PM	#3
52merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new zealand Posts: 1,054	Re: Offenhauser head instalation patrics dont have themj seems theres been a problem with the casting of them

11-08-2011, 07:24 AM	#4
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 886	Re: Offenhauser head instalation I havn't had any problem getting what I need I talked to Patrick about a month or so back and there was no mention of a shortage, I had an adjustment on set and and Tay Offenhauser handled it very much to my satisfaction. I have 2 sets of 49/53 425s on the shelf if there is a shortage I will sell a set and replace them when the problem is rectified. I called the other day about some 59a heads and intakes nothing was mentioned about a shortage, it might not hurt to call again. the last communication I had the Fenton repro. heads were not in production yet. I realize you are a considerable distance, if I can be of assistance let me know I can call them up and see if there is a problem. Fordestes

11-08-2011, 09:45 AM	#6
Ford Flathead Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 92	Re: Offenhauser head instalation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have them in stock at H&H Flatheads 818-248-2371.

11-08-2011, 07:35 AM	#5
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: Offenhauser head instalation We produced a "how to" video on installing Offy heads and intake manifold on a 59A in the Vic's V8 Video home video series. We've also installed a set on an 8RT (not in the video) and we used studs for each installation. If you're interested in the video it is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $3.50 S&H. PM me for additional information. Vic __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

11-08-2011, 10:14 AM	#7
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Offenhauser head instalation I have a question. When In was building engines I used allot of Offy heads. Because I was using the L-100 in most of my engines I used the Offy 425, However, the net lift of the L-100 is only .360", you'd think it would fit under the 425. I also found the combustion chambet to varry quite abit between cylinders. In some respects this was a blessing because the heads are very thick and you can carve your own combustion chamber. I did this by hand to all my engines at no extra cost. I purchased a tilt table, made up a fixture to hold the head and in a coupls hrs had a Ron controlled combustion chamber. Question: Have they improved the quality?n I have to learn hoe to post pics because I have dozens of pictures of this operation.

11-08-2011, 04:46 PM	#8
Ford Flathead Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 92	Re: Offenhauser head instalation I would say that Offenahuser is not improving on their machine work or tooling. All after market heads need to be checked. The castings may be off .100 causing valves to hit and so on. I always check all heads.

11-08-2011, 07:48 PM	#9
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Re: Offenhauser head instalation It seems like the question is how, not what. How; Suggest using studs long enough for a hardened washer under the nuts. Follow the torque recs of the mfg, and retorque after running, cold. Best gasket is composition, and if Cometec makes ones, they are expensive, but very good. Now for the what. Navarro heads are cast in Long Beach CA and machined in USA, and I doubt you would find inconsistencies in the castings or machine work. Anyone have experioiences to relate. Where are Offenhausers made & machined ? Just curious. Russ

11-08-2011, 08:37 PM	#10
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 886	Re: Offenhauser head instalation The offy. heads are machined in California unless I misuderstood Mr. Offenhauser, the heads I had adjusted were not to my liking as far as combustion chamber , ( been using them for 40 plus years without any issues) I was sent a return freight tag and had my replacements within 5 days the new castings were just delivered, from where I don't know , but were to be machined at the facility was my under standing. the replacements were fine. I may check and see if they are of foreign manufacture. We never Know when or what changes are made these days I am one to buy American made in the U.S.A if possible, regardless wether it's car parts or corn whiskey. I have an obligation to do so. Unfortunately I can't always . Just my way of thinking! Fordestes

11-08-2011, 11:18 PM	#11
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Offenhauser head instalation My grand son is in collage, studding mechanical engineering. He's been doing CNC programing and have seen his work in action. I'll bet he could come up with a combustion chamber program that would solve all these problems. The speed of these machines is increadable.

11-10-2011, 12:45 AM	#13
52merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new zealand Posts: 1,054	Re: Offenhauser head instalation whats h&h flathead site thanks by the way the guy was waiting for 4 months for his offy heads he cancelled and was credited his money back

11-10-2011, 08:29 AM	#14
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,925	Re: Offenhauser head instalation Unless your building a "race horse" engine, use bolts as they make it easier to remove the heads.

11-10-2011, 09:54 AM	#15
Ford Flathead Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 92	Re: Offenhauser head instalation www.flatheads-forever.com They were not waiting four months for heads from me. I always have them in stock.

11-10-2011, 01:58 PM	#16
52merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new zealand Posts: 1,054	Re: Offenhauser head instalation no not from you sorry if i didnt make it clear

11-10-2011, 03:41 PM	#17
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Offenhauser head instalation Bolts with Hardened washers. Make sure the bolts have at least 7 thread engagement , whatch out for blind holes. Grade #5 is OK torque to 45 lbs through 3 heat cycled COLD.