Value of an overhauled 1951 flathead V8

[Alaska Mike]

I have a flathead V8 out of a 1951 pickup. I had all of the machine work done at a very qualified automotive machine shop here locally. All new pistons, bearings, valves, etc. I completed it in 1973 for a project I had at the time. Well time has passed, the project car is long gone. I have had this engine on a pallet in dry storage for over 40 years.

A local mechanic is restoring a 1940 for truck for one of his customers, and the engine is junk. They think they would like to put my engine in this truck. I have told them it is a flathead, but not like their original engine, but they think they still want this one.

I turned the engine over, no rust in the cylinders, everything looks just like I put it together over 40 years ago. It has never been run.

My question is, what is it worth? I appreciate all your knowledge and help! Mike

[Karl Wolf]

Add up all your new parts, machine work and assembly, adjust for inflation, the value of a good block... That's what it would cost for them to reproduce what you're selling.
Then subtract for the fact that you do want it to leave...

Karl

[alanwoodieman]

I have one in a 40 truck (51 Merc) yes it will work but requires a few changes to fit the 40 frame and the readiator/fan. We just built a 51 flathead engine and the cost of block assembly/parts/machine shop and rebuilding came to about $4000.00 this was without water pumps, carb, gen, starter.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Alaska Mike

I have a flathead V8 out of a 1951 pickup. I had all of the machine work done at a very qualified automotive machine shop here locally. All new pistons, bearings, valves, etc. I completed it in 1973 for a project I had at the time. Well time has passed, the project car is long gone. I have had this engine on a pallet in dry storage for over 40 years.

A local mechanic is restoring a 1940 for truck for one of his customers, and the engine is junk. They think they would like to put my engine in this truck. I have told them it is a flathead, but not like their original engine, but they think they still want this one.

I turned the engine over, no rust in the cylinders, everything looks just like I put it together over 40 years ago. It has never been run.

My question is, what is it worth? I appreciate all your knowledge and help! Mike

I am not an expert by a long way but I think the newer flathead is longer and the bell housing is different. I am sure it can be done but I think a post asking the question about the amount of work required is in order before he goes to far. If I had a '40 truck I wouldn't want it hacked up to put a later flathead in.

Charlie Stephens

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Karl Wolf

Add up all your new parts, machine work and assembly, adjust for inflation, the value of a good block... That's what it would cost for them to reproduce what you're selling.
Then subtract for the fact that you do want it to leave...

Karl

I like this approach! What makes it all valid is if you kept all receipts detailing the parts used. Eliminate the unknown of what's inside the engine. Almost as good as a running engine.

[19Fordy]

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If it's as good as you say and you guarantee it has no leaks or cracks and will run great. $4500 Plus, the rebuild parts you used are probably better than what's out there today.

I have an 8BA in my 40 Ford car and can tell you from first hand experience that you don't have to "cut up" the 40 engine compartment to get it to fit. However, using the stock 8BA fan pulley and carrier bracket is challenging since the 8BA fan will sit too high and cut into the radiator hoses.

[alanwoodieman]

no problem with bellhousing, problem is engine mount/water pump and the fan location. use truck water pumps, do away with the two belt drive system, acquire a 39-40 front pulley, cut it down to remove engine front seal surface, remember 49-53 engine ran a collar on the crank for the front engine seal, check alignment of the single drive belt and then bolt fan dirrectly to front of crankshaft -where it originally was

[lonewolf]

4500.00 good luck

[JSeery]

They'll need the 1/2 bellhousing, no big deal, but they'll need one.

[AnthonyG]

If that engine was bought today freshly rebuilt carb to starter complete it would be $6000 from a reputable rebuild house with a 1 year 12,000 mile warranty. You won't be giving a warranty. Not sure what you mean by dry storage, so there is a certain amount of buyer be ware involved. I'd ask $5500 but be negotiable.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

4500.00 good luck

You may be right. Check this one out that sold for $2500.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ght=8ba+engine

[jimTN]

Depends on what was done, proper work would be bore cyl, turn crank, new mains, rod bearings , pistons, rings, oil pump, valves, guides, springs and keepers, cam bearings and new water pumps. There are a lot of definations on rebuilt or reconditioned engines but the above is required for trouble free motoring.

[Brendan]

I bought two good 21 stud motors for 500 bucks each. they are good strong runners!

[Vanspeed]

4500 for a flathead with no receipts is not gonna happen. I'd be hard pressed to buy the motor unless I could hear it run.

[Ken Crans]

I paid 2200 for a running flathead with everything there ready to run..

[Ol' Ron]

If you know what your doing it's a bolt in with all ford parts. Put one in a 39 PU.
Yes 4K$ at least

[AnthonyG]

You may be right. Check this one out that sold for $2500.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ght=8ba+engine

Wow, what a great deal that was!! Like a good barn find, pretty elusive. Wish I'd have seen that one when it was alive.

[42merc]

OP said it came from a '51 pickup.
It would have the correct parts for a bolt in.

[Ross F-1]

One thing about a '51; unless you had hardened seats put in at the rebuild, it likely has rotator-type valves and no hardened seats. The seats won't last on unleaded gasohol, ask me how I know...

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

4500 for a flathead with no receipts is not gonna happen. I'd be hard pressed to buy the motor unless I could hear it run.

yes hear it run with water in it and up to operating temp.