OT: other flathead for sale

[Bob Riding]

A friend will be looking at what appears to be an unrestored original 1951 Ford Fordor sedan with the original flathead V-8. The price seems to be in line with the 2012 price guide, and it has been in one family since new with 134k on the odometer. I will be joining him and want to be able to look for potential problems (I've been trying to steer I'm to a Chrysler product, which I know more about, with no luck) Any special pitfalls to look for on this year Furd?

Here's the listing

http://www.collectioncar.com/detailed.php?ad=23273&category_id=1

[55 Fargo]

I think the usual spots for body and frame rot, rockers floors bottom of front fenders lower 1/4s etc. Check trunk floor and frame to body mounts.

Is it a driver,, is it running? If so, see how well she heats up, or smokes, these engines were known for cracking around valve seat areas, if I am not mistaken. Upside, being a Furd, no doubt plenty of repop items for body and trim parts. Again, body and sheet metal biggest price to repair, does it still have it's interior, is it very complete?

[Uncle-Pekka]

"Oh you'll never get to Heaven in an old Ford car /

'Cos an old Ford car won't never get that far."

[desoto1939]

With 134 k on the odometer I would think the engine has been rebuilt during its life time. When was it rebuilt if ever? With 134K this car has seen alot of mileage and would assume that the suspension is also wornout and would need replacement.

Need to know what has been done to the car with that mileage.

rich

[Bob Riding]

I think the usual spots for body and frame rot, rockers floors bottom of front fenders lower 1/4s etc. Check trunk floor and frame to body mounts.

Is it a driver,, is it running? If so, see how well she heats up, or smokes, these engines were known for cracking around valve seat areas, if I am not mistaken. Upside, being a Furd, no doubt plenty of repop items for body and trim parts. Again, body and sheet metal biggest price to repair, does it still have it's interior, is it very complete?

I believe it is complete. Being a CA car, it may not have body rot problems - My main worry is overheating - didn't Fomoco pretty much solve that problem by the post-war era motors?

[55 Fargo]

I believe it is complete. Being a CA car, it may not have body rot problems - My main worry is overheating - didn't Fomoco pretty much solve that problem by the post-war era motors?

I have no experience with these engines, but post war engines did have better cooling abilities, but Ford did not employ a water distribution tube like Mopar 6s.

Don't overlook the fact this car could be from outside the state, and been transplanted after 5 years of snow belt driving, you never know....

[Bob Riding]

I have no experience with these engines, but post war engines did have better cooling abilities, but Ford did not employ a water distribution tube like Mopar 6s.

Don't overlook the fact this car could be from outside the state, and been transplanted after 5 years of snow belt driving, you never know....

Good point.

I' m looking forward to driving it.

[40P10touring sedan]

Bob, she seems clean enough...a motor shot would have helped from them though.

My buddy is into the old ford flatheads and your cooling concern is the twin water pumps...are they still good and is the cooling system up to snuff{working well enough}...those fords like to run alittle hot like the mopar 6's do. As was said, there's a huge parts and aftermarket following for those engines...I personnally don't know which are the better, but from what I remember, the newer model year ones are the best to have.

Myself, I've always liked the mid 50's fords...56 to be exact...with a larger than oem Y in it.

[dezeldoc]

With 134 k on the odometer I would think the engine has been rebuilt during its life time. When was it rebuilt if ever? With 134K this car has seen alot of mileage and would assume that the suspension is also wornout and would need replacement.

Need to know what has been done to the car with that mileage.

rich

Perfect advise, a lot of miles on her see what records they have and don't be afraid to have a shop check it out, kinda a lot of coin for a 4 door in my book.