This was a first for me, and some of the other guys too.

maddog · Sep 5, 2007

So I bought this flathead that didnt run. Um... yes it does.
It turns out the dist cap was 180 off and not seated correctly. A couple valves were stuck but they are working now.

It runs pretty good. Gonna put plugs and wires on it and a carb rebuild.

I built a stand for it with a radiator, gas tank and a battery. Took it to the car wash and cleaned it today. Since it was in the back of my truck, I left it there and went to my Yakity Yak car club meeting.

I pulled over and started it about a block from the meeting. Then I pulled up in front of all the guys, parked, shut my truck off, got out and walked up to them and said "Hi guys" like nothing was diffferent, except there was a running flathead in the back of my truck.

I got quite a laugh out of it, they loved it.

There is just something cool about an engine running on a stand.

It turns out to be a 49-53 Merc with a 38 or 39 3 speed gearbox.

Tripper · Sep 6, 2007

Too funny!!!

maddog said:
There is just something cool about an engine running on a stand.

Dog,
U shoudda been cookin' somethin' on it too!!! ; - >

BoB

donsrods · Sep 6, 2007

Even if you don't use that flathead for the Topo, you gotta save if for something, otherwise you are going to be super kicking your butt someday. Good flatheads are hard to find and getting harder. Especially backed by a '39 box.

Shove it in a corner, marvel mystery oil the heck out of it, spray the outside well with WD40, cover it with tarps, and forget it's there. Take my word for it, the day will come when you will be happy you did that.

If you weren't on the other end of the world I would be making you an offer you couldn't refuse.

Don