Chris,
The original wood patterns are hanging on the wall in the Speedway Motors
Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. I wonder if Bill Smith would be interested in
trying ... or if Ford would be against it. The purists would die. Oh yes,
a friend just bought a Ford flathead block that has never been in a car. It
will end up in a period '32 Ford steel bodied street rod with a Merc crank,
original Ford connecting rods (still in the boxes), Ardun heads and probably
a SCOT blower. He will do it right ... nice to see things like that come
out of the blue.
Wes
----------
> From: "Chris R Harris" <yesford@clear.net.nz>
> To: "land-speed" <land-speed@autox.team.net>
> Subject: Alloy flathead block.
> Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 11:42:31 +1300
>
>The thought has nagged in the back of my mind for yonks and I haven't even
>owed a 'sidie' since my wife and I started going out 26 years ago in my 46
>sedan. (generally known in NZ as a Ford 'house').
>The list just flirted real close talking about Ardun Dougs lost cylinders
>in one breath and the ease of replacing liners and welding damage in an
>alloy 'hemi' Mopar the next.
>
>What is needed is an aftermarket replica aluminum Ford/Merc side-valve
>block !
>
>The aftermarket is still developing new gear for the beloved 'whacker' like
>Kong and Baron heads Scat and Crower forged cranks etc and everyone knows
>you realistically couldn't find a crack free block by the mid 50's let
>alone one with little core shift or little rusting at the bottom of the
>bores in the jacket.
>
>I discussed the idea with a buddy with a view to a partnership in the
>project but while interested was busy with other projects. Don't know if
>I've got the balls to make the financial commitment myself. The new
>millennium dawns guys, the sidevalve Ford deserves to be there, "we have
>the technology".
>
>Opinions please.
>
>Chris Harris C/GR #397 New Zealand.
>
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