Went back to the wrecking yard on Saturday, and the ol' truck gave up her heart: pulled the motor singlehandedly, but sure needed help dragging it through the yard on the picker.
Tell ya what: ya wanna get an instant fan club, complete with stories, advice, and help - pull a 70-year old flathead motor in the center of a modern wrecking yard. Had two fellas in particular, one from Modesto, the other Alameda. Both were inveterate Early Ford guys. One rattled off so many he had at home, I quickly lost count. The other has no less than TWO '32 Fords: a B (4 banger) Deluxe Roadster, and - wait for it - a genuine Roadster Pickup. Both had great stories of original owners and longtime ownership. This second fella is the one who was kind enough to help me drag forward the a-frame picker/hoist thing. I thought I was going to die. Pulling the motor was nothing compared to dragging that frame.
First, props to the folks that helped yesterday, then on to the motor. First, Mr. Alameda, for hanging out and making sure I got that motor forward to pay for it. Second, Mr. Just Stopped By to Chat, who gave me his (actually, his buddy's) screwdriver to pin the hoist chain in place before I dropped the motor. Third, to Mr. Modesto and his friend, who offered advice and helped me undo one of the motor mounts. And, finally, to all of the passersby who offered help or (the typical) stories of hot rod and flathead daring-do for my entertainment.
Now, the motor. I won't know more 'til I pull the heads, but here's the initial assessment: '39-'41 block w/59A heads. Adjustable lifters w/drilled lifter bores. "Diving bell" distributor. Unknown ("T" - maybe Truck) cam. Raised intake deck and oil pan freeze plugs raise my hope that it's a 99 block; hoping for factory relief, too, but we'll see once I pull the heads. Was supposed to have been running shortly before it came in, as it was offered for sale on an area farm recently; barn parked and they got it started. We'll see, as they say.
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