Alternative motive power

[Jordan Baker]

Ive enjoyed reading all what everyone has put into carriers over the years. The thing that I dont get is spending all the time and effort to adapt a new engine and transmission into something versus spending the time and money to rebuild what was already engineered to fit. When I look at some of the pictures with all the new mounts, linkages, fittings, ect ,ect, ect I think why not have spent that energy on what was originaly there.

My moto with any vehicle I have worked on is.... Since I have already spent X number of hrs on the vehicle, what's the problem with spending another hour or two getting it right.

[The Bedford Boys]

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

Ive enjoyed reading all what everyone has put into carriers over the years. The thing that I dont get is spending all the time and effort to adapt a new engine and transmission into something versus spending the time and money to rebuild what was already engineered to fit. When I look at some of the pictures with all the new mounts, linkages, fittings, ect ,ect, ect I think why not have spent that energy on what was originaly there.

My moto with any vehicle I have worked on is.... Since I have already spent X number of hrs on the vehicle, what's the problem with spending another hour or two getting it right.

It's not time, it's the $$$. Sure, if any of us had the ways and means of rebuilding the engine for the cost of a suitable replacement, we would all do it. But it comes down to $$$. When it comes down to it, the original engine can still be fitted should one find the cash to rebuild it. I am with you on the "getting it right" part, but sometimes you are torn between "getting it right" and getting in to debt, or in s**t with the mrs....

[Hans Mulder]

I don't wish to cast aspersions on those who have been doing this for many years, but us guys in our mid 20's don't have all the necessary tools, know how, equity, etc. built up yet. It makes doing the job perfectly somewhat more difficult. My goal is to get it looking enough like a carrier to keep on going for the next 15 years until I have the time, money, tools, facilities, and other resources to make it perfect.

[ajmac]

The Loyd I have seen near me was fitted with a Fordson P6 diesel in the 60s, although the owner never saw it installed the previous farmer owner swore by the conversion said it made all the difference. In comparison the flathead V8 was gutless.

[Jordan Baker]

I guess what I was trying to say is why spend money on doing something only to spend more money down the road to redo your "custom" fit. That seems more expensive to me vrs going slower and within your means. This is all at the end of the day a hobby, I personally would never go into debt for it. As for us younger guys, I'm still in my 20's. I got my carrier at 22yrs, my car came at 24 yrs and I got a cell phone only 2.75 yrs ago due to work. It's all how you want to spend your money.

[D Ellery]

I hear what your saying Jordan. Mine was a simple decision at the time as I had all the parts to build a drive train and get the carrier rolling. The cost was so low that I have been able to fit out the vehicle for display. In my case if I had gone down the path of originality I would not have been able to drive , display and enjoy the vehicle as I have for the last few years as it would most probably still be in the shed. Apart from the engine she's all carrier. Cheers David.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

That seems more expensive to me vs going slower and within your means. This is all at the end of the day a hobby, I personally would never go into debt for it. It's all how you want to spend your money.

That would be precisely the reason for fitting a non-standard V8! The Ford Flathead is something of a enthusiast's engine, and finding an economical engine builder outside the American continent who knows their way around one is nearly impossible. As stated above, a Flathead/Sidevalve rebuild can cost upwards of $4000 this side of the equator.

2nd hand GM V8s (or Holdens) can be found reasonably easily and cheaply, and all the adapter work has been thought out long ago by Hotrodders of the past who wanted to fit newer, more powerful OHV V8s into older Ford chassies. Companies like Hurst, Offenhauser, Cragar and Edelbrock all made adapters to make it a simple bolt-in job, and some are still produced new today. They also regularly appear at swap meets. As David has said, it is a very economical way to get your vehicle moving while you get around to rebuilding that Ford V8 the right way. Down the track (pardon the pun!), when you finally do get the Flatty rebuilt, the GM engine and adapters will find a ready re-sale market, meaning you will virtually recoup your outlay.

[Stew Robertson]

The flat head is one of the easiet engines to rebuils the biggest problem is finding good blocks that are not cracked between the valve seats and barrels
Your own home made tools will work for valve removal and for less the a grand you can have all the parts- Oversize piston, crank regind, cam and gaskets your only other cost is clening the block and magna flux
I just finished a 100 hjp merc engine without labour I head 1047.00 in it
Then I had to put the starter on and rebuilding the Generator
I would rather rebuild an old flatty any day compared to a six banger Chuv
Stew