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Discussion Topic:
'53 Flathead Engine Questions
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len47merc |
04-27-2018 @ 4:18 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Looking at getting back in the game (after shedding a few tears watching the '47 drive away to SC) with a '53 Ford Customline Deluxe, previously referenced as 'all original' until I started asking questions remotely. Nice car nonetheless, some non-stock changes I can reverse, probably a few more yet to be found, etc.. I've a few questions on the engine before I make the trek to PA for an in-person inspection: 1) What is the correct engine for a '53? 8BA? 2) What is the correct color for a '53 flathead engine? 3) What are the correct head nuts for a '53 flathead? Cadmium plated nuts as on earlier 59ABs or different finish dome nuts or other? 4) What are the correct heads for a proper '53 and what is referenced on the heads (e.g., 8BA, etc.) Thanks in advance.
Steve
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ken ct. |
04-27-2018 @ 4:31 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1513
Joined: Jan 2010
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Steve 49-53 have bolts NOT NUTS holding the heads down. Not sure of engine color. ken ct.
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len47merc |
04-27-2018 @ 4:43 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Thanks Ken - assume the head of the bolts are flat hex shaped and not domed? And were cadmium plated or no? And/or were painted the color of the motor or no? One other engine question for you all (sure wish I had the book for this year): 5) Were the milled surfaces of the block for this year painted or bare metal? Steve
This message was edited by len47merc on 4-27-18 @ 5:45 AM
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Kens 36 |
04-27-2018 @ 7:22 AM
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Member
Posts: 352
Joined: Oct 2009
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Steve, You did WHAT to your Mercury? I must have missed something. On the 52 & 53, the engine was basically the 8BA, but upgraded to 110 hp. The heads were marked EAB. They were attached with head bolts with special Ford markings and were painted along with the engine after assembly. The color was tangerine, but called "Ford orange." If you buy the car, I know you will want the book. It is excellent. Ken
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len47merc |
04-27-2018 @ 7:47 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Ken - sent you a p.m. Thanks for the answers all! Any other comments regarding validation of mechanical originality appreciated, including the milled surface question. Cheers - Steve
This message was edited by len47merc on 4-27-18 @ 7:48 AM
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sarahcecelia |
04-27-2018 @ 7:04 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1194
Joined: Mar 2013
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Engine color in '53 was an orange shade. I'm sure the different venders out there have it in stock. That was a 110 HP flathead.
Regards, Steve Lee
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sarahcecelia |
04-27-2018 @ 7:09 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1194
Joined: Mar 2013
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Head bolts in '53 were painted the same orange color as the entire motor. That motor was basicly the same motor as the '49, '50, '51 and '52, but like the 52 it was 110HP because of a different cam and heads than the previous ones, which were 100 HP.
Regards, Steve Lee
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mfirth |
04-28-2018 @ 6:20 AM
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Member
Posts: 208
Joined: Nov 2017
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Hi Steve, you can get lots of good info on 8ba engines from Vanpeltsales.com. mike
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cliftford |
04-28-2018 @ 7:38 AM
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Senior
Posts: 845
Joined: Jan 2014
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Hi Steve, It is my understanding that by 1953, all the valve seat inserts had been eliminated, making the seats more vulnerable to pitting and cracking. Often rebuilders would install them. You may want to consider this if you decide to rebuild the engine.
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