Early Ford Flathead V8 Chassis Identification Tips and Tricks 1928 Through 1948 Traditional Hot Rod!

Just a quick video sharing some of the information that I use when identifying an early Ford chassis when I come across them at a junkyard, swap meet or abandoned farm yard. I'm sure I missed a few things and I probably got a couple things wrong!
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#modelaford #flathead #banger #barnfind #tudorsedan #originalpaint #hotrod #willitrun #ranwhenparked #barnfind #patina #oldjunk #mechanic #rusty #rust #hamb

[@pmae9010]

Well informed for a man of your youth, if Dad was still around he would have loved to talk with you. He was a auto wrecking yard man from the early 60's into the late 80's.

[@MortskeRepair]

Sounds like he was a pretty cool dude!

[@pmae9010]

@@MortskeRepair he was, I miss him.

[@thomasbailey8306]

Great information on those old Fords. I did brakes and relined brake shoes on an old Model T. It was a coworkers of mine. It was So awesome to work on. A vehicle I liked working on..LOLIts amazing how they was built. Im not a Ford Guy but Henry Ford had some very Intelligent young men and Women working for him. Great Video .Thank You for sharing...

[@MortskeRepair]

Thanks for sharing Thomas! Love hearing about that stuff!

[@RoyMarkosGarageRMG]

you are like the man who knows everything... and it's great. Now it's all stuck in my head, which isn't a bad thing

[@MortskeRepair]

I know a lot of dumb stuff!

[@RoyMarkosGarageRMG]

@@MortskeRepair side bonus: the dumb stuff I need to do for the wife (like cleaning the garage- I think) is now out of my head. Replaced with much better car info.

[@jon-christiankaczor5384]

@ mortske on those cross steer setups the part you called a pitman is actually called a relay rod. Learned that working at American axle forging newer junk

[@garybrady9531]

can't believe it's been a year so I'm revisiting one of my favorite videos

[@michaeldufresne9280]

This is great, love watching this stuff, now that I gave in and I have a smart TV and don’t have to watch it on my phone or my iPad, this is wonderful.. Time for a samitch....

[@modeladenny1218]

Yup Michael, I watched this yesterday on my smartalic TV. Nice to see another man's junk yard from the comfort of my LazyBoy! I've got a 1931 Model A with 46-48 brakes, F-1 steering, tube shocks, tiny Ford V-8. Plus a '41 Ford that thinks it's a Nova, and a '39 Ford with '54 chevy front brakes. NAPA guys hide when I walk in!

[@michaeldufresne9280]

@@modeladenny1218 ain’t that the truth from your lazy boy. LOL Nice on the 31 and the 39

[@modeladenny1218]

@@michaeldufresne9280 Bad thing is I'm back in Illinois, old, and allergic to cold and snow. But in a short time I'll be watching KZbin on the FatScreen covered with my lectric blanket! I hate bein alone but this is one advantage.😊

[@michaeldufresne9280]

@@modeladenny1218 I hear you man, it’s cold back there. It’s cold here too but getting better here in central Oregon.

[@modeladenny1218]

@@michaeldufresne9280 Better here in Illinoiz than many places. Actually above freezing and looks like "real" winter is over! I have a million things to get done on my Model A.

[@davida.p.9911]

Very informative! Being a Crown Vic owner, I feel honored in having one of the last of the classic Ford car frames.

[@dopeynightlifetv6859]

Finally the model A gets some attention 💪

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

For real!

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

Thank you for the tour, you and Duff really know your frames! I really like the Ford stuff, but I am interested in anything mechanical. It is always made even more interesting when you have a dog!

[@jacoballred7689]

That I Like antique vehicles. Because with a little imagination they can give me just enough room to Fly. The Past is a Frame by gone car time machine.

[@olemansailor6519]

Everything we needed to know but didn't know to ask. LOL

[@fredyeah]

Stay true to your style! It gets old watching other guys copy each others channels and catch phrases and lose the focus on what got them to where they are! I just found your channel when you were starting on the old Y block. Great stuff! Definitely one of the hidden treasures (for now). You hit on all the old iron. It is quite refreshing to see 🍻

[@MortskeRepair]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words Fred!

[@WetPickle1]

The more you know... Thanks for the great video as always.

[@MortskeRepair]

My pleasure!

[@donovanbutler]

Very nice information to know. Thanks mr mortske

[@MortskeRepair]

My pleasure!

[@johnabhold7233]

It's a blast watching you and Duff, I'm always thankful I found your channel. Finally a channel about building cars by selecting desirable use able parts ! Excellent video everyone learned something and it increased the sales of Wisconsin cheese curds, squeaky delicious.

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad you enjoy it John!

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the old fords. Now maybe I can identify some of the rusty stuff I've collected. Thanks duff.

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad to help!

[@jon-christiankaczor5384]

Pretty cool seeing the evolution of the ford frame over just even 10 years, either its sad that were still using the same setup 100 years later or ford was just that much ahead of his time

[@larrybair8074]

Duff really loves you.

[@porscheshop]

Great Info....... Great for builders as most of the stuff dose mix & match so you can have infinate combo's IMO+++

[@jameslund221]

Yes, more Duff stuff please. Thanks

[@michaelhuey4187]

Da Duff Meister liked those old frames! But then again, why wouldn’t he, after all, the frames are the “bones” of the vehicle. 🤔😖🤦‍♂️ Love the vids, Mort, keep em coming! 👍

[@MortskeRepair]

He does love old bones!

[@_Dave_S]

Dammit, late again! Had to shovel the driveway. Again. Awesome video, Duff's enthusiasm for chassis ID is unbound!

[@heartoftexasbarnfindsandcl5193]

Good info bro. Good video

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad you liked it

[@larryanderson8049]

early ford knowledge lives on!! good to see!

[@MortskeRepair]

You got that right!

[@jofridz]

Awesome video as always.

[@kennethscofield4565]

Duff dog 😁... knows more about early iron than the average pooch !!

[@MortskeRepair]

Comes with the territory!

[@rroop1973]

I enjoyed the tour and lesson.

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Of Model A's, the 29 has the best looking radiator shell. If I ever acquire my uncle's 28, I might put a 29 grille on it.

[@castvee8]

I was afraid watching this video as I suspected there might be a test at the end! Thankfully there was not as my notes were just not as detailed as the presentation. I could have got the dog stuff right though. Thumbs up for unlimited knowledge database.

[@ndeep45]

Beginning to wonder about you. Finally you gave some attention to the model A in the corner.. she was jealous, a freaking Y block got more attention than she did.. you wait she'll get even... Nice ID though..

[@zacheryjohnson234]

Perfect! Now I know what I'm looking at when I'm out and about!

[@rsprockets7846]

Why go looking when you got this guy giving all the primo tips?

[@zacheryjohnson234]

@@rsprockets7846 Sometimes this guy has to have what I'm looking at! haha

[@rsprockets7846]

@@zacheryjohnson234 yeah he has the knowledge. And parts tempted to make a highboy when this CV is over

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Actually veery helpful you would love our 39 Ford!

[@modeladenny1218]

I've loved my '39 Ford since 1972!

[@Paleoman52]

Very interesting seeing all the differences on those early Fords. Those Ford engineers kept pretty busy with their better ideas over those years. I enjoyed this video a lot and even learned a few things. Duff seemed unimpressed as he probably knew this stuff already.

[@rhekman]

Those V8 frames with the speed-hole crossmembers are shmexy.

[@charlesball8872]

Neat video- if I was restoring old Fords. I prefer the 50’s to 70’s stuff!!

[@gilliland426]

nice info and collection.

[@VintageCars999]

Cool, I'm fascinated by these old relics. One thing I would love to see is one of these steam engine cars! They might be rarer than these Ford Model A's!

[@scotroyce6560]

Great video gotta Love Duff anymore video's on that 1960 Ford Wagon

[@MortskeRepair]

Coming soon!

[@skylarkovack2561]

Information overload 👍👍👍

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@MortskeRepair]

You're welcome!

[@stevesalvage1089]

Well now I know , great film ,thanks all that detail phew , amaze your friends next car park visit !

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@micksterboone4517]

+1 on the '60 Ford Ranch Wagon.

[@MickelsonRacingChannel]

I like it! More early content please!

[@MortskeRepair]

Anything for you Mr. C!

[@cobramike13bravo63]

Ole Carl here is the Eli Whitney of the early Ford.

[@grantjohnston5817]

For a Chevy guy you know a hell of a lot about Fords!Beginning to think you might be a closet Ford fan!

[@MortskeRepair]

I'm a wealth of useless knowledge!

[@grantjohnston5817]

@@MortskeRepair No knowledge is useless!Ask me about marine engines!Looking forward to the next video.GRR WOOF WOOF Hi DUFF!

[@MortskeRepair]

@@grantjohnston5817 I gave up on those. Hard to walk home when your engine stalls in the middle of the lake!

[@grantjohnston5817]

@@MortskeRepair When you are 300 miles of the coast of Newfoundland and the nearest land is 2 miles...straight down it s a long cold swim!

[@usmclee65]

Great info thanks!

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JorgeDiaz-ly5qp]

Cool info.

[@MortskeRepair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ghouliesgarage3922]

Awesome as always .. definitely like the early stuff .. chevy next ? Regardless great Info . Hi Duff

[@MortskeRepair]

Not sure yet! I don't know much on the early GMs unfortunately!

[@rhekman]

Mortske University, now that's my kind of higher education.

[@MortskeRepair]

Tuition can be paid in sammiches!

[@dombutler7685]

You have enough rusty junk to make a killer traditional hot rod! You just gotta get out there and freeze your bits off in the process!!

[@modeladenny1218]

Yea, the weather looked good!

[@MortskeRepair]

I've got a few of them!

[@jesseduke694]

Mr. Mortske, im gettin mixed signals from you brother? You say your not a ford guy? You talk like you don't like them? But you do alot of videos featuring fords? I know if im interested in educating myself on some fun ford knowledge I just gota look up one of your videos! Good stuff right here man! Its alright, your secret is safe with me.

[@MortskeRepair]

I like them all is my problem!

[@heliarche]

Come spring I'm going to try and grab a Model A frame for a home for my flathead if anything works out. I like the Tudor for a body. I know I don't want to mess with that earlier X member where it rots out unless it's miraculously preserved and I can keep it nice. I'd walk away from ones that got smacked up and probably Farmer welds all over as well. Is there a hidden pitfall on picking out a frame? If it's not rotten or incredibly pitted, straight, doesn't have patches and scabby welds all over is it a safe bet? When do you walk away? When do you run?

[@MortskeRepair]

They're hard to find good ones since they're 80 years old. But anything can be fixed. Grab what you can. It's all good property and a great way to learn if you pick up a rough one for cheap.

[@HFG]

Tons of info!!!

[@MortskeRepair]

I'm a wealth of useless knowledge!

[@HFG]

@@MortskeRepair It's not useless. Someone might make a gameshow about early Ford frames and you'll be a superstar!!!

[@MortskeRepair]

@@HFG One can only hope!

[@RearEngineShop]

Some day I want to build a model A. 👍 Lots of good information.

[@rsprockets7846]

I wanna hiboy or a vicky

[@modeladenny1218]

[@kurtmccarthy6733]

Ya I like anything auto Tom but I’m a Mopar Man so anything 49 to 76 inside Projects wud do the trick !!

[@MortskeRepair]

Dang and I just bought a 77 Monaco!

[@kurtmccarthy6733]

@@MortskeRepair aww hell, I’m not that picky on my years. I just grabbed em out of the air. Unless there’s a body change, I cud not tell ya the diff. So bring it on Tom.

[@josephpilosky4775]

Very interesting learned a lot had a 37 slant back 2 door miss it 😭was almost original except v8 engine was bored out .60over

[@TheDocrock100]

wow that is a great collection and thanks for the info. I am all in on a 700r4 swap when you do one

[@modeladenny1218]

A 2004R seems like a better idea. My '55 Chevy wagon, 305 and 2004R gets an honest all around 22 MPG without trying. Cruises under 2000 RPM.

[@MortskeRepair]

I've done them both. Depends on what you're dealing with to start and what you want in the end.

[@TheDocrock100]

What I was thinking is, let's say the 2 wheel drive blazer. Convert that to 700r4. The problems are not the swap as much as the parts of the puzzle that makes it hard to understand. Will the drives driveshaft work and what mods depending on what tailshaft you have on your 350. Then making it shift and perform. That is where I get stuck

[@MortskeRepair]

@@TheDocrock100 You'll have to make a new driveshaft. I've never had issue with the shift linkage.

[@TheDocrock100]

I was thinking about the lockout converter control

[@HanstheTraffer]

Duff says "If it doesn't involve rides...It doesn't involve ME. Lets GO Dad! I gotta MOVE"

[@rsprockets7846]

Did I miss duffy?

[@MortskeRepair]

He's out there hunting if you watch close!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Mortske. You are a wealth of information. How in hell can you remember all of that? It cool to see how things changed over the years. Would you be interested in trading shop stickers with me? Let me know. Thanks for sharing. 🍁👍👍

[@MortskeRepair]

I'm a wealth of useless knowledge! Yeah send me an email. Its in the description of the videos.

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

Nice 👍

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

So you are Smart!

[@MortskeRepair]

Ha! Full of useless knowledge more like it!

[@andrewweston2253]

Let's not forget Ford BB trucks and those pain in the neck 5x8 20" Budd wheels with split rings...hey! You gots parts...build a doodlebug!

[@MortskeRepair]

That's a whole nother story there!

[@cruddycornstalks]

very cool video!. will say that model A vins are very often under the cab where you cant see it when it's on the frame. and I am not sure if the model B frame is the same as a model 18 them,model B being the 4cylinder car and an 18 being the first V8 be interesting to know if they used the same frame or not.

[@MortskeRepair]

Model A had them under the fender lips which requires removing the body to get the fenders off. The only difference on 4 cylinder cars is the crossmember from what I understand for the engine mounts.

[@cruddycornstalks]

@@MortskeRepair yeah its really annoying place for a vin to be on a frame as I would like to know my in on my pickup to verify if it has been changed over the years as from what we understand it was made the same week my grandmother was born. but its a barn fresh rusty truck and it would be a long process to get to

[@MortskeRepair]

@@cruddycornstalks On a Model A the VIN was also stamped on the side of the engine block on the drivers side. If you've got an engine in it yet. Specifically the original engine.

[@aaronmorgan9795]

I just recently purchased a 1967 f250 2 wheel drive 4 speed truck for $400 non running. It has a 390 FE in it. Is that a decent motor? Or should i swap it out. My only experience with fords have been with a couple 300s.

[@MortskeRepair]

They're great engines!

[@jasongannon7676]

My 39 frame rusted so thin it more like tin foil, first project replace frame

[@DavidSmith-fs4nt]

Duff says he already knows this stuff. I didn't so thanks for the info

[@MortskeRepair]

He gets sick of listening to me ramble on!

[@johndondero8619]

You forgot to put coffee in Duffs bowl this morning

[@jeremygilbank5378]

How about some more 47-53 chevy

[@MortskeRepair]

I could probably do that!

[@tradrodsandcustoms]

Serial number would be just behind the cowl body mount on top of the frame rail. Gotta have the body off to see it

[@MortskeRepair]

Nope, I've found plenty of them without removing the body

[@tradrodsandcustoms]

@@MortskeRepair must be a canadian thing

[@yourgovtlovesyou5531]

Early fords are sweet coming from a chevy guy

[@nopleaseno2515]

1st. Thumbs up then I watch!

[@MortskeRepair]

You're the best!

[@nopleaseno2515]

@@MortskeRepair no....stop...you are!

[@oneoldmansgarage7880]

I love fried cheese curds!

[@HanstheTraffer]

Does Duff prefer Point Special sammiches?

[@MortskeRepair]

He sure don't mind them!

[@SeanPwnery]

"Comment what you wanna see" .... Yeoman rescue!

[@MortskeRepair]

I'll keep an eye out for one!

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Hmmmmm ok I’ll watch

[@modeladenny1218]

So, you like it when a guy shows you his junk?😊

[@MortskeRepair]

Thanks!

[@ltdjag7577]

Was that a dodge Monaco front bumper? Cordoba? Mid 70s?

[@MortskeRepair]

Fury I believe.

[@kenfrazier616]

cool thing on ford frames and interesting but still a ford. to bad other manufactures used so much wood in the theirs. Cool to see like3 early Buick or Olds

[@danswartwood4580]

I'm interested in the 60 Ford Ranch Wagon

[@Str8sixfan]

What's the best source for a straight axle in this range if one was to look to build a open wheel Rat Rod?

[@MortskeRepair]

Oh man, that's a real can of worms there. So many variables. It all depends on your wheel and tire combination and the ride height and track width etc. Model A is the most common that you find because of the amount of them they built. But the spindles and brakes aren't so desirable but they do have the shortest wishbones, which I presume you'd be splitting? I'd say find a Model A axle and wishbone and a pair of 37-41 spindles and bolt on a disc brake setup if you're going for a "rat rod" or get real lucky and find a set of loaded 39-48 hydraulic brakes to use. The later axles are wider and the wishbones are quite a bit longer and the spring setup is in front of the axle so doesn't work very well in most applications. You can buy new dropped axles from several suppliers in various configurations along with reproduction spindles and reversed eye leaf springs as well. Clear as mud?

[@Str8sixfan]

@@MortskeRepair that does help. I was just thinking model A stuff is gobbled up because of popularity. Sounds like I'm better off when I'm ready to consult you before I purchase the junk I find on fb marketplace! Haha

[@MortskeRepair]

@@Str8sixfan Oh no, lots of Model A stuff out there yet! I just looked at a pair of axles from one out in the trees last night! Keep an eye out for the 37-48 spindles and hydraulic brakes as they're good property and can be made to fit any early Ford axle.

[@michaelmott8086]

"Delco" is probably "Dayton (Ohio) Electric Company." Was there a time when Delco was not a part of General Motors?

[@rsprockets7846]

Prior to 1921?

[@michaelmott8086]

@@rsprockets7846 Thank you.

[@donperry4573]

Out of curiosity, did you name Duff after Duff man from the Simpsons, or Duff McKeegan from Guns and Roses?

[@MortskeRepair]

After a local watering hole actually!

[@johnnyfixo7386]

Love your show! Hey I’m in serious need of a 47 1/2 ton steering box and steering column, any advice where to find? I’m located in SoCal.

[@johnnyfixo7386]

Ford by the way 😀

[@MortskeRepair]

Not that I know of but I'll keep an eye out!

[@tomharrington1393]

👍👍

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

how do you tell what year model a you have i found one about 10-15 years ago in barn here in tennessee and i really dont know what year it is i know its between a 28-31 tho like to me know how to tell the years apart please and also if you what a junkyard to go threw i found here too.thanks - nick

[@modeladenny1218]

28-29 had a thinner cowl with a slight bulge at the body line. 28-29 had 21" wheels and skinnier fenders. A shorter grille, a plainer dash with an oval gage cluster thingie.

[@toryneald234]

Can you repeat that...I think ive had 2 maybe 4 ...many samwicchs to follow all that info...my head hurts...But in my defence im in Canada...we got us some real high test " Samwicchs here " thanks boss....Ps...can ya talk a little quiter in your next vid....lol

[@modeladenny1218]

Bring me a sammich!--------- and a beer!😊

[@MortskeRepair]

Sorry!

[@andreweisan9613]

When are you working on the ramp truck

[@MortskeRepair]

Hopefully when it warms up some!

[@andreweisan9613]

@@MortskeRepair that would be a great truck for a 5.3 or 6.0 ls 4L80E swap

[@tomh6779]

Is that Ford emblem on the radiladle original?

[@MortskeRepair]

Should be

[@rsprockets7846]

I wanna build A hiboy

[@chasbarnes3425]

I like more Chevy stuff but learning other stuff is good too

[@modeladenny1218]

I'm poor. I have Ford and Chevy stuff. Most of my Fords have Chevy stuff too. Did y'all know Studebaker made plows and covered wagons. That's all stuff.

[@MortskeRepair]

Studebaker started in the wagon business!

[@modeladenny1218]

@@MortskeRepair Many of the old Conastoga wagons were actually Studebaker wagons. I think Studebaker and Mr Deere first built farm ploughs.

[@juandegraaf9837]

Howzit. I am busy building a 1934 ford pickup. would it be possible to email you regarding a bit of guidance with assembly of the axles.

[@MortskeRepair]

Sure. I’ll do my best

[@juandegraaf9837]

@@MortskeRepair can I contact you via email

[@leehemingway2597]

Get the cab over back on

[@notacopnotacop1120]

Made in Michigan 👍

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

When Detroit was really really beautiful.

[@notacopnotacop1120]

@@shakyhandpictures2185 Its only beautiful one night a year now

[@modeladenny1218]

@@shakyhandpictures2185 There are cities like Detroit in every state now.

[@mighty300il6]

Wow!!! Narrow little brake drums.

[@MortskeRepair]

Light cars no horsepower!

[@mighty300il6]

@@MortskeRepair you'll haft to forgive me...never learned much about the flatheads. Ive learned more from you and watching your channel....that being said Ford flat v8 couldn't been more than 100hp....probably less.lol.

[@MortskeRepair]

@@mighty300il6 Early ones were 85HP! Later ones were 100HP!

[@glenncutright9769]

did i hear him say hydralic brakes came out in 1939

[@MortskeRepair]

On Fords yes!

[@bradwhite6491]

I hope I’m not being tested on this!

[@modeladenny1218]

There will be a quizz.😊 Just answer everything "FORD".😊

[@giuliom8520]

You're an automotive archeologist.

[@MortskeRepair]

Thanks!

[@giuliom8520]

@@MortskeRepair Now make me a cool long sleeves T-shirt with that logo that I gave you.

[@cowfrank]

RUB MY HEAD DAMMIT!

[@haroldgetchelljr3264]

Fords

[@rsprockets7846]

Ford. Has a better idea,..,.

[@modeladenny1218]

At least Edsel did.