This was another big week here at the Ekberg Garage, as I try and get the Forty rolling for spring. We pulled the engine from its home of fifty plus years. When I purchased the Forty it had a 283 Chevy in it. I built the Flathead V8 while I was in Reedley College.
This was a two-man job. David helped me, first we took off the hood, and they used real steal in those days, it was heavy. Then we used our “cherry picker” and lifted the engine out. We had purchased a “Two Ton” heavy duty engine stand, but when we started to bolt that heavy Flathead engine to it, the one inch tubing brackets started to bend. That stopped us for a day to think about what to do. After collaborating we came up with a great solution that required two pieces of 3/8′ x 2″ flat stock (that cost me $5.00 at the local Blacksmith Shop) and some holes we drilled. It worked perfectly.
I guess I got a little excited after getting the engine on the stand and took off the heads. Then I wondered what I had gotten myself into, was I going to have to completely tear my engine apart?? I almost hyperventilated!
Not only is David my friend, but my consultant. I quickly got ahold of David. Continue following along to see what he told me and what the next steps are. Or you can get a sneak peek by checking out the 1940 photo album. Have a wonderful day.
