Anybody used some of those new non rope style seals that have come out a few years ago for the flathead 8? Are they any good? Asking because my recent $200 '46 flathead purchase needs new seals in the front. I have also heard of using a Chevy seal in them, but nobody seems to know any more. Anybody know about this?

 

I've run the neoprene seal on the front of my 8BA with good results. There are several variations out there - Hot Rod and Custom Supply in FL has one with an aluminum housing that doesn't need silicone around the body. Other places are selling a standard grease seal that requires silicone caulk around it to prevent seepage.

Rear? There are no non-rope replacements. I've heard about using the Buick V6? rope seal, but have no personal experience. Go over to msn groups and check out the techno page - rumbleseat has the best info on seals that I've seen.

edit: here's the link but I don't see what i'm looking for - still good stuff to keep you busy...
http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

this link will take you to a large pdf file that contains rumbleseat's musings - some of the best darn flathead info available from a regular guy that lives it. In the middle is his engine info including the rear main seal stuff. Worth every minute it takes to download. I've printed it off for my own reference.

http://groups.msn.com/FordFlathead19...seatstips.msnw

 

Excellent, thanks for the links mtflat...lots of good info there. This was the main thing keeping me from dropping the flatty in my '46 and getting it fired up. Hopefully I can get it on the road in the next couple of months, after the power brake setup is all plumbed in. Thanks again for your help.