1938 Fargo FG3-59

DanB80 wrote:

No decisions made yet. Maybe a bigger side valve like suggested by Brocky45 but expect that would still need to be engineered. Did look into the engineering and note that getting any mods means a number of additional mandatory mods (seat belts, collapsable steering column, dual hyd brake system etc.) These all make sense from a safety view but agree they further detract from the heritage.

The side valves wete made quite big sizes, over 300 cubic inches that I know of

The some of the car gear boxes had a over drive

Plenty of options and plenty of motors out there
These motors were used in everything from farm machiner to fork lifts to trucks to just about everything you can think of

I doubt any engineers report would be required to put a different sidevalve in
This negates all the other head aches you mention

Paul

I'm thinking the easiest sidevalve to get would be the 250 (251?) cube out of a Chrysler Royal up to very early 60's.
If you don't wish to double the clutch all the time, a later NP435 box as suggested should be easy to find.
Both of these will still "look right". They are a relatively easy engine to get parts for.

Love to see the progress, even if slow.

Jarrod.

Hi Zuffen, although I have heard Canada was used to reduce costs I think even the US exports were still badged Fargo. I found the below serial number list.


And data plate of the truck:

Paul, Jarrod, I am liking the idea of a larger side valve especially if I can get away without engineering or anyone knowing. Maybe if I can get the original loose and running enough for initial rego I could spend some time rebuilding a 251 to drop in later.

Yes Dan, worth pulling the original engine and see what condition it really is in. It can be very surprising how good a frozen engine can come back to life with a litle TLC.
Sometimes just a clean up insssside is all that is needed and sometimes just a re-ring and away you go.

Not sure about Down Under, but the Chrysler side valve 6 cylinder was used up until about 1960 up here in the States when it was replaced by the slant 6 in the Valiant. Parts should be fairly accessible even if you have to have some of them shipped from up here??

Those engines were sold here in Aus up into the '60s. A lot were fitted to concrete agitators before they switched to Holden red engines. They were sold as Industrials.

I think they were used a lot in the old Massey Harris auto headers

Welcome DanB80, that’s a great looking truck.
All good advice coming in from the forum as usual.
My two bobs worth would be to see if you can get that original motor running & work from there.
Be interesting to know how many of these were shipped out to OZ.
I wish you well with it & will keep a eye on your progress reports.
Cheers Pierre

Empire preference and 60% tariff on non empire imports was the reason.....and the reason Ford ,GM and Chrysler had Canadian factories .....before empire preference in 1933,some US stuff came in.......Ford built a factory here in 1926 to beat the tariffs.