picking up a 1950 Plymouth wagon that has the original flat head 6 in it. It suffers from neglect of course but the most apparent is a vapor lock when it gets hot or running for a while. Any suggestions

The old flatheads came with a sheetmetal heat shield over the fuel pump that is sometimes left off when working on the engine.

If that shield is missing, you will absolutely vapor lock. Don't ask me how I know.

If the shield is in place, and you still vapor lock, I'd suggest some type of insulation over the fuel pump.

Another idea is to run a new vapor return line back to the tank and use a "3 bib" vapor return type fuel filter to keep the vapor lock under control.
DD
(or just put a SL6 into the vehicle )

Also make sure the in tank filter is not plugged up. I had a '53 Belvedere that had a fuel starving problem, and the filter in the tank was plugging up after driving for a little while. When parked for a few minutes, it would clear itself enough to start and run, but after a few more minutes, it would begin to starve for fuel again.

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"MOPAR or NOCAR!"

Propane systems never suffer from vapor lock.

But they can suffer from "freeze" lock.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Converters only frost-up when the cooling system is neglected.
http://fuelsforum.rasoenterprises.com/v ... .php?t=299

Frank, my comment was "tongue in cheek". Notice the smiley?

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I noticed that but I couldn't think of a funny comeback. A lot of people don't understand these systems and more than once I've heard of mechanics complaining of frosting problems.

Anyway, I really wasn't expecting kman to convert to propane to cure his vapor lock problem. I thought I would try to slip in a little sledgehammer-to-kill-a-fly humor.

theres allot of guys over at the H.A.M.B. that run flat heads of all makes. Lots of Chrysler/Plymouth flat head sixes too. That would be a good source for research. (run a search on H.A.M.B.)

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for profiles and pictures of my mopars--> http://www.fquick.com/dietz_diggler

heres a couple pics, both of these engines are in 51 plymouths. I hadn't checked that site in awhile and thought I'd post the pics for you, for inspiration.
Dietz

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for profiles and pictures of my mopars--> http://www.fquick.com/dietz_diggler

Well if you're going to be flashing some flathead photos, you might as well have a look at this set-up:

Studebaker 245 CID 6-cylinder

I had a 55 Plymouth Savoy, w/ a flat head 6, and you needed to watch the needle and seat......alot of times, it would start to run poorly, and I would take it out, and there would be a speck of something.Just my 2 cents....
Andrew/Kidd

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Wife's: 64 Valiant
My: 70 Road Runner, 67 Barracuda, AND the 62 Valiant drag car!!