length of 41 starting crank extension?

[David J]

Hello, Friend needs a starting crank extension for a 1941 85hp. Car is stock. What length am I looking for. Mine are all 35 and older. Thanks.

[fordor41]

can't remember on our '41 but assume enough to clear front bumper. also have to have a split radiator.

[ford38v8]

If I'm not mistaken, the crank hole in the grille by that time was merely present to satisfy buyers who were still stuck in the Model T era, the crank not intended to actually be used, as major grille damage can occur by merely thinking about using a crank.

[David J]

Actually a 35 extension goes in and engages crank but is too short.
Guy that owns it has had it since 1960 and used to crank it.
Extension is lost and I am trying to find him one.

First order of business is knowing length.
Have to be spot on to clear bumper.
I routinely start the 34 with crank and handle barely clears bumper.
Always pointed up when motor starts and kicks it forward.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

If I'm not mistaken, the crank hole in the grille by that time was merely present to satisfy buyers who were still stuck in the Model T era, the crank not intended to actually be used, as major grille damage can occur by merely thinking about using a crank.

Alan, you are pretty much correct.
In 1940, the extension and mating crank were available only through the dealer. In other words, they were NOT part of the factory included tool kit.
Me? I can't imagine cranking one of these to start nor the need to.

[David J]

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Originally Posted by Kube

Alan, you are pretty much correct.
In 1940, the extension and mating crank were available only through the dealer. In other words, they were NOT part of the factory included tool kit.
Me? I can't imagine cranking one of these to start nor the need to.

Know squat about 41's but on mine the handle is also the lug wrench.
Did 41 have a different type lug wrench?
He still has his and it sure looks like mine. This is bearing in mind he bought car in 1960. May not be what came new but the setup he had would start the car.


I regularly hand crank Mikes 34.
Folks get a real kick out of it.
Announcer in Balsam lake sure liked it.
IF YOUR STUFF IS RIGHT ONE FILCK AND DONE.
Not telling anyone to do it.

Factory or dealer does not matter to him.
He had one and wants another.

Same question, what is overall length of extension and any leads on one?

[David J]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

If I'm not mistaken, the crank hole in the grille by that time was merely present to satisfy buyers who were still stuck in the Model T era, the crank not intended to actually be used, as major grille damage can occur by merely thinking about using a crank.

Actually. all is in place and properly aligned so the extension does not touch the grille on the 34.
Triangular pan is the forward bearing. Not the grille.
That is the reason for the thick reinforcing plate behind hole on pan.


Handle just clears INSIDE bumper. That is why length is so critical.

[woodiewagon46]

I agree with Kube. I have owned three Model A's since 1968 and never once did I start the car with the crank. Yes, you need the crank to time the distributor and even that is hard. I can't imagine the added compression of four more cylinders. A V-8 motor must be very "loose" to spin it over with a crank.

[fordv8j]

I've cranked our 38 coupe several times years ago, when battery was low, takes both hands to crank it, but starts easily since no current is being used to crank it

[David J]

What is the overall length of the starting crank extension for a 1941 Ford 85hp V8.

[cas3]

I've not looked, but wouldn't the green bible tell that fact? I'll look tomorrow.

[fortyonerag]

It's cold and late this end, but I can measure the distance from the bumper to crank on my 41 tomorrow if it'll help.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by David J

What is the overall length of the starting crank extension for a 1941 Ford 85hp V8.

Did you reach out to Lin Stacey? He WILL have the correct answer for you and most likely, the correct extension available for purchase.

[GYYSYF]

51A-17040
26-3/8 inch long