Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

I have a ’50 Ford F1 truck with the 239 V8 flathead engine. It has the short bellhousing segment between the engine and transmission and this segment has a hole in it to allow the starter bendix to stick through it. Originally, this hole was covered by a thin metal can like structure to provide weather/dirt/grime protection for the bendix assembly. Mine is missing. Is anyone awere of an aftermarket replacement? I’ve had no luck in my internet searches. Does anyone have knowledge of an alternative item that can be modified to serve this purpose? Did the original part mount from the “inside” of the bellhousing or the outside? Thanks for your time/attention.

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

What is the diameter of the hole in your bell? Is it close to 3"?

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

Made one a number of years ago, this worked for me. The rivets were installed first, then the assy. is inserted and the end of the cover flared over to secure.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=42361

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

If I remember correctly, I used the bottom section of a 14 ounce propane bottle,
empty and gas cleared of course. Not 100% correct, but serves the purpose!



John

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

John, that is one of the answers I was looking for. I remember readinag, in the past, where someone had used something commonly available and made one...and it was a propane cylinder, but I had forgotten. Thanks...I'll give it serious consideration.

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

51 Merc-CT, thanks for the dimensional data, was thinking about perhaps turning one out of a billet of aluminum.

Re: Starter Cover for 8BA Bell Housing
 

The bottom section of a small propane cylinder works better than anything I've found so far. Just use caution when you cut that section off the tank. Make sure all the propane is out of the tank before any cuts are made.