2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"

[47topless]

My '31 Victoria has the stock, two blade fan. I am aware of all the inherent potential tragedy, regarding these fans, and their propensity to come apart and turn into flying shrapnel while the engine is running. Good (new), two blade fans, seem hard to find. Is there a way to "bullet-proof" this original fan, much the same way as you can "bullet-proof" a Columbia overdrive, and make this safe to use?
It would be nice to keep this original fan.
Thank you,
Phil

[Flathead]

I would say no to the modifications and just wait (or find) an aluminum replacement.

[Brentwood Bob]

The Restorer has an article that addresses this.

[JayJay]

47 - I believe Snyders actually makes the aluminum two-blade fan. Tam's says they are out of stock until October, other vendors simply say "out of stock". If you want one you might contact your favorite vendor and see if you can get on a waiting list. I did that a couple of years ago when those fans were similarly out of stock. As soon as Bert's got an order in they shipped me two per my standing request.

[WHN]

Take it off your car. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.

Order the aluminum two blade and wait for delivery.

I have had an original fail. It’s not pretty. Your engine compartment could take a real beating or worse.

Please do not take a chance.

Enjoy.

[Kurt in NJ]

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There are 2 types of original fans,the design was changed late in 31 ,the blade tips are a single layer on the later one,the metal is much thicker too.
the later ones don’t seem to crack at the hub—-
I have seen plastic blades break and go though hoods too

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by WHN

Take it off your car. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.

Order the aluminum two blade and wait for delivery.

I have had an original fail. It’s not pretty. Your engine compartment could take a real beating or worse.

Please do not take a chance.

Enjoy.

Fully Agree! - Horton

[47topless]

OK!!!!! Out with the old, in with the new. A new aluminum two blade.
Thanks for your responses.

[ModelA29]

It's going to fail. It's a crap shoot when. If you want to run it because it's a fine point car at least pull it off annually and magnaflux or dye check it for cracks.

[Fullraceflathead]

There is a very good reason why the ford dealerships replace the 2 bladed vans with the 4 bladed fans anytime they have the opportunity it was definitely a safety issue even back then!!!

[gdmn852]

Hello, true , those old 2 blades were a problem even then, recalled back in 1970,s with my 1st Model A , “old timers “ telling me stores of broken fan blades. The only problem I had with the new blades is sometimes you have to remove a bit of water pump “snout “ as the new pulley area is thicker being cast . Also currently on A I am restoring, the hood side panel has a dent from inside out , probably from broken fan at one time.

[Tom F OHIO]

Had a guy lose his radiator and hood on one of our club meets. Flat bed here we come.

[old31]

I have a friend that wanted me to change his water pump. He said everything else was perfect, so dont spend any more money! The car was truly a+ restoration when it was done with this fan. When I took off the fan off this is what i found.

How long do you think he had? 1 fan revolution, 50-100?

[old31]

delete

[nkaminar]

The original two-bladed fans are fine, as long as you don't run your engine.

[Flathead]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

The original two-bladed fans are fine, as long as you don't run your engine.

I have to admit you can't argue with that logic!

[Clem Clement]

Why not replace the fan with a moder safe on and enter the original fan as part of the tool kit? Safety first.

[Fullraceflathead]

In today's world considering they're almost 100 years old the original ford 2 bladed fans should be considered for display purposes only!!!

[Ivan in southeast va.]

This is where original fan blades belong.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by gdmn852

Hello, true , those old 2 blades were a problem even then, recalled back in 1970,s with my 1st Model A , “old timers “ telling me stores of broken fan blades. The only problem I had with the new blades is sometimes you have to remove a bit of water pump “snout “ as the new pulley area is thicker being cast . Also currently on A I am restoring, the hood side panel has a dent from inside out , probably from broken fan at one time.

I have had trouble with that also. I make my own long life, leakless water pumps that work wonderfully well but I can't use one of those fans with them. Any other fan works though.
I don't like reducing the nose of the pump because it loses strength right where I put a ball bearing as part of my conversion.
Are you listening, Snyders?