2 Blade Fan Shortage

[mgambuzza]

I've been trying to find a 2 blade fan for my 1930 Model A, but all of the normal sources are either backordered or out of stock. Does anyone know of a source that may have one on hand? I want to replace my water pump and fan at the same time (I have a steel 4 blade), and don't want to go into this twice.

[Harpkatt]

In the same boat, shows how thankful we should be for all of the suppliers WE DO currently have. I was told middle of summer months ago.

[CT Jack]

I recommend replacing the 4 pump mounting studs with A-8501-MBM pump mounting stud kit. Installing these studs will allow removing the complete pump without moving the radiator.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by CT Jack

I recommend replacing the 4 pump mounting studs with A-8501-MBM pump mounting stud kit. Installing these studs will allow removing the complete pump without moving the radiator.

Just to be clear, even if you replace the studs with bolts, when you pull the water pump you still have to rotate it up and forward to get the impeller to clear the head. You can't just lift it straight up.

With the 4-blade fan, you still have to remove (or at least substantially pivot) the radiator even with those bolts installed. If you put the 2-blade fan and the bolts in, that's when you can remove the pump without moving the radiator.

[Gary WA]

Got mine from BertsBert's Model A Center | Call: 303-293-FORD

[Canton_Model_A's]

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IIRC, I think I have a 4 blade fan. should I change this out to a 2 blade?

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by Canton_Model_A's

IIRC, I think I have a 4 blade fan. should I change this out to a 2 blade?

They work fine, just slightly more inconvenient if you need to remove the water pump.

[Canton_Model_A's]

I haven't even attempted that yet. still on the one when I got her in 2022. attached is a picture

[Mike1291]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

They work fine, just slightly more inconvenient if you need to remove the water pump.

I've heard some people mention that some four blade fans were weaker because they have riveted blades. Not sure if this is correct or not.

[Phil Brown]

Originally Posted by Mike1291

I've heard some people mention that some four blade fans were weaker because they have riveted blades. Not sure if this is correct or not.

It's not because they have riveted together blades per say, it's the cracks that "might" develop from the holes for the rivets. It can happen but less seen than a rusty two blade fan. You need to keep an eye on ALL fans if you like your hood

[Benson]

Besides the hood, other costs can include when un balanced fan blade starts shaking when the blade comes apart:

radiator $850

water pump $300

Surgery: thousands of $

if you happen to have your head in the area when the fan comes apart.

50 years ago I had a four blade come loose from the hub at 55 MPH. Lucky for me blades just made alot of noise and did not come apart when rivets came loose.

IN another case: The Coupe has a 4 inch hole in the hood where one of the fan blades went through the top of the hood. Never did find the blade.

[spdway1]

Snyders (who has them made & distributes them to other vendors) said in a public release statement that they will have them in October.

[Keith True]

Almost all fans were riveted when they started stamping them.Age and rust get to them.One with tight rivets and no rust jacking should be fine.I've seen fans fail on newer stuff dozens of times.I had one propel itself through the radiator on a 5 year old S-10 with 48,000 miles on the truck.Fans are a big seller here at the junkyards.They all can,and do break.I lost an aluminum one on my A pickup in the late 90's.That motor was well clearanced and would really fly on flat ground.I was flying flat out when I had a big crash,then quiet,with a huge vibration.Half my fan was missing.There were huge voids,or air pockets in the casting near the hub.It was never in a straight plane,but it didn't vibrate so I used it.It came from JC Whitney maybe 25 years before I put it on.I have no idea if there was more than one maker back then or not.

[msmaron]

they are scheduled to arrive back around October

[Will N]

Originally Posted by Gary WA

Got mine from BertsBert's Model A Center | Call: 303-293-FORD

Out of stock, they're all out of stock: Brattons, Snyders, Berts, Ecklers...

[alexiskai]

I haven’t checked with the second-tier vendors, but there’s a chance they have one. (S&J, Gaslight, Model A Medic, etc)

[JayJay]

We had this same situation about a year ago. I got lucky and ordered two when they were available.

BTW, beware that the noses of some water pump housings may rub on the inside of the cast 2-blade fan. So test fit your fan to the water pump before tightening down the nut. You may have to grind off a bit of the nose of the water pump casting to make an interference-free fit. I had to do this with two water pump housings I had.

[fried okra]

Makes me glad I am running one of the non-original multi blade plastic fans!!

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by fried okra

Makes me glad I am running one of the non-original multi blade plastic fans!!

Me too, and I checked it to be snug after it was on a while, and now I just forget about it. I drive/tour with my car, and am not a purist.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by fried okra

Makes me glad I am running one of the non-original multi blade plastic fans!!

Me three. I like the cast aluminium fans for their original look and safety but for trouble free longevity, I don't think the plastic ones can be beaten.