The Ford Barn

Bruce_MO · 10-08-2025, 07:03 PM

I recently came across a Stromberg carb, that I’m pretty sure was last used on a ‘50 convertible. It is complete and in good shape, but it has no “97” or other designation on the body. I don’t know much about Stromberg carbs and have never had one on any of my flatheads. What does it mean to have no designation? Is it valuable? Thanks in advance to you Stromberg experts.

alchemy · 10-08-2025, 08:07 PM

It’s a 48. Larger than a 97, but doesn’t have the “fame”, so not quite as valuable.

big deuce · 10-08-2025, 08:35 PM

Look for the 1 1/32" inside of a circle on the right (pass) side, behind the choke linkage.

cas3 · 10-08-2025, 10:41 PM

Refresh my memory, what years were the 48's used ?

big deuce · 10-08-2025, 11:24 PM

1934

petehoovie · 10-08-2025, 11:25 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cas3

Refresh my memory, what years were the 48's used ?

1934 for sure...1935 & 1936 until the 97's were introduced?...

Brian · 10-09-2025, 04:17 AM

Have none of you guys noticed the ported vacuum take off on the back of this carb? Didn’t stromberg make such a replacement carb for 8BA’s in the 50’s?

alchemy · 10-09-2025, 06:55 AM

It has the proper 48 top casting (no detent plunger for the choke). What size is cast on the back of the bottom? I can’t read the pics on my small phone screen.

Terry,OH · 10-09-2025, 07:42 AM

Main body made in Elmira, NY. is different than the typical 97 or 48 made in South Bend. The base has a vacuum port cast into the body, which is not 97 or 48. My guess this Carb. was made for a car other than Ford.

big deuce · 10-09-2025, 07:50 AM

It's the EE-1 base... just remove the base and measure the venturi.

51504bat · 10-09-2025, 08:22 AM

Uncle Max might know.
Uncle Max's 97-Express | Genuine Stromberg Carburetor Parts and Service – We Repair and Remanufacture Stromberg Carbs

uncle max · 10-09-2025, 07:01 PM

It's actually a replacement for the Holleys of the era, for use with the Loadamatic 8BA distributor, entirely different plumbing inside to capture venturi vacuum signal. Pep Boys, Sears and Western Auto and some Ford dealers were suppliers.

uncle max · 10-09-2025, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian

have none of you guys noticed the ported vacuum take off on the back of this carb? Didn’t stromberg make such a replacement carb for 8ba’s in the 50’s?

bingo

big deuce · 10-09-2025, 10:06 PM

What venturi size was it?

Brian · 10-10-2025, 02:54 AM

Thanks uncle max

BlueNotes · 10-10-2025, 04:16 AM

I also have one and it’s marked ”31 32”, i.e. the venturi size is the same as the Stromberg 97.

petehoovie · 10-10-2025, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNotes

I also have one and it’s marked ”31 32”, i.e. the venturi size is the same as the Stromberg 97.

alchemy · 10-10-2025, 10:44 AM

^^^ You can tell that’s later production because it has a choke connection for a cable, not a ball/socket.

I’m going to have to dig through my boxes of carbs and see if I have any like that.

big deuce · 10-10-2025, 05:06 PM

31/32= .96875 Looks like a comparable to a 97
Edit: Didn't see previous post...

Bruce_MO · 10-11-2025, 11:55 AM

Thanks to all who responded. If anyone would be interested in it, PM me with what you think is a fair price. I’ve been asked to sell some parts for a guy whose estate is being sold off, to buy him a brick at the Model A museum at the Gilmore. He was a Model A guy for many years, and then a few years ago he bought a ‘50 convertible. The Stromberg was found in a Dennis Carpenter box that contained one of the new 94’s, so he evidently changed it out. Thanks

10-08-2025, 08:07 PM	#2
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 1,001	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings It’s a 48. Larger than a 97, but doesn’t have the “fame”, so not quite as valuable.

10-08-2025, 08:35 PM	#3
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Look for the 1 1/32" inside of a circle on the right (pass) side, behind the choke linkage. Last edited by big deuce; 10-08-2025 at 08:56 PM.

10-08-2025, 10:41 PM	#4
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Beverly Kansas Posts: 5,557	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Refresh my memory, what years were the 48's used ?

10-08-2025, 11:24 PM	#5
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings 1934

10-09-2025, 04:17 AM	#7
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 4,096	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Have none of you guys noticed the ported vacuum take off on the back of this carb? Didn’t stromberg make such a replacement carb for 8BA’s in the 50’s? __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

10-09-2025, 06:55 AM	#8
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 1,001	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings It has the proper 48 top casting (no detent plunger for the choke). What size is cast on the back of the bottom? I can’t read the pics on my small phone screen.

10-09-2025, 07:42 AM	#9
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,394	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Main body made in Elmira, NY. is different than the typical 97 or 48 made in South Bend. The base has a vacuum port cast into the body, which is not 97 or 48. My guess this Carb. was made for a car other than Ford.

10-09-2025, 07:50 AM	#10
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings It's the EE-1 base... just remove the base and measure the venturi.

10-09-2025, 08:22 AM	#11
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,558	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Uncle Max might know. Uncle Max's 97-Express \| Genuine Stromberg Carburetor Parts and Service – We Repair and Remanufacture Stromberg Carbs __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

10-09-2025, 07:01 PM	#12
uncle max Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SLC Utah Posts: 810	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings It's actually a replacement for the Holleys of the era, for use with the Loadamatic 8BA distributor, entirely different plumbing inside to capture venturi vacuum signal. Pep Boys, Sears and Western Auto and some Ford dealers were suppliers. __________________ RIP Tyler... My Son, Helper & Best Friend. Feb '78 to Father's Day '10. www.97-express.com ~ [email protected]

10-09-2025, 10:06 PM	#14
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings What venturi size was it?

10-10-2025, 02:54 AM	#15
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 4,096	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Thanks uncle max __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

10-10-2025, 10:44 AM	#18
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 1,001	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings ^^^ You can tell that’s later production because it has a choke connection for a cable, not a ball/socket. I’m going to have to dig through my boxes of carbs and see if I have any like that.

10-10-2025, 05:06 PM	#19
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 734	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings 31/32= .96875 Looks like a comparable to a 97 Edit: Didn't see previous post...

10-11-2025, 11:55 AM	#20
Bruce_MO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 592	Re: Stromberg carb question- no markings Thanks to all who responded. If anyone would be interested in it, PM me with what you think is a fair price. I’ve been asked to sell some parts for a guy whose estate is being sold off, to buy him a brick at the Model A museum at the Gilmore. He was a Model A guy for many years, and then a few years ago he bought a ‘50 convertible. The Stromberg was found in a Dennis Carpenter box that contained one of the new 94’s, so he evidently changed it out. Thanks