Ford flathead v8 starter plate

[Tom Frew]

I have a flathead v8 cast bellhousing. I need a starter plate. How do I figure out what one I need ? Would someone have a pic of the one for the cast bellhousing? Thanks

[Mac VP]

There are several cast iron bell housings for the flathead engines. Perhaps you can post a photo of your bell housing and we can suggest the correct matching starter plate.

[Dick]

Here are a couple of different plates.
These cast housings are flat on both sides.
The starter plates both mount the starter flat as well.

I think, could be wrong, but the stamped bellhousing is flat to the engine but moves away from the engine for the starter plate. That requires a plate where the starter mounting point is at an angle to straighten the starter with the back of the engine.

I'm sure Mac is right about there being more designs; this is merely what I have. I hope others will add their wisdom.

[jimvette59]

The starter plate you will need depends on the oil pan it will fit around . JMO

[V8 Bob]

There are 3 full size car bell housings for '49-'53 flatheads;'49-'51 Ford, regular production '51 Mercury and '52-'53 Ford/Mercury.

The '49-'51 Ford uses the stamped steel bell and angled starter plate.
The '51 Merc and '52-'53 F/M cast iron bells use the same rectangle starter plate.
I put together a bell housing PDF many years ago with the help of member MOEFUZZ but cannot always post the link successfully, but try the link below.

bellhousing ID.pdf

[51504bat]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The link doesn't work but the info and other good info can be found on these postings from the HAMB:


https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...wnload.183227/

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-help.1098730/

[outlaw]

try this

[V8 Bob]

Originally Posted by Dick

Here are a couple of different plates.
These cast housings are flat on both sides.
The starter plates both mount the starter flat as well.

I think, could be wrong, but the stamped bellhousing is flat to the engine but moves away from the engine for the starter plate. That requires a plate where the starter mounting point is at an angle to straighten the starter with the back of the engine.

I'm sure Mac is right about there being more designs; this is merely what I have. I hope others will add their wisdom.

Your first picture's starter plate is flat, and will work with that '48-'52 cast truck 1/2 bell, and the '49-'50 Merc stamped 1/2 bell.

The second and third picture show a similar cast 1/2 bell but with the wrong angled '49-'51 Ford starter plate.

[Tom Frew]

Attempted to send a picture. My oil pan bolts to the bellhousing

[V8 Bob]

Originally Posted by outlaw

try this

Thank you outlaw. I can open my copies of that PDF, but cannot attach them to posts.

[outlaw]

V8 Bob, I tried to attach it "opened" but can't seem to do it. There is 44 pages & the only way I could figger how to do it would be to attach every page separately. I didn't have time this am to do that. Hopefully it opens up for anyone that clicks on the link. Bill

[outlaw]

Tom Frew, Hopefully the link will open for you. If not let me know & I can pm it to you. Bill

[Dick]

Thank you V8 Bob & Moefuzz !!
I got quite an education from your hard work and excellent report.

Thank you again!
Dick