1949 Ford Starter

R

Rayfry

Member
I have a 1949 Ford Flathead V8 with a bad starter. The car has been changed over to 12 volt but the starter is the original. Should I replace it with a new 6 volt or just go with a new 12 volt. If I use the 12 volt starter do I have to change anything else.
 
Either one will work, but the 6v starter on 12v does hit hard. I think I would go with the 12v starter or convert your current 6v to 12v.
 
Whatever you do don't go with a Powermaster 12v starter. I still have the pieces of what is left of the one I had somewhere in my junk pile. Don't know about the 8ba in your '49 but the new style enclosed Bendix can be a PITA to install in some applications and may require some grinding. Van Pelts sells a 12v starter with a USA made original style Bendix. Or Joe's Antique Auto will swap out the new style Bendix on the 12v starter they sell with an original USA made Bendix and only charge the difference between the two.
 
I used an early 12 volt T-Bird starter by changing the end frames and adding the flattie Bendix drive, it does not slam into the flywheel as bad and I have not had any problems with it jamming like when I used the 6 volt on a 12 volt system, I also changed the solenoid to a 12 volt ,it was sticking I guess due to the contacts arcing ,all is well after the swap to 12 volt components . I bought my starter for the swap from Rock Auto and saved a few bucks .
 
Ok, so I removed all the bolts from the starter motor and I cant pull it out. Is there something I'm missing. It is loose but won't come out. Header was removed also.
 
I just unscrew the 2 bolts until they are out of block and leave them in the starter.. Helps keep things together. The bolts hold the starter to the block and also hold the starter together.

You may need to tip it to get the bendix to clear ring gear.

John
 
Two things I’d say. The first I learned the hard way 😬😬😬 as John says be careful to not remove the mounting bolts completely from the starter or as said it will fall apart! The second tip on reinstall the fall apart episode can happen easily again, I took light gauge wire wrapped longitudinally around the starter holding together until the mounting bolts are started in the block then remove wire & tighten the bolts. Lastly, IMHO, I like the 6 volt starter as it will spin the motor twice as fast on 12v making startups amazing! The 6 volt like the 12v if the original style are very robust! With regard to any other electrical requirements, I’d say all the 12v conversion stuff for the rest of the 6V electrical’s that could burnout have been done when the previous owner converted to 12v, but always good to make sure he reduce current to those components with a 12v to 6V resistor kit.
 
Got my 12 volt starter from Mac's today and it has 3 terminals for wire connections on it. T he one large terminal is for the cable to the relay. What are the other 2 terminals for? My old starter only had the one terminal. Can they be left unused?
 
You sure you got the right starter? Only one terminal like this one. Post a photo of the new starter.
 

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My old starter was 6 volt and the new one is 12 volt. I converted over to 12 volt. Mac's recommended using the 12 volt starter. On the new starter the spring is covered with a shield.
 
Rayfry said:
My old starter was 6 volt and the new one is 12 volt. I converted over to 12 volt. Mac's recommended using the 12 volt starter. On the new starter the spring is covered with a shield.
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Your starter has the new style Bendix which may or may not be a PITA to install. But that still doesn't explain the 3 wire connections you are referring to. Regardless of which Bendix you have there is only on post on a flathead starter that connects the starter to the solenoid.
 
The part number from Mac's is 49-11907-1. I'm having a hard time trying to get a picture up.Will call Mac's in the morning. I'll let you know what they say.
 
This is the photo from Mac's that corresponds to the part number you posted.
The cable from the solenoid goes to the large stud at the rear of the starter. No other wires connect.
 

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Rayfry said:
The part number from Mac's is 49-11907-1. I'm having a hard time trying to get a picture up.Will call Mac's in the morning. I'll let you know what they say.
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Sorry to say I think you are headed down the wrong path, or at least a more difficult one. There are far better sources for a starter than Mac's! And that style of bendix can be difficult to install without modifications for clearance. I would suggest one of the venders that frequent the Barn. They have the knowledge and experience to help you with this type of purchases. If the bendix is an issue for your installation, it can most likely be removed and replaced with an original style.

No idea why they have the two screws sticking up from the case, but they do not connect to anything. Only the large post does.
 

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JSeery said:
Sorry to say I think you are headed down the wrong path, or at least a more difficult one. There are far better sources for a starter than Mac's! And that style of bendix can be difficult to install without modifications for clearance. I would suggest one of the venders that frequent the Barn. They have the knowledge and experience to help you with this type of purchases. If the bendix is an issue for your installation, it can most likely be removed and replaced with an original style.
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OP advised in post #3 regarding the new style Bendix issues.
 
51504bat said:
OP advised in post #3 regarding the new style Bendix issues.
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Yep, but Mac's has that appeal because of their web page! Guess we all have to live and learn. :)

I have purchase stuff from Mac's in the past, so what can I say, but never again!!! Too many good venders to deal with and still some OEM parts out there.
 
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