Ford flathead v8 starter plate

T

Tom Frew

Junior Member
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
 
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.
 
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.
 

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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



 
Last edited:
Dick said:
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.
Click to expand...


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

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

Thank you again!
Dick
 
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