Help with identification of a part

[flatford39]

Hi guys,

I am attaching a couple of pics of some 8BA bell housings I have. Glad I cut my toenails LOL. The mission here is to mate my 8BA to 39 type of top loader in my 31 Roadster. The case is a 78. I have two types. A cast iron one and a steel one with the starter plate. I believe the cast iron one is the one I need to use but am not sure of the starter plate. The motor I am using has the truck oil pan with the bottom access door.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[JSeery]

Have you looked at the often posted paper on bell housings?

 

[19Fordy]

Do as the above gentleman suggested via the SEARCH.
The steel bellhousing with the starter plate you have looks like the 49-51 Merc.
That is the one that will work for you. It will take the 10 inch clutch.
Tons of info. has been posted on your topic. A SEARCH will make you a happy man.
I believe 39 and 40 transmissions have the same bolt pattern for that Merc bellhousing. I used one in my 40 but it will also work with a 39 transmission. The only advantage of the cast iron truck bell housing is that it will take an 11 in. clutch. 11 in. is not needed as a 10 in. will work fine. Have had a 10 in. in my 40 with an 8BA since 1970. The 49-51 Merc. oil pan is also a better choice in my opinion. Start here.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167488&highlight=8ba+install+39+ford+transmission

 

[cas3]

yup, lots of info out there. van pelts web site has a great ID section for bell housings. either of what you have will take 32-48 trannys, unless your steel one is for the 6 cylinder. check to see that it mates up to the block

 

[rotorwrench]

The first one is the cast iron one for the Ford trucks with the 11-inch clutch. It's usable but heavy. I prefer the pressed steel type from either the F1 with light duty 3-speed or the 49 thru early 51 Merc type along with the associated rear sump oil pan.