Which starter plate and why?

S

svmsr1044

Senior Member
Can anyone explain the correct application of which starter plate to use with a cast iron or stamped steel bell housing when doing a later flathead conversion in an early car and why it makes a difference??
Thanks, Steve
 
I know there is a thread somewhere showing all the different starter plates and what they fit. If you do a Fordbarn search of Starter Plates" you will find tons of info.
Takes a little time to read but , well worth it.

Star here and keep going.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=15346680

Read all the info. here also.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search/234834373/?q=flathead+starter+plates&o=relevance&c[node]=5

Here's more info.
https://www.google.com/search?ei=la...&ved=0ahUKEwi8zMK-l4rpAhUSTKwKHV0KDv8Q4dUDCAw

The reason it's so very important to get the correct matching starter plate and bellhousing is because some starter plate are made so that the starter has a slight tilt and some do not. Also, it must be correct for proper engagement with the flywheel. And, finally, the bellhousing must have the same bolt pattern as your transmission.

For instance, a 1949 to early 1951 Mercury bellhousing and starter plate will bolt right up to the 1939-48 Ford transmission.

Be aware that the 8RT starter plate is cast and larger to accomodate the 11 inch clutch. It will also accomodate the 10 in. clutch.

The 1949-51 Mercury starter plates must be installed using the matching stamped steel bellhousings and will accomodate the 10 in. clutch.

What are you trying to do? Be specific and help will arrive.
 
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svmsr1044 said:
Can anyone explain the correct application of which starter plate to use with a cast iron or stamped steel bell housing when doing a later flathead conversion in an early car and why it makes a difference??
Thanks, Steve
Click to expand...

Here's a link that I found for the original techno source website:

https://web.archive.org/web/20160318073106/http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

Once you open the above main file, go to:
49 - 53 Bellhousing Compatable ID

Also, for those unfamiliar with this techno source file, there is literally Ream's of other valuable information there, so, I think it would be wise to bookmark this main file for future reference.
 
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Basically the starter plate mates to the oil pan and keeps the dirt out. The Only one that I know of is the 49 , 51 Ford car that is slanted. JMHO
 
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svmsr1044 said:
Can anyone explain the correct application of which starter plate to use with a cast iron or stamped steel bell housing when doing a later flathead conversion in an early car and why it makes a difference??
Thanks, Steve
Click to expand...


The dark one is the '48-'52 cast iron Ford pick-up half-bell. The red one is the '49 thru early '51 stamped steel Mercury half-bell. You can run an 11" clutch with the cast-iron bell if necessary. DD


48-52ftbell-jpg.2024441



49-51mercbh-jpg.2024443



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V8 hit the nail on the head. I have used the 49-51 Merc stamped steel bell housing and starter plate on both 1949-53 Ford and Merc engines to adapt them to 1939-48 Ford transmissions. Keep in mind that in 1951 Mercury changed to another style bell housing half way thru the model year that won't fit.
 
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