Early 28 1/2 in shaft starter questions.

[Maclab58]

I have an early 28 sport coupe that I am finishing a frame off restoration. The starter that I ran prior to restoration is a later starter . I have the original 1/2 inch shaft starter that is in working condition but the bendix broke so I put it on the shelf. I have since aquired the needed bendix pieces with the exception of the spring. Can I use a later model spring? I haven't been able to find one at any swap meets. Little Dearborn was recommended as a source but the shipped me 2 later springs. ! My latest brainstorm is to make the early starter switch work on a later starter. A machinist friend is going to machine a copper contact button for me like the one on my early starter. If successful, what would the 1/2 inch starter be worth with the bendix pieces but less the switch?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Are you using the multiplate flywheel and clutch?
If you are then the later spring and/or drive won't work.

You will need the 1/2" Service Drive, or the orginal Abell drive.
I'd be surprised if Bert's disn't have the correct spring or complete drive for the 1/2" shaft. They aren't as common as the later drive, but they are around. You also need the special headless spring bolt on the pinion end. If you can't find one they aren't hard to make.

You also need the two shims used with the early spring. Bratton's # 15968

I will stop by Little Dearborn tomorrow and see what they have.

[Maclab58]

I am not using the multi disc clutch/flywheel, the starter worked before the spring broke.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Can you post a picture of the 1/2" drive you are going to use? Sounds like you only need the spring and 2 of Bratton's shims. I assume you have the 5/16" bolts and locking tab washers.

[Roadster62]

We went through this with an early '28 with a multi disk clutch. If you can use the later starter why would you want to go through the trouble of using an early one? Bob

[Maclab58]

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Bob, I am trying to maintain the early starter switch. It's a March 28 car and I like the different look. When people notice the left hand parking brake they start looking for the other quirks. I an also in the process of trying to modify a later starter to use the early switch. Jim

[Roadster62]

Ok, is it more envolved than just attaching the proper early switch? Do you have the bent started rod? We need one for the one we're working on. I can take photos of early features on this car if you need them. Bob