2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

My '31 Victoria has the stock, two blade fan. I am aware of all the inherent potential tragedy, regarding these fans, and their propensity to come apart and turn into flying shrapnel while the engine is running. Good (new), two blade fans, seem hard to find. Is there a way to "bullet-proof" this original fan, much the same way as you can "bullet-proof" a Columbia overdrive, and make this safe to use?
It would be nice to keep this original fan.
Thank you,
Phil

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

I would say no to the modifications and just wait (or find) an aluminum replacement. :)

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

The Restorer has an article that addresses this.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

47 - I believe Snyders actually makes the aluminum two-blade fan. Tam's says they are out of stock until October, other vendors simply say "out of stock". If you want one you might contact your favorite vendor and see if you can get on a waiting list. I did that a couple of years ago when those fans were similarly out of stock. As soon as Bert's got an order in they shipped me two per my standing request.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Take it off your car. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.

Order the aluminum two blade and wait for delivery.

I have had an original fail. It’s not pretty. Your engine compartment could take a real beating or worse.

Please do not take a chance.

Enjoy.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

There are 2 types of original fans,the design was changed late in 31 ,the blade tips are a single layer on the later one,the metal is much thicker too.
the later ones don’t seem to crack at the hub—-
I have seen plastic blades break and go though hoods too

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Fully Agree! - Horton

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

OK!!!!! Out with the old, in with the new. A new aluminum two blade.
Thanks for your responses.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

It's going to fail. It's a crap shoot when. If you want to run it because it's a fine point car at least pull it off annually and magnaflux or dye check it for cracks.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

There is a very good reason why the ford dealerships replace the 2 bladed vans with the 4 bladed fans anytime they have the opportunity it was definitely a safety issue even back then!!!

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Hello, true , those old 2 blades were a problem even then, recalled back in 1970,s with my 1st Model A , “old timers “ telling me stores of broken fan blades. The only problem I had with the new blades is sometimes you have to remove a bit of water pump “snout “ as the new pulley area is thicker being cast . Also currently on A I am restoring, the hood side panel has a dent from inside out , probably from broken fan at one time.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Had a guy lose his radiator and hood on one of our club meets. Flat bed here we come.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

I have a friend that wanted me to change his water pump. He said everything else was perfect, so dont spend any more money! The car was truly a+ restoration when it was done with this fan. When I took off the fan off this is what i found.

How long do you think he had? 1 fan revolution, 50-100?

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

delete

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

The original two-bladed fans are fine, as long as you don't run your engine.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

I have to admit you can't argue with that logic! :)

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Why not replace the fan with a moder safe on and enter the original fan as part of the tool kit? Safety first.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

In today's world considering they're almost 100 years old the original ford 2 bladed fans should be considered for display purposes only!!!

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

This is where original fan blades belong.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

I have had trouble with that also. I make my own long life, leakless water pumps that work wonderfully well but I can't use one of those fans with them. Any other fan works though.
I don't like reducing the nose of the pump because it loses strength right where I put a ball bearing as part of my conversion.
Are you listening, Snyders?

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

The way to bullet proof an original two blade fan is to have it sitting on your shelf.
I tried to keep a perfect looking one on my car and it went thru my hood but not the radiator.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Fatigue cracks and harmonics and 95 years of use are the big issues.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

Bob brought up an interesting point. Fatigue failure was not well understood in 1928. The steel that Ford used then was amazingly strong when first made but is not very fatigue resistant. A good example is the Model T crankshaft. Ford published photos of the crank being bent in half, but after 100 years they commonly break because of fatigue fractures.

Re: 2 blade fan "bullet-proof?"
 

The original design of the 2-blade fan on the Model A & Model B is a folded sheet metal affair that is inappropriate for a propeller. Moreover, the amount of the original fan's fatigue life that has been expended is unknown. I caution all that there is no practical modification / repair that makes the 90+ year-old 2-blade original fan safe!