Changing Adapters
 

Got a question for the fordbarn group. I got a 36 pickup truck withan ECA 53 motor, when I
put the motor in I used the cast iron bell housing adapter from the truck application. My truck
was converted to 12v and I had a 12v starter with the late bendix spring setup. This worked
great with the 59A motor that I had in the truck. When I was putting the truck back together
the modern bendix spring setup would not fit past the cast iron bell housing and the flywheel.
So I dropped back to 6v starter with earl bendix spring setup.Now I'm having a through out
bearing bearing failure and need to pull the transmission. I have heard the pressed steel
bell housing adapter will accommodate the 12v starter and late model bendix spring setup.
Is this true ? 36fordguy

Re: Changing Adapters
 

FWIW. I found by leaving all the bolts out of the starter plate except one lower one the plate would move enough for clearance to install the later bendix assembly.

Re: Changing Adapters
 

I had a '40 1 1/2 ton truck with an 8ba in it. It used the truck cast iron 1/2 bell. I was able to install a starter with the new Bendix but it was a pain if I remember correctly. I'm currently using the Merc stamped steel 1/2 bell with the 8ba in my '39 p/u but I'm using a 12 volt starter that has the original style Bendix so I really can't say if the Merc is any different in regards to the starter. Your 6 volt starter should work fine on 12 volts. I ran mine for quite a while with no issues and I know many others have done the same or you can buy a new 12 volt starter with an old style Bendix and not worry about changing bells. JMO.