The Ford Barn

JunkyJud · 12-21-2017, 10:33 PM

I have a '36 LB engine that was rebuilt years ago and was pulled out while still in good condition. I'm cleaning and re-sealing it and decided to check the timing gear. It is a fiber gear in good condition but I want to install an aluminum gear since I've had bad luck with fiber ones. It seems that there is no aluminum press on gear available new, only fiber.

Here are my questions:
1. Can I install a later cam shaft that will accept a bolt on gear and still run my original front mount distributor?
2. If so, what years will fit?
3. Will a 49-53 aluminum gear work on an earlier bolted gear cam shaft?

Brian · 12-21-2017, 11:46 PM

Press on aluminum gears are available. Try 'barnfind' here on the 'barn

tubman · 12-21-2017, 11:51 PM

I think you mean "barnfind08" who owns "Southside Obsolete"; they have a lot of hard to find parts.

JM 35 Sedan · 12-22-2017, 12:10 AM

Press on aluminum timing gears are definitely available. As Brian said, or meant to say, try Barnfind08. Also, check with Mac Van Pelt, and Michael Driskell at Third Generation Automotive. Place some wanted ads here and on other forums.

You can also change to a later cam with bolt on aluminum timing gear (not the 49-53), and still keep your original front mount distributor. The later cams with bolt on timing gears are a bit shorter than cams that used press on timing gears, so you would need a little button adapter that fits between the cam and distributor shaft.

Kurt in NJ · 12-22-2017, 08:01 AM

There is also a later production cam for replacing the early cam that uses the bolt on gear, the distributor driving boss is extended to match the position of the original cam so no adapter is used

JunkyJud · 12-22-2017, 08:31 AM

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Thanks for the information. I'll check out some more of the distributors mentioned for aluminum gears.

12-21-2017, 10:33 PM	#1
JunkyJud Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 93	1936 cam and gear questions I have a '36 LB engine that was rebuilt years ago and was pulled out while still in good condition. I'm cleaning and re-sealing it and decided to check the timing gear. It is a fiber gear in good condition but I want to install an aluminum gear since I've had bad luck with fiber ones. It seems that there is no aluminum press on gear available new, only fiber. Here are my questions: 1. Can I install a later cam shaft that will accept a bolt on gear and still run my original front mount distributor? 2. If so, what years will fit? 3. Will a 49-53 aluminum gear work on an earlier bolted gear cam shaft?

12-21-2017, 11:46 PM	#2
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,832	Re: 1936 cam and gear questions Press on aluminum gears are available. Try 'barnfind' here on the 'barn __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

12-21-2017, 11:51 PM	#3
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,312	Re: 1936 cam and gear questions I think you mean "barnfind08" who owns "Southside Obsolete"; they have a lot of hard to find parts.

12-22-2017, 12:10 AM	#4
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: 1936 cam and gear questions Press on aluminum timing gears are definitely available. As Brian said, or meant to say, try Barnfind08. Also, check with Mac Van Pelt, and Michael Driskell at Third Generation Automotive. Place some wanted ads here and on other forums. You can also change to a later cam with bolt on aluminum timing gear (not the 49-53), and still keep your original front mount distributor. The later cams with bolt on timing gears are a bit shorter than cams that used press on timing gears, so you would need a little button adapter that fits between the cam and distributor shaft. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

12-22-2017, 08:01 AM	#5
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,157	Re: 1936 cam and gear questions There is also a later production cam for replacing the early cam that uses the bolt on gear, the distributor driving boss is extended to match the position of the original cam so no adapter is used

12-22-2017, 08:31 AM	#6
JunkyJud Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 93	Re: 1936 cam and gear questions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the information. I'll check out some more of the distributors mentioned for aluminum gears.