Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Which Bellhousing

I am trying to determine the correct bellhousing to fit between my 57 Chevy 235 and my Saginaw 4spd. The catch is I want one with the proper bosses to allow me to attach my original foot-starter.

48-59 truck bellhousing has provision for the foot starter and the modern trans pattern.
If using a 12 volt flywheel, you will want a starter from a 55-57 truck.

Gearhead, I should have known you would have the answer to this. My plan is to convert to 12 volts, but retain my original 6 volt starter. do I just use my 207 flywheel as well?

You can not use any of the 207 stuff.

Since you allready have a 12 volt era flywheel (168 teeth) and will be going to a 12 volt system, the direct solution is a 55-57 truck starter and a 48-59 truck bellhousing.

If you still want to run a 6 volt starter on 12 volts, you will need to find a '41-54 flywheel and starter. You still need to use the '48-59 truck bellhousing.

The 48-59 truck bellhousing and 55-57 truck starter; how will I recognize this stuff if I see it?

Did the '57 engine come with a bell and starter?

The bellhousing looks just like the one that came with your '57 motor, but it will have two machined pads with 2 tapped holes in each pad for mounting the starter linkage. The 54-59 ones will have angle corners like your '57 car housing, the 48-53 have squared off corners with two tapped holes on the sides for the motor mounts. I can get you casting numbers or pictures later if you need them.

The starter also looks like the one that would have been on your '57 car engine, but it would have a push button like your 207 had, rather than a solenoid. I can get you numbers and pictures later if needed.

You may also need the starter linkage. I don't know if the 207 linkage will work with the later stuff or not.

I'm quite confident that Cooley's has everything you will need, but i can't say if it's affordable or not.
There are some other places that have the stuff also, but not as close to you.

Do you have a MIG welder?

Gearhead, you have drawn this picture clear enough that even I can see it. If I visit Cooley's, what should I expect to give for the bellhousing and starter? Yes, I got both a bellhousing and a starter with my 57 motor. No, I don't have a MIG welder (nor know what it is for that matter). Using my 57 bell and starter is starting to look better to me by the minute!

Is this the bellhousing you need? ebay listing

Yes Hoyt, that would be the 54-59 version because of the angled mounting corners.

Don,
as for what to pay, I've not done business with Cooleys just yet, but I will be soon as they have some stuff I'm interested in, but if you can get a bellhousing and starter for $50 or less, that would be great, but 50-100 wouldn't surprise me. If you were to buy off of Ebay, you will pay alot for shipping due to the weight.
The problem with bellhousings is trying to remove them. It's best to find a salvage yard that has a "motor pile". I don't recall seing one at Cooleys, but there were a few engines laying here and there. You might get lucky. Just call and ask about it before you waste your time going there.
The last time I was at Jacks Auto Ranch in Johnson Creek, they had a motor pile with Chevy and GMC sixes in it. Might be an option, but it's a drive for you.

There is a swapmeet this weekend in Elkhorn. Perhaps they will have something. I will keep my eyes open. These parts show up on Ebay regularly, as Hoyt has shown.

A MIG welder is a wire feed welder. Three things any budding car builder needs is an air compressor, mig welder, and a 4 1/2" hand held grinder.
Making motor mounts and doing other mods may prove difficult without a welder. If you plan it right, you may be able to rent one for a day and get it done that way. Otherwise, see if somebody you know has a welder you could borrow. Or you can have a professional mobile welder come buy and get it done also.

Bryan, I have a compressor and a hand held grinder. I also discovered I have a friend with a MIG welder who has volunteered to do any welding I might need. The last time I was a Cooley's, he was taking in a 1936 Plymouth Coupe. It is probably time for me to visit Cooley again. Thank you again for all your help!

Here is an ebay seeller who wants $225 for the later 235 bellhousing.

Hoyt