Technical Can some one identify this adapter

I picked up a nice 1953 Ford Flathead at the cape yesterday and this adapter was on top of it the owner said it was not part of the 52 engine. Can anyone identify this adapter. It is steel not cast iron but I do not see and numbers on it Thanks Mercuryguy

 

Looks like the merc 1/2 bell to me. Should fit any ford trans back to 32

 

49-50 Merc. Does need a starter plate to be complete. I have about 20 in stock, cleaned and ready to sell.

 

That looks to be a Factory Ford 49-50 Mercury item. It was also used in the early F-1 trucks if I remember correctly. It's not an aftermarket item. What I don't see is the bottom forward lower Metal Cover that indexes the starter motor to the housing.

 

Definitely a 49-50 Merc.
Some early 1951 Mercs with manual transmission also used this adapter.
The starter plate has to be the correct one for that adapter.

 

The pickups had a cast iron one. Merc was steel. I have some of both'

Dave

 

Anyone know:
Why did they use a steel bell housing for the Mercury and not the others ? (assuming I have that correct).
What are the advantages of pressed steel over cast apart from weight saving ?
How many different pressed steel types were there, - just one ?
I know there were left hand and right hand starter plates.
Thanks !

 

The cast 1/2 bell in a truck would allow the use of an 11" clutch. The Mercury stamped steel one limited to 10" or smaller.

 

11 in clutch and pressure plate in trucks required the use of the cast iron adapter.

 

I think it's somewhat arbitrary for some parts to be made from cast iron or formed steel. Each has significant tooling costs.
It seems to me that it is more difficult to maintain high precision of dimensions with a steel stamping. A casting is not initially very precise, but dimensional accuracy is created when it is machined.