I picked up this 304 for my Olds to Ford top loader that I am using my 303 top loader with. Curious what clutch fork the manufacturer had intended to use with it. I have no experience with the Ford hardware so I was hoping to go to the family to see what you folks think. Most of the later Ford clutch forks do not appear to be designed to work with the tab provided on the adapter. Pics attached for reference.
This guy posted photos that don't show you what you actually want to see but I am thinking that you need a 52/57? Ford Car clutch fork. At least that is where I would start looking for more and better photos and info. Or 49/51 shoebox clutch fork pieces. Shoebox central used to sell a clutch fork for a 49/51 that looks like it would set on that pivot bar. This being the back side. 52/57 like in the Ebay add I believe use a pin though the holes in the sides.
With that setup, you are probably gonna need what is called a starter "switchover" The Olds starter bolts to a casting that bolts to the block and bottom of the bellhousing and puts the starter on the left side of the engine, right where the steering wants to be. Aftermarket "switchovers" used to be available that move the starter to the right side. Unfortunately, that puts the starter right where the Olds oil filter is mounted. One of the options here are to remove the filter and byp*** it. There used to be plates specifically for this purpose, but then you will be running without a filter, which is not a good idea with engines using a Full-Flow system. The alternative is to run a remote filter. I have this same system and spent several years looking for a reasonably priced "switchover". I think someone may be currently reproducing them. Also, you will need a pilot bearing adapter, which I believe is still available from Wilcap.
The Change Over may be avoided at times by using a High Torque Mini Starter. On my 324/Ford Toploader in my Roadster with F1 Steering in a '32 frame it worked perfect. Tight but very doable.
Found this in an older thread. It is a Pontiac adapter but very similar with a fork installed that sure looks like 55-57 Ford from the pic I have seen pics of these with the holes in the sides that use a spring wire which attaches to the mount and is inserted at each end into the hole to hold it in place while installing the adapter (I believe) here is one from the auction site listed as a 52-57 Ford It would appear that i am getting closer to finding what I need thanks to all the ***istance of all you folks. ....
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