saving a bell housing

[Stephen R.]

I finally located a numbers correct bell housing for my 59 however it has two problems, one minor and, I think, one major. The minor one is: one of the small inspection pan bolts is broken off flush in the casting, I'm assuming normal removal/drilling/taping procedures to fix.
The major problem is one of the starter mount bolts. The casting is broken (and missing) at the 3rd bolt that extends kind of inside the bell housing. Only half of the bolt hole now exists there. Two questions: can the starter be mounted and will it function correctly when mounted with only 2 of the 3 bolts? Can something be welded onto the casting and then the hole re tapped?

Thoughts and recommendations are appreciated. I really want to save this part.
Steve

[Terry D.]

Re: saving a bell housing

Stephan
Yes is the answer to both your questions, however you don't say what the bellhousing is made of, it might be cheaper to buy one that needs no repairs as welding and retapping could be costly and if you don't get the new hole drilled and tapped perfectly, well you get to start all over.
Terry

[Stephen R.]

Re: saving a bell housing

Sorry, forgot that they also made aluminum housings. This one is cast iron. I'd like to find one that is complete and date correct, but I've searched for a year and and have purchased two, both with issues. One was cracked about mid way from the center big hole and then this one. Both have good dates but the one with the missing bolt hole is very good for my car. Also, I'd rather work with a part in hand as opposed to looking for another housing. By the way, when I purchased the above two housing, neither seller disclosed the defects.

[Terry D.]

Re: saving a bell housing

Stephan
Ah yes, the hazards of buying parts sight unseen. Have you checked the driveline to see if any members have a correct bellhousing for sale? Also swap meets are a good place to buy as you can inspect the part first. I'm just not a firm advocate of welging up bellhousings unless there is no other option, but that's just me.
Terry