I picked up an engine and transmission for the 28. The guy threw in a hand crank but I believe it is for a 27 or 29 and up, since it is too short for the 28. I am thinking about adding some length to it. Does any one know how long the hand crank should be for a 28? I know it is a one year car, and I don't want it too close to the bumper. The current crank is about 3" short, but will 3" be too tight? will 4"-5" be the sweet spot? If anyone knows or could measure from the insertion end to the bend on the crank, it will be greatly appreciated.
I just measured the hand crank that came with my '28 Canopy Express. I believe it should be the same as needed for your car.
All measurements were taken on the outside edges of the rod. I did not attempt to measure from the center line of the rod.
The length from the tip of the crank (that engages the engine pulley) to the offset cross piece of the hand crank is 12 1/2 inches. That includes the bend in the hand crank, which at this point has a radius of 1 1/2 inches.
The offset cross piece is 9 inches long, which includes both bends at its ends.
The bend from the cross piece to the handle has a 3/4 inch radius.
The handle is 4 3/4 inches long, which includes the above short bend.
The rod itself is 7/16 of an inch in diameter.
The cross pin that drives the engine pulley is 3/8 inch in diameter, 1 7/16 inches long, and is placed 3/4 of an inch from the end of the hand crank rod.
It is interesting that in my Four Cylinder Parts book (dated March 1, 1939), they list the part number for the Starting Crank tool as 352768 for ALL the four cylinder vehicles, including the National (1928). Hmmmm.
However, my other Four Cylinder Parts book (dated February 1, 1928) says that part 352768 is ONLY for the National AB series. All the other cars (and the LM and LO one ton trucks) need part number 334271.
Cheers, Dean
Dean 'Rustoholic' Meltz old and ugly is beautiful!
Thank you for that very in depth description. That was exactly the information i was looking for. I am going to try weld an extension piece on the long run to the crank. If not some round stock and a torch will get me the part for a fraction of the cost.
Your measurements were spot on! I cut and grooved the crank added the extra length that I tabbed for some extra strength, then welded together. A little grinding to make it pretty and fit through the hole, and bam! I had the pleasure of doing something I have never done before hand cranked an engine to start it. After a few practice tries with the ignition off, I built up the courage to do it live! Started on the first crank!