The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Hand Cranking Good Fun

Today on my 1949 3800 the starter died. while I was at an auto parts store. So I called the Mrs to Bring the Hand Crank. She arrive 15 minutes later and 4 cranks later I was driving back to the barn. I did the special all fingers and thumb on the direction cranking side so that if it kicked back it would not break my thumb(learned about it on old tractors and not-properly retarded model-t's)

It started right up and the kick out of the crank was so minor you don't even feel it.

THought I would share since a bunch of people at the auto parts store got a kick out of watching.

Fun. My uncle owns a 1913 Maxwell that does not have an electric starter. Its amazing watching this 80 year-old hand crank start that thing.

Was it Jack Benny's?

I want to try it on my G506 but I'll wait untill an oldtimer shows me how to do it right. I've broken bones before and don't want to do it again.

No this car has been in the family since about 1920. And its unlikely its ever been to California, I'm sure it hasn't since my memories of the car start about 1960.

here is a good instruction, but be careful. if you ever go to an old tractor or car show, watch someone hand crank their model T or old case or McCormick Deering tractor. On our trucks you don't really have to worry about the timing, just the fuel and choke.
Good tips here, pay attention to his hand in the photo, the thumb wramps under with the fingers.

Okay, cranked it from cold today. definately putting the crank bracket in for stability.
definately takes a few more cranks from cold. but started right up. I popped the hood to make getting to the choke a little faster.

Okay.... so where does one get a hand crank? I can see where and how it hooks up I think. I have a 216 in my NEWly Acquired 3800 long bed! Sure could have used a hand crank on the way home from the PO's house last night. would have saved me the $250 tow!

most of the vendors have them, Jim carter's american classic, Bowtie Bits(where I got mine) I have run into a snag with the hand crank bracket. I purchased them from chev's of the 40's and It is too short for my 49 3800. Started it again today. I am getting it down to where it is not to bad. Just watch the way you hold your hands and use your arm. It is easy to get complacent and crank the wrong(UNSAFE) way.
Make sure your harmonic balancer has the teeth sticking out of the front to receive the crank. My Friends 53 does not have them.

I believe 1953 was the last year of the hand crank .Some trucks early ones had it until older part ran out on the line.