Technical 1937 Topolino A starter motor

[kabinenroller]

I have a 1937 Topolino A that need a starter motor front housing. I would purchase a complete starter if necessary. The 1936 & 1937 must use a different starter compared to a 1938 and later. The starter looks the same but the two mounting bolts are spaced differently. I have attached a picture of a paper template that shows the difference, pardon the rough cut template but is shows the distinct difference.
I need this part to complete the restoration, I am in the USA.
Thank You
Jim

 

[bugsymike]

Apart from the flange dimensions is there any difference in the depth of engagement to the flywheel teeth and also the offset and number of teeth.
The reason I say this is over the years on newer vehicles I have come across situations similar which have caused problems with engagement and jamming/mis mesh of teeth etc. Even where flanges have been sorted.

 

[varesecrazy]

I have a 1937 Topolino A that need a starter motor front housing. I would purchase a complete starter if necessary. The 1936 & 1937 must use a different starter compared to a 1938 and later. The starter looks the same but the two mounting bolts are spaced differently. I have attached a picture of a paper template that shows the difference, pardon the rough cut template but is shows the distinct difference.
I need this part to complete the restoration, I am in the USA.
Thank You
Jim
View attachment 461512

Try Elvezio Esposito in Cosenza


From a different 1937 parts request :
@rogerbeattie

 

[kabinenroller]

Apart from the flange dimensions is there any difference in the depth of engagement to the flywheel teeth and also the offset and number of teeth.
The reason I say this is over the years on newer vehicles I have come across situations similar which have caused problems with engagement and jamming/mis mesh of teeth etc. Even where flanges have been sorted.

At first inspection it does not seem to be a difference in the “snout” and bendix assembly, to confirm I plan to remove the transmission, mount the seater to the engine and manually engage the bendix to see how it matches the ring gear in the flywheel. I have an extra starter with both bolt holes broken off the mounting flange, I plan to modify the mounting holes to match the studs on the engine, this may allow me to start the engine but I would much rather have the exact starter installed eventually.
I still would like confirmation that there were indeed a difference between the 1936 & 1937 starter flanges and the post 1937 models.
Thank You for your response.
Jim

 

[kabinenroller]

Try Elvezio Esposito in Cosenza


From a different 1937 parts request :
@rogerbeattie

Thank You for the lead, I will be contacting the company to see if they might have the type of starter I am looking for.
Jim

 

[124BC1]

@kabinenroller

I realise that you're in the U.S.. but I came across this parts supplier in the U.K. that stocks parts for the Topolino, incl. starter motors. They list 3 types, only one of which is currently in stock, it states it's for a Type C and seems to match your required mounting flange.

Reconditioned Starter Motor - Fiat Topolino - Ricambio

Fully Reconditioned in Italy and supplied as new to fit: Fiat Topolino C models If you have any questions please contact us for help THIS IS A RECONDITIONED ITEM SO WE REQUIRE YOUR OLD STARTER MOTOR BACK IN EXCHANGE FOR REPAIR. IF THE OLD STARTER MOTOR IS DAMAGED OR PHYSICALLY BROKEN THEN...

www.ricambio.co.uk

The other 2 types, listed as out of stock, are a modern type high power one for a Type C and a reconditioned Type A which seems to have the incorrect mounting flange.

Given your location, I'm only mentioning this supplier because they state that the recon. st. motor was reconditioned in Italy, so perhaps they might be able to either obtain a st. mtr. front housing or point you in the right direction.
Please note that if you order a reconditioned starter motor from this supplier, in addition to the price shown, there is an additional (upfront) £200 Core Charge which you will forfeit if you either don't return a starter motor or return one which is damaged or physically broken.

 

[kabinenroller]

@kabinenroller

I realise that you're in the U.S.. but I came across this parts supplier in the U.K. that stocks parts for the Topolino, incl. starter motors. They list 3 types, only one of which is currently in stock, it states it's for a Type C and seems to match your required mounting flange.

Reconditioned Starter Motor - Fiat Topolino - Ricambio

Fully Reconditioned in Italy and supplied as new to fit: Fiat Topolino C models If you have any questions please contact us for help THIS IS A RECONDITIONED ITEM SO WE REQUIRE YOUR OLD STARTER MOTOR BACK IN EXCHANGE FOR REPAIR. IF THE OLD STARTER MOTOR IS DAMAGED OR PHYSICALLY BROKEN THEN...

www.ricambio.co.uk

The other 2 types, listed as out of stock, are a modern type high power one for a Type C and a reconditioned Type A which seems to have the incorrect mounting flange.

Given your location, I'm only mentioning this supplier because they state that the recon. st. motor was reconditioned in Italy, so perhaps they might be able to either obtain a st. mtr. front housing or point you in the right direction.
Please note that if you order a reconditioned starter motor from this supplier, in addition to the price shown, there is an additional (upfront) £200 Core Charge which you will forfeit if you either don't return a starter motor or return one which is damaged or physically broken.

View attachment 461598

Thank You!! For the informative reply. I have emailed the company to confirm they have the starter I need for my engine. The engine is the original engine for the car as the numbers match the tag on the car.
Regards
Jim

 

[kabinenroller]

I am still seeking the correct starter. ( or just the cast iron snout) The supplier listed above was not able to help me. For the time being I used a wide pattern snout that had the outer ear broken off, I made a template and plotted the narrow pattern on it and drilled a matching hole. After mounting it and manually engaging the bendix gear I was able to confirm that the starter gear and the ring gear in the flywheel mesh together appropriately. ( transmission not mounted to get a good view)
Although this should work I would much rather have the correct piece in place so I am still interested in locating a narrow pattern starter.
Thank you!
Jim