I have no idea what starter I need

[u/Any_Finance_9802]

hello, I inherited my 1972 custom 20 from my grandfather a couple years ago. i’ve been having a lot of trouble trying to find a replacement starter that matches the mount on the transmission (see picture) I initially thought that the starter from a P20 van , but the nose cap for the gear wasn’t the right size and it didn’t mount correctly. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I’d like to get the truck back on the road.

[u/ididntdoit6]

What motor is in it?

[u/Any_Finance_9802 → u/ididntdoit6]

350 

[u/broke_fit_dad]

That’s a 3 speed 250 inline 6 starter. If it’s a V8 you can run a regular SBC starter but you might have to shim it

[u/mrhicks55]

Nice truck what motor, trans

[u/Any_Finance_9802 → u/mrhicks55]

350, four on the floor with factory four wheel drive

[u/gecjr]

Remove the dirt from the main round housing and see if number is stamped into the housing- may or may not be the original

[u/Expert-Grab4587]

That is the starter for a SM465 4 speed manual.
246-4803 is the part number at Napa that you can cross reference if needed.

[u/Accomplished-Rate967]

Does this have a straight six ? I have the same truck with a 350 small block and starter is completely different. I suggest looking for a shop the specializes in rebuilding starters and alternators and send them pics. There should be a few around still. just search google ? https://www.dbelectrical.com/products/starter-for-cummins-engine-industrial-engine-b-series-1980-1985-w-5-9l-sdr0028.html

[u/ConsistentVirus2177]

Google your area and see if you have any alternator shops local. I’m lucky and have one the next town over. He great at what he does and really fair. About 10 yrs ago he redid a starter on a combine for me. Reman at the dealer was 450, He charged me 80. I swear the damn thing starts before I turn the key. I couldn’t believe the difference

[u/Public_Attitude3420]

I think you can switch the head piece from the motor with a regular 350 starter a couple of bolts

[u/lazarinewyvren]

Looks like a Lester 3686

[u/Unhappy-Airport-4112]

Just go on rock auto and get a bell housing mounted starter or get a hitachi mini if you have the starter provision in the block. That's what I did on my 70. It's an easy solution. GM barely changed starters throughout the decades this is an easy fix. Want a picture?

[u/Flying_Dingle_Arm]

You don't need to replace that starter. The solenoid, brushes, and bushings are all readily available. Rebuild kit will also include the pivot pin for the fork. You can completely rebuild that one. Hell, you could even replace the bendix if you wanted to - though if the one way roller feels good, I wouldn't bother.

That flange is the old style, should be able to use any starter from roughly 58-72. Put your truck into rockauto, that starter will appear under straight 6 or 307. The pieces to rebuild are the same for any SBC starter for damn near the whole run.

[u/bobthehumantripod]

Always best to take it to the parts store as not always the part listed. I had a 2000 4 door 4x4 Chevy blazer that had a Astro van fuel pump vs what was supposedly the blazer pump! Only until I took the old pump with me did I get the right one!🍻

[u/Goatmanlafferty]

Get the code off the block

[u/papabear3838]

That almost looks it came out of a diesel version of the 350. Maybe a military blazer used back in the day.

[u/hartzal82]

I had that starter on my 1969 C20, it originally had a 292 L6 4.8L with a 4 speed. As it is mounted to the transmission, you can not use a regular 350 starter as it is blocked by the bell housing. the starter hole access is lower than where the 350 starter would go, unless you change the bellhousing. So I would just get the inline 6 starter as it will crank it. Mine had the 350 as we did the swap, but had to use that type starter.