MGB: Fan blades

Can I put a metal fan blade my '73? I want to get rid of the electric set-up and I can't find the plastic blade. Thx.

I'm sure you can if you use the right water pump/pulley setup. However, the metal fan has kind of an urban legend status as being prone to failure, i.e. it might shoot a blade through your hood or anything else in the way when if fails. No firsthand experience myself, but I am replacing my metal fan with a plastic one as part of my engine rebuild.

All fans eventually fail, whether metal or plastic. However when a metal blade snaps off, it makes a much bigger bang. Either type of fan should last through several decades of normal driving before failure becomes likely.

On a side note, the only fan I've had come apart was a 6-blade metal unit that was 45 years old. The 3-blade on my '65 B is original and still in fine order, but I plan to replace it now after 315,000 miles over 43 years.

Well, the metal one is a bit cheaper, and I thought it might be a safer bet as a used part. But if I'm going to need to source additional parts and go with a trial-and-error process of fitting, maybe I'll just pay a bit more and order a new plastic blade that will last a few decades. Thx!

I've been told the plastic fan is much quieter as well as a bit less prone to explosive failure. It's on my list of winter projects. I found an excellent one on evil bay or $20.
Jim

Yes you can. I'd either use the seven bladed plastic or the sic bladed metal fan. They both work well.

Most importantly, just make sure that your radiator is in good condition. A bad radiator is the biggest cause of blown head gaskets, caused by overheating.


With the price of a NEW, brand new radiator from moss, MADE IN ENGLAND under $200, it doesn't pay to mess around.

That with a 6 or 7 bladed fan will keep your car running normal even in 120 degree Arizona heat!

You gotta make sure that you paint it that lovely Sunburst Yellow! I've heard that yellow paint is good for at least 3 extra horsepower too! HAHAHAHAHAHA

BManBrian67 Wrote:

Decades on both my "B"s with 6-blade steel fans. No prob.

I've got a six blade fan as well, I bead blasted checked it for cracks, looked good, then for security mig welded the rivets, and each blade in tow palces to the center section, been bullit proof for over tow years now. You not going to see with a pusher fan on a CB car, it's counter productive.

FYI, steel fans often break at the hub rather than the rivets! Loose rivets are certainly a problem though, and can cause the fan to go out of balance, speeding fatigue and wear. When inspecting a fan, look carefully for "stretching" of the metal around the round center where the blades meet it.

The Wiz Wrote:

mowog1 Wrote: