I was wondering if it's possible for a novice as myself to replace the brushes on the starter of my 49 F1? I have it all apart and was about to take the brushes out when I see that two of them are soldered to the fields. Sure would appreciate some advice! Thanks!

 

It is not rocket science to change brushes in a starter or to rebuild a starter. If you have a soldering gun or iron capable of transferring enough heat to the item being soldered, go for it. It has been my experience, when the starter is in such condition to need brushes it can use bushings and the armature can generally use work as well.

 

Good point on the bushings and armature Ray. I appreciate your thoughts. Today I did some hard thinking about the truck and the money I'm spending towards my "light restoration" I'm very nearly ready to apply rust encapsulator to the frame and have a number of parts ready for powder coating ( I already have had $100 worth done) I've decided what with worn spring shackles, broken front spring, a questionable 226 six cylinder and a tranny with a half worn off first gear, that I need to take the leap to the dark side and upgrade to a small block (302ish) and an automatic (or 5-speed if I can find one). This means new rear end, probably a IFS, etc. etc. etc. as you probably well know. Thanks again for the advice!

 

I just replaced the brushes in my new to me starter and found you need a little more heat than my soldering iron could put out. I used a little butane torch I got for tawing out the locks on my 92.My bushings were still pretty good so I can't help you there.Got the brushes from NAPA. Had to get ones from a 50 8N tractor I think. Good luck.