Alternator/Fan blade clearance (issue?)

I just did the alternator upgrade on my '59 (mostly stock), and posted it in my build thread.

Thanks for all of the expertise found here it went great. BUT....

In order to get the belt lined up perfect, the fan blade is pretty close to the pulley/shaft. Like 1/8"


If I loose a bearing (water pump, alt,) it could get UGLY...

1) should I just go with it?
2) would it be OK to cut the shaft off some, i.e. with a grinder cut-off wheel?


Thanks

 

Boy thats pretty close..I have to believe that fan is going to flex some when moving as well...can the alternator be moved back some?

 

It'll pull the belt out of alignment.

 

If the fan flexes, it'll flex the other way (flatten out).
Still, that's awfully close-how about a small fan spacer, like half inch or 1 inch?

 

It's not a big deal to trim the fan blades a bit. Do them all equally so you maintain a good balance.

Could also grind down the bolt some. Every little bit helps.

 

DOH, good idea. I didn't think about the other end of the "problem".

I don't have the radiator mounted yet, so I'll see how that works out.

I guess I can make a sq. plate and put it behind the fan. (match the bolt pattern and center hole for the WP (?)

 

i wouldn't grind the fan it is too much of a liability.
personally i would shim behind the pulley on the alternator and space the fan if more room is needed

 

x2

 

X3, you wont bo able to balance the fan if grind it up....

 

If your FLAPS doesn't have one, here's what you need-
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Aluminum-Fan-Spacers-with-Bolts,1842.html

 

Cool. That was the next question (FLAPS item?). I'll see what I can find.

I'll need something that has a large center (+/- 1") for the water pump shaft.