1 st post / starter question. What is original

[curmudgeon]

Going back to your original starter question, the '53 and earlier 216/235 engines used a foot starter with that linkage attached to the top of the bellhousing. The starter was 6volt which work on the 139 tooth flywheel. The later 235 (full pressure engines) used a 12 volt starter with a 168 tooth flywheel. (although some applications used a 12v foot starter as well, also with the 168t). So, if you are looking to restore to exact original, you will be swapping in a less efficient engine, different bellhousing, starter, foot linkage and maybe flywheel. You can use 12v on a 6v starter, but then your battery is not fully "original" as well.