I have a spinner for a mick reeves spitfire,unlike my spinner for my stuka,it has nowhere to run self tapping screws to mount the spinner to the backplate,the only thing i see is a large screw running threw the top of the spinner,do you use this to mount it to the backplate?im baffled,i hope im just being stupid,but what would hold the spinner to the backplate if there is no meat(metal)to run some screws in.

I'm not familiar with that particular spinner, but it sounds like the setup used with Tru-Turn, vortec, CB, and a host of other brands. The bolt at the apex of the spinner screws into a union nut on the prop shaft. The union nut also holds the propeller and backplate to the crankshaft and thrust washer. First put the backplate on the crank up against the thrust washer, then the prop, prop washer, then union nut. Tighten. Put the spinner cone on then insert the bolt through the apex of spinner and tighten.

I was thinking somewhere along those lines,but it seems the bolt that goes threw the spinner is alot smaller than that of the engine,maybe they sell a union that goes from one size to another,i'll have to investigate,thanks for clearing this up.

Discusmike, I have the Reeves Spinner, and R8893 is correct there is a union connection on your prop shaft.

Yes there are adapters commercially available to adapt the thread of the engine to that of the spinners nose bolt.

Also available are extensions that enable the shaft to connect.

I actually chose to purchase another spinner for my Spitfire after I dropped the Reeves Ali spinner damaging it's shape. I used it to make a dummy setup and sealed the front screw in.

JoLLy

Adapters are avialable from Dave Brown (dbproducts.com) and Tru Turn. They are specific to the engine and are made in different lengths to keep the prop bolt as short as possible.
Good Luck.
Sam

http://www.dbproducts.com/
Click products at the top of the page, the click on "Vortech Adapter Nuts"
There is a chart where you can order exactly what you need.

Thanks for all the great advice and web sites guys,you have made my project a little easier.