Bigcheese327
12-07-2003, 12:21 PM
Okay, now that I've got the rear end figured out let's move further up the equation to the trans: I'd like to run an overdrive since I'll probably end up with 4.11 or 3.73 gears. The choice, of late, seems to be the Borg-Warner T-5 used behind the V6 in 4.3L S-10s. That's fine and good and would look great with a '30s floorshift lever adapted to it.
Personally, however, I think it would be rather interesting to run a column shifter and the postwar Ford and Mercury column is quite common around here. Now how to do it? I'm sure there were some external-shift 4-speed overdrives made in the seventies and eighties. Fat Hack's aluminum case toploader would be plenty strong behind a flattie, I'd think and I've heard about eighties Ford truck 4-speeds having overdrive. The early-fifties overdrive is an option, I suppose but they seem complicated and difficult to drive. What is the preferred trans and how do I adapt it to the flathead? I'd like to run an un-split wishbone as well, so bulk is a factor.
Also, how to set up a clutch linkage using pre-'52 Ford floor-mount pedals? I can get a set from a '49 for $20 and I've heard they're a good fit with an early chassis.
Oh, at this point some are probably going "Uh, Cheese, a four-speed on the column...?" A four-speed on the column is possible, I've seen it. Usually the reverse gear is controlled through shifter handle on the floor but I'd like to actuate reverse with an early-fifties Chevrolet parking brake handle (t-handle under the dash).
Personally, however, I think it would be rather interesting to run a column shifter and the postwar Ford and Mercury column is quite common around here. Now how to do it? I'm sure there were some external-shift 4-speed overdrives made in the seventies and eighties. Fat Hack's aluminum case toploader would be plenty strong behind a flattie, I'd think and I've heard about eighties Ford truck 4-speeds having overdrive. The early-fifties overdrive is an option, I suppose but they seem complicated and difficult to drive. What is the preferred trans and how do I adapt it to the flathead? I'd like to run an un-split wishbone as well, so bulk is a factor.
Also, how to set up a clutch linkage using pre-'52 Ford floor-mount pedals? I can get a set from a '49 for $20 and I've heard they're a good fit with an early chassis.
Oh, at this point some are probably going "Uh, Cheese, a four-speed on the column...?" A four-speed on the column is possible, I've seen it. Usually the reverse gear is controlled through shifter handle on the floor but I'd like to actuate reverse with an early-fifties Chevrolet parking brake handle (t-handle under the dash).