Hey people! I bought a top loader for my 26 roadster project. I was told that it’s a 39 or earlier “maybe”,can someone please help me remove the “maybe”..thanks
Thanks,Is that any good to run behind a 50 Merc motor ? I was told it had a synchro 2nd gear for what that’s worth! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
1950 Mercury (24 stud engine) developed 110hp; and 1934 Ford (21 stud engine) developed 85hp. I'm sure someone will chime in soon and provide more specific / up to date advice.
The pressure the right foot applies to the gas pedal often has most to do with how a trans like that will hold up. That and how fast your foot comes off he clutch in low gear.
Well, I would pull the cover off and look inside at the gearset. The VIN, as pointed out says ‘34. The shift cover is a 32 cover, it’s the only year that had the two boss’s for the parking brake assembly. The rear mount is a ‘37 and later, cant tell the year, measure between the mount holes to determine the year. A pic of the other side will show what clutch shaft you have along with the lever, if applicable. The transmission looks like a buildup of what was around. I have used the early straight cut gears, ‘32-‘35, with no issues in my AV8 just don’t drive it like a race car. Open it up, snap some pics and post them along with a shot of the other side so we can see the clutch shaft. Cliff Ramsdell
Thanks Cliff,it sounds like it’s a Frankenstein transmission but it’s all I have.I did check the gears inside and they look great. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hear are a couple of pictures that I took this morning Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So, the gear set is a 32-35 set, straight cut 1st and reverse. Send a pick of the other side where the clutch shaft goes into the case to see if you have a 32-39 or 40 and later shaft. Cliff Ramsdell
Looks like a '32 clutch arm also. Should be just fine in your '26 car just don't beat the death out of it. Cliff Ramsdell
It is a fj62,your recognized the speakers didn’t you? Lol Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app View attachment 4189350
Another question,do I need to change the clutch assembly to use this transmission on my late Merc motor? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
If it uses the large spline ( 1 3/8") then no, if it uses the smaller spline you will need a clutch disk and pressure plate. The fingers on the pressure plate could hit the input shaft retainer if it's for a small spline clutch. Pull the pressure plate and disk and see if the disk fits the input shaft. Cliff Ramsdell
Here is the best place for parts when you rebuild the transmission: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm He (the owner) also posts on this site. Charlie Stephens
Could have a problem with your clutch/pressure plate hitting that 18 series case - what size is your clutch?
Not sure yet,the motor is a 51 or later Merc with a “tea kettle” carb,I have what’s on there I also have a F1 bell housing..I guess if I have to change the clutch assembly I will. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
you may find the fine spline clutch disk on your merc motor. if so, i would have the flywheel drilled for the ford standard long style 9" clutch so its all the common parts
Some may say different, but I would tear that trans down, clean everything, and check all your wear parts. (thrust washers, blocker rings) Reassemble and check all your clearances. If your clearances are way loose and worn bearings are in there, you will have shifting problems and could grenade a gear. They are a real simple trans to go through and all the parts are readily available from Van Pelts. go through it and save the frustration.
Anybody working on old Ford transmissions needs this book: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_trans-book.htm
Jason nailed it right on the head. Knocking it apart, cleaning and checking everything goes a long way and you may find that most of the original ford bearings are in good shape and still serviceable. Paper gaskets, input shaft seal are easy to get and cheap. Cliff Ramsdell
That’s the clutch that still sits in my Merc motor,do I need to replace the assembly or what will it take to make it work work with a F1 bell housing and my 34 ford transmission? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
That's what's known as a Borg&Beck pressure plate, which is OEM to the Merc. and a Ford used the Long type. Not sure about the clearance for trans bell hsg. but most likely it will clear, been about 60 years since I was last involved with a flathead, so I'm not sure, LOL! You will need that F-1 bell hsg.