Besides MEC, who else make trans. adapter for 4 speed top loader to 8BA? Am using the shallow stamped steel Merc. bell housing to mate with the adapter. Am looking for an adapter that will work with '39 pedals and clutch linkage.
MEC is the best. Only one I know of that allows use of the original 39 type clutch fork. Easy install
Jimmy, heard nothing but good things about MEC; problem is FLATHEAD JACK says he has it on back order for 3 weeks. Have always had good service and parts from Jack but would like to finish this project. Does MEC sell retail? Thanks for responding.
I've got this adapter on the hogshead on the back of my 8 BA that came with the engine when we pulled it out of a Jeep wagon that was supposed to have had a Ford 4 speed in it. The bolts are about 6-1/4 apart and 4-1/4 or so top to bottom with the hole for the bearing retainer being close to 4 3/16. It bolts on the hogshead from the back side. I'm putting a T-5 behind the flathead so I won't need it if it is the correct adapter.
As was discussed in your other thread, a '51 Merc bell housing should work in your application. It has the correct trans pattern, along with an early style through shaft/ throwout fork. The clutch arm will connect to your 39 pedals using the stock linkage rod.
If it has the earlier narrow Ford bolt pattern it will bolt right up to an 8ba stamped steel bell-housing. Buy a Mustang clutch disc and you could be good to go. Just reverse the arm on the '39 pedal assembly.
I bought direct from MEC about 4 yrs ago. If you get the '39 pedals, try and get the offset 39 clutch shaft arm also. RB
Checked my account and see FLATHEAD JACK is shipping adapter; could have saved money if I bought direct from MEC but that's my fault.
Glad you got it worked out. Yes, MEC sells direct. Gene Sanders is a great guy and has a small catalog of items he makes. Call him
Jason I used a Ford flathead bell housing to bolt my 1966 top loader 4 speed to my 50 flathead. The only thing I recall needing to be done was to open up the register hole in the bell housing an 1/8" of an inch, or you could turn down the input collar on the tranny the same amount and it would bolt up. The only other thing I think you need to check is the depth of the input shaft into the pilot bearing. I don't recall if I took a little off the end or not but seem to recall checking into that. Here is a pic of the stuff I used.
Gene was having problems with his website last year IIRC. Model Engineering Company-MEC 330-644-3450. 330-644-0088 fax
I have one of those steel 49-53 8BA bellhousings with the starter plate, fork and the bolt pattern for a top loader. You can have it for free if you can get a shipper to pick it up here. I'm in no shape to either box it or much less, load and take to UPS or anyone else. Also have the 8BA flywheel and a new flathead clutch disc free for the taking if it helps you out. This is not a general offer for anyone to come and get free stuff, this guy obviously is having a tough time finding one.
That's very generous of you. And I would take you up on it if that would work for me. I'm trying to get an adapter for ford mustang T5 to flathead. But I wont be bolting it to a flathead, it will bolt up to an old Wilcap chevy to ford trans adapter, this will let me keep my stock clutch linkage and not have to reengineer that with a different clutch fork design.
There is a member named Inline who makes T-5 Adapters for a whole range of application. His prices are very reasonable and he is timely with his shipping. I purchase an adapter from him for an S-10 to a chevy small block. High quality work.
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