Hey guys new around here. I’ve got a 53 Ford coupe with a three speed transmission in it. I found a three speed with overdrive out of a 1950 ford. All the linkage for the shift levers are the same, the input shaft is the same, Bellhousing is the same. I know I have to change my driveshaft length is there any other reason why this would not work. Thankyou kindly
Pretty sure a 50 Ford OD trans is the same as a 53. You will have to add the proper wiring. If you do it completely stock, you'll need the kickdown switch.
I can't comment on the physical aspects of this swap, but here's a minor comment you may want to ponder. Cars originally equipped with OD frequently have a lower geared rear end. Your car may not have adequate power to carry the high gearing when in OD, particularly if driving in a hilly area. You didn't mention what your engine is; if a "souped up" flathead or transplanted OHV, this is probably not a consideration.
Sorry forgot to say I have all the overdrive jazz, wiring governor etc. I’m running a stock flathead. I live in a flat area so not terribly worried about hills n such. Is there a reason my clutch linkage wouldn’t work with the 50 trans.
Up front they are the same. The 49-51 side covers have the mounting boss for the clutch release equalizer shaft. Based on the comments of the OP I’d say the donor transmission, that he identified as a 1950 type, has probably had a 1952-54 side cover installed since he stated that the levers were the same as his current transmission. The motor mount location is a little different than the 1952-54 but that can be adapted. The extension housing of the 1950 transmission is a few inches shorter than the 52-54 type. So, even though the output shaft splines are the same, he’ll still need to have a new (longer) driveshaft made. The gearing is virtually the same between the 1950 and the 51-52 transmissions on 1st and 2nd but third gear is the same (1:1 ratio).
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