I'm building a 33 Ford 5 window coupe using a stock frame. The engine is a 53 Cad 331 V8, and I have the choice of two transmissions - either a 39 Ford or a Cad-Lasalle three speed. The stock trans mount is in the frame now, and it appears to me that if I use the Cad-Lasalle trans then the mount will have to be modified. Has anyone done this swap that could tell me how the trans mount needs to be cut? It would be great if you had some pics! Just to give some more info, the Cad-Lasalle trans has been machined to fit the torque tube that goes with the 40 Ford rearend assembly already sitting in the chassis. I also need some info about what clutch setup to use, and it would be really great if anyone out there could show pics about setting up the clutch linkage for this type of swap. The stock 33 pedal assembly is being used. I know the 39 Ford trans would be a simpler deal, but the Cad-Lasalle is much stronger and I have too much money in it to turn back now! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
First off, do a TOTAL length measurement of your driveline. The Cad/LaSalle box with its Early Ford adaptation will be 1-1/4" longer at the rear... Make sure you are cognizant of this before attempting a 'no-measurment fit' of driveline that "fit the '39 Ford box perfectly before..." The Cad/LaSalle case is LONGER. Many have found their rear axle too far back in the fenderwells. (and crossmember) As for the clutch, the simplest setup is the Cad stick bellhousing; the lower half (Cad, NOT Olds) will place your starter on the right (passenger) side, use the Cad stick flywheel with mid-'50s International pickup hub. Pressure plate should be Cad or Olds stick type, 10 inch. Olds stick throwout bearing with Olds stick front bearing retainer. (LaSalle is same. all from '36-'54...) All factory parts, there are some available on the Bay, or from "Hot Rod John" in Ohio?
Thanks for the comments Mike. The Cad-Lasalle trans is longer than the Ford trans, and I won't shorten the 40 ford torque tube until I have the engine and trans bolted in place. I have a stock Cad bellhousing, including the lower piece - just need the clutch setup, throwout arm and bearing. Have a stock Cad flywheel - has anyone used the aftermarket aluminum flywheels that are available through companies like Bendstens?
Just a couple of questions on this; The Olds stick pressure plates will cover either a 10" disc, or as both of mine are, 10-1/2". The books at an old NORS parts house I shop at, do show normal duty at 10" and "taxi-police" at 10.5" My 53 and 55 both came from the factory with 10.5. On the Olds bearing retainer; I was wondering why the Olds preference? The only Olds one that will work with the Cad/LaS bell, is the very rare 1950 only.
I know most guys are going to the later S-10 five speeds, but I like to stay with all old stuff! Any others out there with Cad-Lasalle trans experience?
I have used a ford pressure plate from a 50' pickup, so called long style clutch. You need to figure out what size clutch your flywheel is drilled for, 10" 10 1/2", or 11" and pick the pressure plate that fits. Or redrill and tap your flywheel. I used the olds clutch disc, had it relined. But I have also used the international pickup clutch disc. As far as pedals and linkage. I have pictures of one I put into a roadster with the 35-40 x member and 40 pedals. I am also putting an olds motor and cad-lasalle in my 33, but I have not swapped out the flathead yet, so no pics. I know that pedals are a little different, but the concept is the same. What I did, was swap out the stock clutch pedal with a brake pedal from another pedal set, it actually was a chevy truck. But the bushing and shaft was the same diameter as the ford. it was just what I had on hand at the time. So all you need to do is have a pedal with the arm on the bottom for the clutch, like a juice brake pedal. Or you can weld an arm on the bottom of the clutch pedal. Then you can simply attach a clevis and a threaded rod from the pedal to the throwout arm. You can see it in the pics. once you get the length set, you can make a nice rod with just threads on each end. I think I put a small bend in the rod. So when you push down the pedal it pulls clutch arm back. This setup actually worked very well, it was easy to press in the clutch, and easy to I hope that helps, and I look forward to seeing your progress.
here is a picture of a converted Lasalle transmission mounted to an Olds and a Ford transmission also mounted to an Olds for comparison I no longer have the Ford transmission to confirm but it seems to me the Lasalle setup from block to toquetube bell was a little over 4" longer
Bringing this back up. Anyone got pics of a Cad-Lasalle trans in the 33-34 Ford frame? Want to see if there are any modifications to the x-member required - I know the trans crossmember has to be altered.
The engine is 59ab mounted to the original engine location up front. I had to hog out the top of the X member. I think I will have to change the E brake mount too. Jared
Jared - thanks so much for posting these pics! Your project is coming along well. You are fortunate to have a 37 Lasalle trans as the shifter is in a good location for this swap into a 34 frame. Mine is the later side-shift trans, so the problem will be whether we can get the shifter mounted without having to cut into the x-member as the shifter mounts more on the side of the trans than the top. We will see how it goes, and I will post the results here. Thanks again for the pics! Steve
My coupe will be using the modern axle set up produced by HotRodworks. Turns a torque tube rearend into a much stronger unit and should easily handle the power of the 331 Cadillac motor.
George - if you go to my thread "33 Ford 5 window coupe build" you can see what's going on with this project. Steve
Haha, I wish I moved that fast. The chassis has gone off to another shop for assembly because I am too bogged down on other projects. Hopefully it will make a car event in 2014.
I'll be watching and waiting camera in hand! Man, model 40 five window, channeled, chopped duece shell, cycle fenders, you are building the car I always wanted but cant afford!