Just pulled a '41 ford engine and transmission out of a buddy's coupe. I was looking it over today to see what I will use. I am planning to build a 40's style (postwar) model a roadster. Ideally i would like to find a 28-29 body, but might end up using anything from 26-31 depending on what I find. 1. so far it looks like the trans mount and case are the same size as a toploader. Can I run the sideshift transmission in a model a roadster with shifter on the column? or will the pedals and linkage be in the way. Does anyone have pics of this setup? 2. option 2, are the gears inside the transmission the same as a toploader? can I just find a 78 case and shifter top and transfer the gears? 3. option 3, sell the sideshift and buy a toploader? thanks!
It's been done, but shift linkage can be challenging. It wants to occupy the same space as the pedals/clutch/MC/center crossmember. The gears from the sideshifter will load right into a topshifter case. Find a nice case, slap them in there and you're in business! ...column-shift does look pretty sweet in an early car though!
Yeah, i was thinking it would look real tidy with the column shift in there. I am thinking 40 ford smoothies, ford red rims and block, pale yellow paint, 28-29 painted grill shell, and a real simple dash.
My dad had a 29 A tudor sedan with column shift 60 years ago. I didn't know the difference but everyone made a big deal out of it at gas stations in 1950-51. it also had a built banger, filled roof and solid wheels. I only have one photo of it.
sounds cool no name. Try and scan it. how about it? anyone got any pictures of this in a model A? just trying to decide, before I go out and buy a 78 case and shifter top, plus this will tell me what steering column to use...
There were quite a few A's like this in the early magazines. It must surely be crowded, but they obviously got it done. Columns were generally '40-48 Ford, year chosen to match column to wheel. Rotating shift linkage on column was probably part of the formula to find a way to route everything. '39-48 types of E-brake handle, or early fifties T-handle pull type. Trans parts ID, gear swapping 101: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91515&highlight=1939+trans+prices&showall=1
Hey, Bud Crayne's coupe had a sideshift, and that's good enough for me. Scare up some '49-'50 HRMs, and you'll see some.
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