The Ford Barn

Tugmaster · 05-10-2013, 03:39 PM

I have seen adapter plates for mounting a later (30-40's) Ford 3spd to a Model A engine. Anyone here done it before? How do you like it. I know you get synchronized gears but what else?
Thanks,
Todd

CarlG · 05-10-2013, 04:40 PM

Several guys in our club have '39 transmissions in their Model A's. They like the synchromesh, and the gear ratios is primarily what I've been told. Don't know if or what kind of adapter they used.

lindy williams · 05-10-2013, 04:51 PM

I'm running a '38 trans with all helical gears and a '28 tooth cluster gear. The 28 tooth cluster gives you a little more speed in low and second than the 29 tooth cluster. It all works fine but remember its an antique trans design and the synchros don't work like a modern trans. You wont be throwing any drag racing shifts. The later trans 39-48 have better synchros but are pricier.
All of them will be pretty pricy if you have to rebuild the trans and then buy all the adapters.

Tugmaster · 05-10-2013, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the replys. Clings sells the adapter for the 32-39 3spd
Todd

PC/SR · 05-10-2013, 05:05 PM

Cling's has the adapter. https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/addtocart.asp?prod=43
Fairly easy job to do.
There are different gear sets and interchangable parts combinations. The later synchros will fit the earlier gearsets and cases, etc. VanPelt Sales website has lots of good info. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...sID_3speed.htm
I like the 37-38 gearset which has a little higher ratio than the Model A. My engine is not stock and I use a 3.54 rear end. Very nice for touring. Others will have opinions.

1931 flamingo · 05-10-2013, 05:53 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

It's a "slick" conversion and as stated later gears and synchros will go in an earlier case. Street Rodder mag has a good article on rebuilding and assembling one in the latest issue.
Paul in CT

Benson · 05-10-2013, 09:33 PM

AS mentioned on posting #5 above that PS/SR posted .... this book by Mac VanPelt is an excellent source of info on finding parts are needed, what parts interchange and rebuilding the V8 / Model B transmission.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...trans-book.htm

The later V8 gears sets will fit in the 32-33 Model B cases also.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 05-10-2013, 11:21 PM

I, personally, would never do it. With all the expense for adapters, lots of modifications, & lots of labor. Why do it, when the Model A transmission is rugged & dependable. If shifting is a problem, just learn to shift it PROPERLY. They're only original ONCE! Bill W.

PC/SR · 05-11-2013, 12:11 AM

I agree with Bill up to a point. There is no reason to go to the v8 trans unless it is for a specific purpose. I only did it when I decided to try hill climbing. The different gear ratios were a plus with my set up, but that may not be applicable on a stock or milder engine.

05-10-2013, 03:39 PM	#1
Tugmaster Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North Stonington Ct Posts: 34	Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? I have seen adapter plates for mounting a later (30-40's) Ford 3spd to a Model A engine. Anyone here done it before? How do you like it. I know you get synchronized gears but what else? Thanks, Todd

05-10-2013, 04:40 PM	#2
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,120	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? Several guys in our club have '39 transmissions in their Model A's. They like the synchromesh, and the gear ratios is primarily what I've been told. Don't know if or what kind of adapter they used. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

05-10-2013, 04:51 PM	#3
lindy williams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 335	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? I'm running a '38 trans with all helical gears and a '28 tooth cluster gear. The 28 tooth cluster gives you a little more speed in low and second than the 29 tooth cluster. It all works fine but remember its an antique trans design and the synchros don't work like a modern trans. You wont be throwing any drag racing shifts. The later trans 39-48 have better synchros but are pricier. All of them will be pretty pricy if you have to rebuild the trans and then buy all the adapters.

05-10-2013, 04:53 PM	#4
Tugmaster Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North Stonington Ct Posts: 34	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? Thanks for the replys. Clings sells the adapter for the 32-39 3spd Todd

05-10-2013, 05:53 PM	#6
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,393	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It's a "slick" conversion and as stated later gears and synchros will go in an earlier case. Street Rodder mag has a good article on rebuilding and assembling one in the latest issue. Paul in CT

05-10-2013, 05:05 PM	#5
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,282	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? Cling's has the adapter. https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/addtocart.asp?prod=43 Fairly easy job to do. There are different gear sets and interchangable parts combinations. The later synchros will fit the earlier gearsets and cases, etc. VanPelt Sales website has lots of good info. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...sID_3speed.htm I like the 37-38 gearset which has a little higher ratio than the Model A. My engine is not stock and I use a 3.54 rear end. Very nice for touring. Others will have opinions. Last edited by PC/SR; 05-10-2013 at 05:10 PM.

05-10-2013, 09:33 PM	#7
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,608	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? AS mentioned on posting #5 above that PS/SR posted .... this book by Mac VanPelt is an excellent source of info on finding parts are needed, what parts interchange and rebuilding the V8 / Model B transmission. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...trans-book.htm The later V8 gears sets will fit in the 32-33 Model B cases also.

05-10-2013, 11:21 PM	#8
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? I, personally, would never do it. With all the expense for adapters, lots of modifications, & lots of labor. Why do it, when the Model A transmission is rugged & dependable. If shifting is a problem, just learn to shift it PROPERLY. They're only original ONCE! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

05-11-2013, 12:11 AM	#9
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,282	Re: Anyone running a 3spd from a V-8 car? I agree with Bill up to a point. There is no reason to go to the v8 trans unless it is for a specific purpose. I only did it when I decided to try hill climbing. The different gear ratios were a plus with my set up, but that may not be applicable on a stock or milder engine.