Auto transmission
 

I'm considering changing my '59 Custom 300/292 to a 3 speed auto from a 2 speed auto. What fits and is it worth while?? I think I would need the transmission and shift indicator for the dash??

Re: Auto transmission
 

The best 3 speed gearbox swap is to fit an FMX. Do you have a Fordamatic or a 2 speed auto. If you have a Fordo it is possible to fit an FMX as it will almost bolt straight up to your bellhousing with some minor mods. These days probably the most popular is the AOD as it provides an overdrive, though it is not cheap when you factor in the adaptor plate. The 2 speeds fitted to 59's, I thought, we're fitted to 332 and 352.
This illustration should let you know what younhave.
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/f775de83.jpg
Regards

Re: Auto transmission
 

Thanks for the info and it is a 2 speed behind a 292 all original car with less than 30,000 miles.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Are you sure you have a two speed? I know that all Fordos at least up to 57 were three speed. However, they started off in 2nd and shifted to high. First gear would activate if you stomped on the gas or manually put it into low.

Another option is a C4. Flat-O-matic makes a nice conversion kit. And if you would like an overdrive, the AOD can be swapped in.

Re: Auto transmission
 

You can be sure when I say it is a 2 speed that it is a 2 speed. It is even listed it the owners manual as such. I'll look at the C 4 option, I think I might have one in my stash. Thanks.

Re: Auto transmission
 

i didnt think the 2 speed came out until 60.is it cast or alum,.

Re: Auto transmission
 

The diagrams above show that the 2 speed is all aluminum case. The c4 needs an adaptor plate also. The best fit behind a y is the FMX which gives you a true 3 speed and will fit onto a cast iron FOM bellhousing. It will even utilize your existing flexplate, presuming you have the late model style plate. If you go the c4 route it is almost better to go one better and fit the AOD.
Don't take offense when people ask you if you are sure you have a two speed. Most people refer to FOM as a 2 speed although it is a 3 speed - it just normally takes off in 2nd.
Regards

Re: Auto transmission
 

I don't know how to say it any plainer than I have already. This is an all original '59 Custom 300 with less than 30,00 miles with a 2 speed aluminum case automatic transmission. It only has 2 gears forward, no matter what position the shift lever is in. I am very familiar with the 3 speed Fordomatic that starts out in 2nd gear unless shifted down. It is refered to in the owners manual and the Motor Repair manual. I woild like to install the afore mentioned 3 speed Fordomatic if I had a good one. Thanks for all the suggestions. The AOD would be nice if it isn't too hard to adapt.

Re: Auto transmission
 

OK. Lots of people have done the AOD swap. Check this link for the kit. It's pretty much a no brainer with instructions online to see how easy it is.
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ford_y_block.htm
Not done it myself but a friend fitted one behind a 312 in a 56 Ranchwagon. A great swap, used the original column as well. You just need to be careful setting up the throttle valve cable.
Regards

Re: Auto transmission
 

If you go down the AOD route do you want to sell the flexplate you currently have fitted.
Regards

Re: Auto transmission
 

I already have an extra flexplate.

Re: Auto transmission
 

At the risk of being wrong:
I have not heard of a 2 speed FOM in a late model full size Ford. If you put the car on low and take off at 30 MPH shift into drive you should get 2 more shifts.
Now I know you own the car and you only have 2 shifts, I just have not heard of a 2 speed in that late of a model.
Not wanting to start an argument, just dialog. Gerry

Re: Auto transmission
 

No argument, just facts, they did put 2 speed's in full size Fords in '59. I've owned this car for over 30 years and am very familiar with 3 speed Fordomatics. This is a 2 speed. It performs very well, overall.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Have you thought of useing your FOM and picking up a FMX, there are instructions on making a full 3 speed from the two, and it will bolt right back in. Made it seem simple but you get the picture. I have my 54 with the conversion. Works great.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Where is the info??

Re: Auto transmission
 

Check out this post on yblocksforever.com. Post any questions you have, these are great people.
http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forum...Converting+FMX
Regards

Re: Auto transmission
 

I used my stock front pump and used my stock, rebuilt torque converter. Also FOM shift arm.

Re: Auto transmission
 

If you have owned and driven the car for 30+ years the trans must have been satisfactory. Why now have you decided that it need to be changed, seems like a lot of work and trouble just to feel it shift one extra time.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Yes, I'm kinda thinking this way!!

Re: Auto transmission
 

If you can find a Y-block Cruise O Matic (aka Green Dot) tranny from '58-60, the swap will be a slam dunk. In '61 the COM got a vacuum modulator so I'm not sure if your kick down linkage would be compatible. I'm running the COM in my '55 with a 3.00:1 9" rear and it's the best of both worlds. Good off the line and 2500 RPM at 75 MPH. Waaaaay better than my old 3 speed Fordo and 3:55's.

Re: Auto transmission
 

I drove my 2 speed like a 3 speed.
Take off in low gear run it up a bit, push the shift lever into D and bring it back to L quickly, car will sound as if shifting into 2nd, then pop it back into D for Third.
I used to get a 2nd gear chirp from the tires.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Hey guys! Please! Listen to the man! Ford did make an all aluminum case TWO (2) Speed trans in '59, and it WAS used behind the 292. It was NOT the old three speed that normally started in second. There was no third gear, no matter how many times you flipped the shift lever! It had only low and high, like an old Powerglide. It was used from '59 through '64. AND, it was called a Fordomatic. Staring in '58, Ford added a sprag (one way overrunning) clutch to the old three speed and changed the valve body so it now started normally in first. You could still start in second for ice and snow by shifting into'2'. Ford called this trans the "Cruiseomatic".

Re: Auto transmission
 

'62 was the last year for a 292 in a car, and the C4 came out in 1964, so no OEM bellhousing to put a C4 behind a 292. Pickups used the 292 through 1964, but I'm pretty sure they used the cast iron Cruiseomatic for automatic models.

Re: Auto transmission
 

If it helps, I have a '59 Edsel Ranger 4 door with the 361 V8 and the aluminum 2speed auto behind it from the factory.

Re: Auto transmission
 

Best bet is to find entire vehicle with same engine and the transmission you want. Farmers back 40, salvage yard etc. You can remove every piece that has anything top do with transmission. Cooling lines, linkages, shifter. Aod's and C4's are great but since you have had it so long personal opinion is to look for original. Getting harder to find old stuff though. Drive the back roads small towns.

Re: Auto transmission
 

The FE blocks started getting more popular along about 1958 and they used the later dual range cruise-o-matics for the most part. 1959 was a big change over year for transmissions. They still had air cooled single range Ford-o-matics for 223 6-cylinders and some 292 V8s and the new 2-speed started to come on line to replace it. Most of the 2-speeds types ended up on the little 6-cylinder Falcons and Comet cars for 1960 & later. That's likely why folks wonder about some of the oddities of 1959.

Re: Auto transmission
 

I agree on the COM and even a later box (up to at least 1964) will probably work. They were interchangeable between the 332, 352 and 390. Not 100% sure about the 292.