painting manual transmissions
 

Did Ford paint their manual transmisson cases in the 50's? I don't remember ever seeing them painted, but it just doesn't seem right not to throw some paint on the overdrive I'm building before putting it in the car. Does anyone have any suggestions on what color Ford used in '57, or what you use on your transmissions?

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

The manual/od that was in my Ranchero had no paint on it at all. I know that don't mean a lot but there was no sign of paint, just rust and bare cast iron under the gunk covered area. I think I would clean it really well and paint it "cast iron" that comes in a rattle can.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

I don't believe Ford painted their transmissions, manual or automagic. No ones going to see it anyway, unless your driving over them and at that point I don't think they care if it is painted or not.

I like the rattle can cast iron idea tho.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Try that paint called "Cast Blast"

Looks really good.

Oldmics

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Oldmics, Have you tried Alumi Blast?

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Alumiblast has a bright silver color. Castblast has a darker gray color just like cast iron.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Why I"ve never even heard of Alumi Blast :eek:

I will certainly seek some out and give it a go.

Appreciate the tip :)

Oldmics

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Seymour Paints Spray Paint Aerosol Satin Finish Stainless Steel 13 oz. Ea 16-054
Item # 390498457575....go to summitracing.com

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

POR-15 also makes a product called RPM that coats cast and it is still supposed to look natural. I have not tried it so I have no fisrt hand experience with it. Rod

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Thanks for the good advice guys. I like the rattle can case iron approach. It'll give me some rust protection and the guy I run over won't even know it's painted. I'll go with the cast blast product.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

When I rebuilt my 3 speed I stripped the case down, cleaned it real good and then used etching primer and finally a cast iron colored paint from Duplicolor. I thought it turned out pretty good.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=14744

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

I agree Hivolt5.0. That is exactly what I'm looking for. Did you paint first then assemble, or the other way around? Were you able to find all the small parts you wanted to replace? I'm looking for thrust washers synchro blocking rings, and complete small parts kit for my 57 T86.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

The thrust washers, snap rings, and needle bearings are in the small parts kit. The synchro rings are another matter....getting more scarce it seems. We have the small parts kits. Would have to look to see if we have any of those rings. We also carry the gasket set and the oil seals if needed.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

krwilson5, yes I dissassembled the whole transmission, cleaned the case real good inside and out and then painted it before I reassembled it. I was able to get the bearings, synchros and gaskets from Classic Auto Parts in Oklahoma City, OK. I travel there quite a bit and make it my ritual to stop by the store. You can look at my Ranchero photo album for a few pictures of what the transmission looked like before I started.

Also, check out Mac VP. I was going to recommend him to you. There's a wealth of knowledge in that man.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

Hi Mac. Sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you. I'm interested in the small parts kit , the gasket set, and the synchro blocker rings. I have the seals already. Any chance you have a used bearing retainer? the one I have is pretty rusty.

Re: painting manual transmissions
 

I have the small parts kit and the gasket set (which is strictly the paper gaskets). I'll check tomorrow to see if I can dig out some synchro rings. Did you also need the oil seals? Call our office after lunchtime and I can let you know if I found them......Mac VP