Ford O' Matic vs Cruise o' Matic

[59Sky]

I'm an absolute novice when it comes to Ford auto transmissions, and need some information, or directions to information. While restoring my 1959 Skyliner, I've bought a 1959 4-door that had been wrecked. It has the correct 292, but is equipped with a Ford o' Matic. Data plate on the retrac and the PRNDL bezel indicates it was equipped with a Cruise O' Matic (1-2-3 automatic shift, as opposed to 2-3 automatic with manual Low Range on the Ford O' Matic if I understand correctly.) I'm trying to go as original as possible, just because that's how I want it. It's not about perfect numbers matching for resale, (I'm 27 and barring any financial catstrophes, my GRANDKIDS are going to be inheriting this car) just about me being picky.

That said, I've been told Cruise O' Matics are fairly common, but I see most transmissions listed with the later C-4 C-6 etc designation. What exactly would I be looking for, as far as case numbers go, to find a correct for 1959 Cruise O' Matic? And, is one of the C-# designated transmissions actually just a Cruise O' Matic by a differend name?

[JeffB2]

You can learn tons of Ford stuff here:http://www.network54.com/Forum/260730/

[Motorhead6]

C-4/C-6 are completely different transmissions. The FOM/COM issue is a bit beyond me as far as identification. You are correct, however, in assuming that the FOM starts off in intermediate gear and that you need the COM to be correct. Look for one out of a '59 or later and there is a good chance that you will get what you are looking for. Just be sure that the casing is cast iron, as Ford offered a 2 speed aluminum casing transmission starting in about '59.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

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2 speed Ford o matic. My dad bought a new '59 Ford with that transmission. I think he drove it over 100,000 miles without any trouble.