The Ford Barn

philipswanson · 07-19-2020, 07:14 PM

I just installed a Columbia but have not driven it yet. I am confused about engaging and disengaging the overdrive. One instruction I read said to lift off the accelerator off the floor and pull the handle. Then push the clutch in to complete the shift.

Is this right? I would have thought that you would push the clutch in first like shifting a transmission gear. Which way is correct? This is a '40 stock installation, not electrical like later Columbias.

Kube · 07-19-2020, 07:21 PM

Push the clutch to the floor, let off on the throttle. Pull the switch OUT to go in to overdrive, let the clutch pedal back out and accelerate.
To go back to regular drive, same operating procedure except you push the switch IN.

philipswanson · 07-19-2020, 08:25 PM

Thanks Kube.

That's pretty much what I thought.

Another question, when running the cables for the speedometer gearbox cable and valve cable, it seems counter-productive to use the bracket that the instructions say to install just forward of the firewall to hold the cables down in the bend area. Especially the one that shifts your speedometer gear box because it is about an inch longer after its hooked up. It seems like it makes more sense to just let the cables come forward out of the firewall and let them make a natural gentle bend instead of pulling them down to restrain them in a bracket. What say you?

Kube · 07-19-2020, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Thanks Kube.

That's pretty much what I thought.

Another question, when running the cables for the speedometer gearbox cable and valve cable, it seems counter-productive to use the bracket that the instructions say to install just forward of the firewall to hold the cables down in the bend area. Especially the one that shifts your speedometer gear box because it is about an inch longer after its hooked up. It seems like it makes more sense to just let the cables come forward out of the firewall and let them make a natural gentle bend instead of pulling them down to restrain them in a bracket. What say you?

I've installed more of these than I can recall. Each one was done "by the book" with zero issues.

deuce_roadster · 07-19-2020, 10:54 PM

Another thing that some people miss is the correct way to fill the Columbia with oil. IF you read the instructions they spell it out. I put the car up on Jackstands LEVEL. Run the car in the gear specified for the time specified then quickly get out and put in the amount of oil specified. The reason for this is that you are filling the inside of the Columbia where the sun gear is and before the oil runs back out to the banjo, you need to top it off. And as specified, USE THE COLUMBIA FILL HOLE, NOT THE ONE IN THE BANJO.
You also don't want to check the oil level in the Columbia without doing this same procedure . I know of more then one rebuilt unit fried due to not following the proper procedure for filling it with oil.

4dFord/SC · 07-20-2020, 06:28 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

A handy, clutch-saving tip if you forget to disengage the Columbia before coming to a stop: put the car in reverse and back up a little to drop it out of high range.

philipswanson · 07-20-2020, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4dFord/SC

A handy, clutch-saving tip if you forget to disengage the Columbia before coming to a stop: put the car in reverse and back up a little to drop it out of high range.

Does it hurt anything to come to a stop and start again in high range?

philipswanson · 07-20-2020, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

I've installed more of these than I can recall. Each one was done "by the book" with zero issues.

Kube,

Do you have a picture of one of the 40 installs you did showing the firewall and mounting of the cables coming through the firewall. Something is not right on mine. Thanks!

4dFord/SC · 07-20-2020, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Does it hurt anything to come to a stop and start again in high range?

Don't think it hurts anything, but it's harder on the clutch and slows acceleration. I've done it a few times myself when it wasn't possible to back up (e.g., at a stop sign with a car right behind you).

G.M. · 07-20-2020, 12:29 PM

I installed the Columbia's in my cars so as soon as you
push the clutch in they drop out of O.D. So going up a
big hill or at stop lights or signs I just push the clutch
and slowly release it. G.M.

Kube · 07-20-2020, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Does it hurt anything to come to a stop and start again in high range?

No, other than you may not have enough power to comfortably get rolling again.

Kube · 07-20-2020, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.M.

I installed the Columbia's in my cars so as soon as you
push the clutch in they drop out of O.D. So going up a
big hill or at stop lights or signs I just push the clutch
and slowly release it. G.M.

Then you are using later controls. Authentic 40 controls do not operate like that.

Kube · 07-20-2020, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Kube,

Do you have a picture of one of the 40 installs you did showing the firewall and mounting of the cables coming through the firewall. Something is not right on mine. Thanks!

This should help.

V8COOPMAN · 07-20-2020, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

No, other than you may not have enough power to comfortably get rolling again.

Wouldn't take much to solve that little problem! DD

philipswanson · 07-20-2020, 09:53 PM

Kube,

Thanks for the picture. Apparently, my speedo gearbox is mounted too high. If I drop it like yours, the speedo cable will be too short to make it to the speedometer. Guess I have the wrong (shorter) speedo cable.

glennpm · 07-21-2020, 07:16 AM

I had to replace my Columbia speedo cable and gave length to this company with good results.

uncle buck · 07-21-2020, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v8coopman

wouldn't take much to solve that little problem! Dd

ewww yuk! lol

G.M. · 07-21-2020, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

Then you are using later controls. Authentic 40 controls do not operate like that.

I made my own shifting controls. I don't like the way
the original ones work. I use 12 volt Pollock fuel shift valve
that is made for trucks with dual fuel tanks. As I described
I shifts by pushing a button and pushing the clutch. The
12 valve works on 6 volts. Pollock calls this a 6 port shifting
valve. G.M.

Kube · 07-21-2020, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.M.

I made my own shifting controls. I don't like the way
the original ones work. I use 12 volt Pollock fuel shift valve
that is made for trucks with dual fuel tanks. As I described
I shifts by pushing a button and pushing the clutch. The
12 valve works on 6 volts. Pollock calls this a 6 port shifting
valve. G.M.

Not certain what, if anything, this has to do with the original post.

37fatfender · 03-29-2021, 09:04 PM

Does anyone make a shorter speedo cable?? 70 plus inches is to long. I would like about 48 inch cable. This would go from the Columbia dash fire mount box to the turtle.

07-19-2020, 07:14 PM	#1
philipswanson Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Bonita, CA Posts: 1,378	Shifting A Columbia In A '40 I just installed a Columbia but have not driven it yet. I am confused about engaging and disengaging the overdrive. One instruction I read said to lift off the accelerator off the floor and pull the handle. Then push the clutch in to complete the shift. Is this right? I would have thought that you would push the clutch in first like shifting a transmission gear. Which way is correct? This is a '40 stock installation, not electrical like later Columbias.

07-19-2020, 07:21 PM	#2
Kube Super Moderator Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 10,546	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Push the clutch to the floor, let off on the throttle. Pull the switch OUT to go in to overdrive, let the clutch pedal back out and accelerate. To go back to regular drive, same operating procedure except you push the switch IN. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

07-19-2020, 08:25 PM	#3
philipswanson Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Bonita, CA Posts: 1,378	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Thanks Kube. That's pretty much what I thought. Another question, when running the cables for the speedometer gearbox cable and valve cable, it seems counter-productive to use the bracket that the instructions say to install just forward of the firewall to hold the cables down in the bend area. Especially the one that shifts your speedometer gear box because it is about an inch longer after its hooked up. It seems like it makes more sense to just let the cables come forward out of the firewall and let them make a natural gentle bend instead of pulling them down to restrain them in a bracket. What say you?

07-19-2020, 10:54 PM	#5
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 4,043	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Another thing that some people miss is the correct way to fill the Columbia with oil. IF you read the instructions they spell it out. I put the car up on Jackstands LEVEL. Run the car in the gear specified for the time specified then quickly get out and put in the amount of oil specified. The reason for this is that you are filling the inside of the Columbia where the sun gear is and before the oil runs back out to the banjo, you need to top it off. And as specified, USE THE COLUMBIA FILL HOLE, NOT THE ONE IN THE BANJO. You also don't want to check the oil level in the Columbia without doing this same procedure . I know of more then one rebuilt unit fried due to not following the proper procedure for filling it with oil.

07-20-2020, 06:28 AM	#6
4dFord/SC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,579	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) A handy, clutch-saving tip if you forget to disengage the Columbia before coming to a stop: put the car in reverse and back up a little to drop it out of high range.

07-20-2020, 12:29 PM	#10
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 I installed the Columbia's in my cars so as soon as you push the clutch in they drop out of O.D. So going up a big hill or at stop lights or signs I just push the clutch and slowly release it. G.M. __________________ www.fordcollector.com

07-20-2020, 09:53 PM	#15
philipswanson Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Bonita, CA Posts: 1,378	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Kube, Thanks for the picture. Apparently, my speedo gearbox is mounted too high. If I drop it like yours, the speedo cable will be too short to make it to the speedometer. Guess I have the wrong (shorter) speedo cable.

03-29-2021, 09:04 PM	#20
37fatfender BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mesquite, NV / Gurnee, IL Posts: 317	Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40 Does anyone make a shorter speedo cable?? 70 plus inches is to long. I would like about 48 inch cable. This would go from the Columbia dash fire mount box to the turtle.