The Ford Barn

tubman · 04-25-2026, 10:03 PM

One of the early flathead books had a chapter on how to make an overdrive functional with a minimum of parts using a toggle switch. It does what it's supposed to do (change the effective final drive ratio) but leaves the overdrive vulnerable to damage if used carelessly. I strongly suggest you run it locked out (handle out) until you can figure out exactly what was done with your set up. Just about everything you might need is readily available from various sources (the Studebaker guys have lot of components), and there is a ton of literature available. Once you become familiar with the overdrive and it's operation, you can set it up factory correct and it will be a joy to drive. It is almost as good as an automatic transmission around town if used right.

One question : Does you car have the overdrive relay mounted on the firewall? That's usually the hardest part to find and not having one can be the reason for the toggle switch.

04-25-2026, 10:03 PM	#12
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,137	Re: '51 crestline new to me One of the early flathead books had a chapter on how to make an overdrive functional with a minimum of parts using a toggle switch. It does what it's supposed to do (change the effective final drive ratio) but leaves the overdrive vulnerable to damage if used carelessly. I strongly suggest you run it locked out (handle out) until you can figure out exactly what was done with your set up. Just about everything you might need is readily available from various sources (the Studebaker guys have lot of components), and there is a ton of literature available. Once you become familiar with the overdrive and it's operation, you can set it up factory correct and it will be a joy to drive. It is almost as good as an automatic transmission around town if used right. One question : Does you car have the overdrive relay mounted on the firewall? That's usually the hardest part to find and not having one can be the reason for the toggle switch.