Auto trans for Model A

[CarlG]

Seems like I remember that John LaVoy has an automatic transmission in his Roadster Pickup.

[SteveB31]

Contrary to all of the mis-information posted in this thread, the Chrysler 904 Automatic Slant 6 transmission works great in a Model A Ford. I have installed one, driven it, and sold the parts to others to do the same. It always amazes me , on this forumn, how so many people post replies to a good question, and have no idea what they are talking about.

When we were first asked to do that conversion several years back, I was sceptical about if the car had enough power, and if it would shift well, etc.

So, we installed it. Not an easy task, as the car has to be 12 volt, have hydraulic brakes and you have to convert it to open driveshaft. All of these things are work, and we did them. We also installed 3.54 gears. The fellow we did this for had no use of his legs, so we also installed generic one size fits all hand controls, so it could be driven with no feet. These are made to fit any car, and can be removed in about 30 seconds for use in another car. You steer with your left hand, and use the lever in your right hand for the throttle and brake.

We also installed a 5.5 Snyders head, Weber carb and alternator.

Car drives perfect. Shifts perfect . Cruises at 65 MPH at 6000 feet.

Art Moore in California has the parts made to adapt the trans to the engine. You must fab your own trans mount, and all the other parts to complete the job.

If anyone wants to get these parts, just call me and I will give you Arts telephone number.

Steve Becker
Berts Model A Center

[zzlegend]

Thanks Steve for posting this. This pretty much verifies what I was told by this old guy I met. He has no problems what so ever and swears by that trans. And now that you mention Art Moore, that rings a bell with who he told me made his adaptor also.

[Fullraceflathead]

That news sounds good to me. Reminds me of an old Cliche' I like to use once in awhile "You can't Argue with Success"
I'm sure the extra compression and better carb help a lot with the drive ability.
I've driven a car with Hand Controls before, you would be surprised at how well they function.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Trashman60

This is probably going to stir up a a hornets nest, Is it possible to bolt up a auto trans to a model A? If so, what trans will fit?

Some good info here for you to work with, so the answer is yes...go for it !
Some people have severe/serious maladies , but can keep driving a Model A because of innovators like Art Moore and his Mrs. Art is a FAST and 4E4 guy, if I remember correctly. And Art is physically challenged. It you hear/see his coupe go by, take a quick look because he makes great power from his engines. I met Art at Pomona car show/swap meet many years ago and he surely is a talented guy. Yeah, Chrysler 904 is what they all use behind A/B , seems like.
Just coincidently, I just received an offer to buy one from a friend up north, whose health is failing. '29 roadster, with my old cragar head and 904 auto behind a warmed B ! Just scheming at where to get the $ from !

When you've had your legs worked over a few times, you will think more about ways as to how you can keep driving Model A.

[kenparker]

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I have done the 2.3 (Ford Ranger PU) and C-4 set up into a Model A frame. Yeh folks I am building a hotrod out of left over "A" parts. I have pictures but lets not show them on FB. PM me if you are interested.

[Charlville]

If you wanted to keep the A "reasonably stock" and it's a health issue, you could go this direction?

http://www.pmeautoconversions.com.au...ctronic-clutch

http://www.mobility-aids.in/automati...ch-system.html

Might present a different set of problems, but coulds be an consideration?

[Benson]

One hand control system has a lever like a column shift.

There are other setups that work differently.


Two operations are needed to brake:

1. To brake you move the lever up in an arc to the 12 o'clock position this returns engine to idle. That is idle is at 12 'clock position and WOT is closer to 3 o'clock.

2. Then you push the lever "down" toward the steering gear to apply the brakes.

1 and 2 are needed so engine is at idle before you brake.


I suggest using a handlebar motorcycle grip for the throttle, using two cables with a spring return.

That way just release the grip, the spring rolls the throttle to an idle.

Then you push the lever down toward the steering gear to apply the vacuum boosted brake.

This makes for one less motion with the lever for braking.