Zephyr gears or not?

[blucar]

From your original posting to start this topic you stated that the car was altered in the '50's and sat in a garage from 1961 until you purchased it..
If this is the case why are you trying to reinvent the wheel.. Why not bring it back to normal '50's configuration.. A column shift using a '40 column is generally a bolt in application... You could keep the stock wheels/hub caps. Since the '39's had hydraulic brakes you don't need to spend money on a brake conversion.. You could upgrade the backing plates, etc. to '42-48 for improved braking.. The 650x16 tires might possibly be to large for the '39 wheels.. Radial of the same/close size to the 600x16's would work well.
I put a column shift assembly in my car in 1953.. Works great, added seat room... I'll never take it out..

[Jefscoupe]

Where were you when I needed you back in 1979?

[OLD...BILL]

Originally Posted by ronzmtrwrx

After reading through the varying opinions, I think the best route for me to go is to build a top shift trans with the internals from the side shift trans I have. Now this brings me to another question. I checked the rear end and it has 3.78s in it. I plan to run a 6.50x16 rear tire. The side shift trans has the 29/15 gearset in it. Shouldn't this be a decent combination or should I track down a 28/16 gearset?

Hey Ron; Go with the 29/15, is what I plan to run in my 39 fordor, with a bit larger engine, and a taller tire, I have several sets on 28/16. but I went shopping for the 29/15 for better off the line. ( not a street racer ) now.
As vet of the 50's street rod and 25 zephyrs in a 34 three window, dam I wish I still had that car today... Like others have said, not easy to drive in the city, today. and like blucar said the side shifter in your 39 would be a neat stand out, and easy to do, all stock parts ?? sell the zephyrs, and be winner ....OLD....BILL