The Ford Barn

Planojc · 11-20-2014, 06:58 PM

Anyone installed a Mitchell in a 39 Std. Coupe. I was wondering if the floor pan has to be modified. Sue Mitchell says it is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the back of the gearbox which makes it very close to the floor pan step down.
Thanks
John

john worden · 11-20-2014, 08:47 PM

Mitchell?

trainguy · 11-20-2014, 08:56 PM

Mitchell manufactures an overdrive unit that is mounted in the drive tube.I have one in a model A that works fantastic.I inquire to Mitchell about installing on in my 36,the floor needed modification so I didn't follow thru on the installation.I also am curious about installing in a 39.Phil

4dFord/SC · 11-20-2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john worden

Mitchell?

Mitchell Manufacturing, Colusa, CA: they make a bolt-in OD units for Model A's and flatheads, and advertise in The V8 Times.

Snouts out · 11-21-2014, 06:45 AM

Mac's catalog,states 35&36 Tudors & fordors need floor modifications.To their knowledge,all other models don't! I'd like to have one...but there pricey.

trainguy · 11-21-2014, 07:55 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Snouts out

Mac's catalog,states 35&36 Tudors & fordors need floor modifications.To their knowledge,all other models don't! I'd like to have one...but there pricey.

not anymore pricey than a Columbia rear or a Borg Warner conversion and I feel a big improvement over the above.I have a Columbia in my Merc. And drive it very carefully fearing that I might scramble it,and the Mitchell is a lot easier to operate.Phil

37don · 11-21-2014, 08:37 AM

I have a Mitchell in our 37 sdn and it fit without any floor mods. I believe the 37 thru 40 are the same. It dosen't have much clerance but with 2 big guys in the back seat all is well. The part that is close to the drop down in the pan is the shifter lever that slides the gear box in and out of od. You should be fine, however if you have replaced the floor pan you may need to put a small dent in the pan or grind a small radius on the shift fulcrum.
Regards, Don

Planojc · 11-21-2014, 08:47 AM

Thanks for the information Don

whizzernick · 11-21-2014, 08:58 AM

I have a Mitchell installed in a 33 3-w . It is very close to the floor. I made my Mitchell shift gears with electric door solenoids. It took a little bit of experimentation. I think if I did it again. I would use of electric motor pulls . They would pull with a little more strength and would be positive. Sometimes the door pulls don't get it all away into gear. I also made a switch that looks like a Columbia overdrive switch but in fact is just an electric switch that makes the Mitchell shift gears.

Vic Piano · 11-21-2014, 09:13 AM

I have a Columbia for our '39 LZ. But I'd like to install a Mitchell in our '39 Ford CS. I've also heard that you have to modify the floor pan to install a Mitchell in a '39. Has anyone done the installation in a '39 (of any body style)? And, if so, did you have to do anything to the floor pan?

Planojc · 11-21-2014, 11:18 AM

I just ordered one for my 39 std coupe so we will find out. I will report the results.

Vic Piano · 11-21-2014, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planojc

I just ordered one for my 39 std coupe so we will find out. I will report the results.

Excellent, hope its an easy install. Looking forward to hearing about your installation.

oldford2 · 11-21-2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planojc

Anyone installed a Mitchell in a 39 Std. Coupe. I was wondering if the floor pan has to be modified. Sue Mitchell says it is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the back of the gearbox which makes it very close to the floor pan step down.
Thanks
John

I have one in my 46 which the rear pan drop is maybe different than a 39. No problems. I had ordered the lever shift from the floor but returned it for the cable shift because I would have had to cut the front floorboard. Glad I did. Lever is mounted to the left of the column and attached to the dash. Now I can "double shift", left hand on the cable lever and right hand on the column shifting arm. Just push in the clutch and makes smooth shift. Great! Second best feeling I have ever experienced

.
Lever pull is just to the right of my tach.
John

CarlG · 11-21-2014, 03:59 PM

....

trainguy · 11-21-2014, 04:03 PM

John,About how long did it take install the Mitchell?Is your engine stock?My Merc.with the Columbia is almost 300 ci. Hill climbing in high,high is not a problem,I really do not down shift much.I am wondering about a stock engine with a Mitchell.Phil

CarlG · 11-21-2014, 04:33 PM

I personally prefer the F150 4-Speed OD tranny. Gives you synchro in all gears and 4th gear is OD. You shift into OD just like any other gear. www.modelaonly.net

37don · 11-21-2014, 07:17 PM

Hi planojc, you will love the Mitchell. I have 30,000 mi on mine and it is flawless so far. I have the same setup that oldford2 has, the cable works very well and is inconspicuous. What ratio did you end up with?
I have the 28% and with my 276 I seldom shift out of od.
regards, Don

jake197000 · 11-21-2014, 07:34 PM

dont want to ruffle any feathers but a properly built columbia is reliable and cool as heck. no disrespect to mitchel there fine units.

G.M. · 11-22-2014, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by planojc

anyone installed a mitchell in a 39 std. Coupe. I was wondering if the floor pan has to be modified. Sue mitchell says it is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the back of the gearbox which makes it very close to the floor pan step down.
Thanks
john

get a columbia rear they work best. G.m.

G.M. · 11-22-2014, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake197000

dont want to ruffle any feathers but a properly built columbia is reliable and cool as heck. no disrespect to mitchel there fine units.

Jake, You got it. I have 8 old Fords with Columbia's some for over 30 years with NO problems. I have the original controls but built my own. I use a duel fuel tank switching valve made for fuel injected engines. It has 6 ports which I run the vacuum through. I put a momentary push button switch on the underside edge of the dash, and a switch on the clutch arm. The operation is hold the dash switch and push and hold the clutch. Release the clutch then the dash switch and your in Columbia. To get out of Columbia just push the clutch and it's out. One has been working over 30 years and 130,000 miles. G.M.

Planojc · 11-22-2014, 05:51 PM

Here we go again.

38 coupe · 11-24-2014, 08:56 PM

Planojc please post pictures of your Mitchell install if you can. My dad has a 37 and I have a 38. We both are interested in the Mitchell unit but don't want to modify our floors.

Planojc · 11-24-2014, 11:22 PM

Will do. They told me it would ship around the end of Jan. FYI the clearance needed is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the front of the OD gearbox. On my 39 coupe the floor pan step down is about 17.5, so it should clear without any mod.

38 coupe · 01-29-2015, 10:01 PM

Planojc, did you get your Mitchell?

Planojc · 01-30-2015, 09:29 AM

Called Sue and it should be shipped in a week. Their lead time on shipping is approx. 10-12 wks I will update after the install.

Fred A · 01-30-2015, 12:17 PM

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Was getting to the point to order a Mitchell for my '40 business coupe and called Sue to get my name in. She would not take my order for that car because the floor in a business coupe is set back to provide foot room for the jump seats. The 5window coupe is different where the package tray model does not need the extra floor and a Mitchell will clear. A Columbia is one of few overdrives that can be used in the Business Coupe. Having a 221 in the Business Coupe makes the 3.54 one of the few good options for my car, which is how it was when I bought it. I decided to reinstall the 3.54s. Long way around, what some call an Opera Coupe is a problem for overdrives. Good Luck: Fred A

38 coupe · 03-07-2015, 10:28 AM

Planojc, do your Mitchell come in yet? Really curious about clearances under your car.

jake197000 · 03-07-2015, 05:38 PM

i wired a switch in so if u want,the columbia wont disengage every time u push the clutch in.on my 46 coupe.i have a complete one all ready to go in my 39 coupe.just havent had time.od is great! dont matter what it is.so much more fun to drive.

jimTN · 03-07-2015, 05:49 PM

Starting a C out in high range is hard on the innards. I did it for a while years ago before I saw what can happen. I was lucky and never did any damage. The C was designed for torque tube fords and in no way depends on 6 bolts to handle the torque and push pull associated with the 32-48 drive train.

11-20-2014, 06:58 PM	#1
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Mitchell in a 39 Ford Anyone installed a Mitchell in a 39 Std. Coupe. I was wondering if the floor pan has to be modified. Sue Mitchell says it is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the back of the gearbox which makes it very close to the floor pan step down. Thanks John

11-20-2014, 08:47 PM	#2
john worden Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: central Iowa Posts: 484	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Mitchell? __________________ Louvering, bias ply tire-truing, metal shaping and forming, lathe and mill work, member shop HAGERTY Ins. expert repair network. High quality paint work in Iowa.

11-20-2014, 08:56 PM	#3
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Mitchell manufactures an overdrive unit that is mounted in the drive tube.I have one in a model A that works fantastic.I inquire to Mitchell about installing on in my 36,the floor needed modification so I didn't follow thru on the installation.I also am curious about installing in a 39.Phil

11-21-2014, 06:45 AM	#5
Snouts out Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Covedale,oh Posts: 226	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Mac's catalog,states 35&36 Tudors & fordors need floor modifications.To their knowledge,all other models don't! I'd like to have one...but there pricey.

11-21-2014, 08:37 AM	#7
37don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Kingstown, R.I. Posts: 262	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford I have a Mitchell in our 37 sdn and it fit without any floor mods. I believe the 37 thru 40 are the same. It dosen't have much clerance but with 2 big guys in the back seat all is well. The part that is close to the drop down in the pan is the shifter lever that slides the gear box in and out of od. You should be fine, however if you have replaced the floor pan you may need to put a small dent in the pan or grind a small radius on the shift fulcrum. Regards, Don

11-21-2014, 08:47 AM	#8
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Thanks for the information Don

11-21-2014, 08:58 AM	#9
whizzernick Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Hayward Ca Posts: 635	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford I have a Mitchell installed in a 33 3-w . It is very close to the floor. I made my Mitchell shift gears with electric door solenoids. It took a little bit of experimentation. I think if I did it again. I would use of electric motor pulls . They would pull with a little more strength and would be positive. Sometimes the door pulls don't get it all away into gear. I also made a switch that looks like a Columbia overdrive switch but in fact is just an electric switch that makes the Mitchell shift gears.

11-21-2014, 09:13 AM	#10
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford I have a Columbia for our '39 LZ. But I'd like to install a Mitchell in our '39 Ford CS. I've also heard that you have to modify the floor pan to install a Mitchell in a '39. Has anyone done the installation in a '39 (of any body style)? And, if so, did you have to do anything to the floor pan? __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

11-21-2014, 11:18 AM	#11
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford I just ordered one for my 39 std coupe so we will find out. I will report the results.

11-21-2014, 04:03 PM	#15
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford John,About how long did it take install the Mitchell?Is your engine stock?My Merc.with the Columbia is almost 300 ci. Hill climbing in high,high is not a problem,I really do not down shift much.I am wondering about a stock engine with a Mitchell.Phil

11-21-2014, 04:33 PM	#16
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford I personally prefer the F150 4-Speed OD tranny. Gives you synchro in all gears and 4th gear is OD. You shift into OD just like any other gear. www.modelaonly.net __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

11-21-2014, 07:17 PM	#17
37don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Kingstown, R.I. Posts: 262	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Hi planojc, you will love the Mitchell. I have 30,000 mi on mine and it is flawless so far. I have the same setup that oldford2 has, the cable works very well and is inconspicuous. What ratio did you end up with? I have the 28% and with my 276 I seldom shift out of od. regards, Don

11-21-2014, 07:34 PM	#18
jake197000 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 350	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford dont want to ruffle any feathers but a properly built columbia is reliable and cool as heck. no disrespect to mitchel there fine units.

11-22-2014, 05:51 PM	#21
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Here we go again.

11-24-2014, 08:56 PM	#22
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Planojc please post pictures of your Mitchell install if you can. My dad has a 37 and I have a 38. We both are interested in the Mitchell unit but don't want to modify our floors.

11-24-2014, 11:22 PM	#23
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Will do. They told me it would ship around the end of Jan. FYI the clearance needed is 17 inches from the banjo flange to the front of the OD gearbox. On my 39 coupe the floor pan step down is about 17.5, so it should clear without any mod.

01-29-2015, 10:01 PM	#24
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Planojc, did you get your Mitchell?

01-30-2015, 09:29 AM	#25
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 846	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Called Sue and it should be shipped in a week. Their lead time on shipping is approx. 10-12 wks I will update after the install.

01-30-2015, 12:17 PM	#26
Fred A Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Encino California, near Burbank Posts: 935	Exception Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Was getting to the point to order a Mitchell for my '40 business coupe and called Sue to get my name in. She would not take my order for that car because the floor in a business coupe is set back to provide foot room for the jump seats. The 5window coupe is different where the package tray model does not need the extra floor and a Mitchell will clear. A Columbia is one of few overdrives that can be used in the Business Coupe. Having a 221 in the Business Coupe makes the 3.54 one of the few good options for my car, which is how it was when I bought it. I decided to reinstall the 3.54s. Long way around, what some call an Opera Coupe is a problem for overdrives. Good Luck: Fred A

03-07-2015, 10:28 AM	#27
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Planojc, do your Mitchell come in yet? Really curious about clearances under your car.

03-07-2015, 05:38 PM	#28
jake197000 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 350	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford i wired a switch in so if u want,the columbia wont disengage every time u push the clutch in.on my 46 coupe.i have a complete one all ready to go in my 39 coupe.just havent had time.od is great! dont matter what it is.so much more fun to drive.

03-07-2015, 05:49 PM	#29
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: Mitchell in a 39 Ford Starting a C out in high range is hard on the innards. I did it for a while years ago before I saw what can happen. I was lucky and never did any damage. The C was designed for torque tube fords and in no way depends on 6 bolts to handle the torque and push pull associated with the 32-48 drive train.