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Old 02-28-2021, 08:26 PM   #1
Model A Ron
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Default Mitchell Overdrive

Hello Everyone
I am new hear and would like to hear comments from people who have installed a Mitchell Overdrive. Was the install difficult? I know the Model A is happy at around 45 but what is your new top driving speed with the Mitchell? Also after having the OD installed are you happy with it and would you do it again?

Thanks for the comments.
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Old 02-28-2021, 10:07 PM   #2
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

A worn Model-A is likely happy at 45, restored ones can do better.
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Old 02-28-2021, 10:09 PM   #3
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

P.S. did a video about this a couple weeks ago, worth a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKRHYlwR7eU
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:12 PM   #4
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

The Model A was designed to run all day long at 45 mph with the engine turning over at 2000 rpm. With a Mitchell 26% overdrive and with a standard ring & pinion you can run all day long at 55 mph with the engine turning over at 2000 rpm.

A Mitchell overdrive is a good choice.

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Old 02-28-2021, 11:26 PM   #5
CWPASADENA
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I definitely would install another Mitchell. I like the way they work and shift and you can use them as a "Gear Splitter" which can be very helpful when driving in the mountains. I have done a lot of touring with my model A and the Mitchell makes it much more enjoyable.

I can run along very comfortable at 55-60 MPH and even 65 if necessary but as Tom Endy said, the engine is very happy at 2000 RPM.

I also have a Mitchell Transmission which also is a big improvement.

My experience.

Chris W.
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:30 PM   #6
Model A Ron
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Brent
At what speed will a restored Model A run at for extended periods of time? How fast would you run a restored A with a 26% Mitchell?

Thanks
Ron
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:36 PM   #7
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I don't like driveshaft overdrives and their associated shifting mechanisms. They add unsprung weight which you definitely don't need.
I use T5's or Richmond's. About the same price either way when all done.
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:36 PM   #8
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
P.S. did a video about this a couple weeks ago, worth a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKRHYlwR7eU

I did look at the video and Paul did a good job. From what I can tell it looks like a weekend job and does not look like it's to hard to do. Thanks for the link.

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Old 02-28-2021, 11:42 PM   #9
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Originally Posted by CWPASADENA View Post
I definitely would install another Mitchell. I like the way they work and shift and you can use them as a "Gear Splitter" which can be very helpful when driving in the mountains. I have done a lot of touring with my model A and the Mitchell makes it much more enjoyable.

I can run along very comfortable at 55-60 MPH and even 65 if necessary but as Tom Endy said, the engine is very happy at 2000 RPM.

I also have a Mitchell Transmission which also is a big improvement.

My experience.

Chris W.

Chris
Thanks for the information. I would think 2000 RPM at 55-60 would be about as fast as I would like to go in an Model A under normal conditions. Should you have the need to go faster how fast can you push it with a Mitchell for extended periods of time?

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Old 02-28-2021, 11:48 PM   #10
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Gotta agree with Brett, there are so many 'pretty cars with poor running gear outthere...I run a michell OD,3.78 rear, 30.5" tires and about double the power of a stock engine through modification..run freeway all day and have fun in traffic. And no 'roadside seminars' either..
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Old 03-01-2021, 12:12 AM   #11
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Originally Posted by Tom Endy View Post
The Model A was designed to run all day long at 45 mph with the engine turning over at 2000 rpm. With a Mitchell 26% overdrive and with a standard ring & pinion you can run all day long at 55 mph with the engine turning over at 2000 rpm.

A Mitchell overdrive is a good choice.

Tom Endy
I agree with Tom, me and my Model A are happy at 55mph. I could probably push it faster but why?
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Old 03-01-2021, 01:10 AM   #12
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

The Master Cylinder does not reveal where he is but, around here 55 would be pretty dangerous. LA traffic is brutal and no courtesy for old cars. I have an A pickup that cruised well at 65 with an OD. Now with a different engine it may be different. Questions about braking become more important at that speed. Answers are clouded by the meaningless word proper. Good Luck: Fred A
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Old 03-01-2021, 03:14 AM   #13
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I’ve had a Mitchell in my Town Sedan for 15 years now, and just love it. It is a must for freeway driving here in S. California, where I go 55-60 very nicely. But I also use it all the time on our surface streets; as soon as I hit 40 mph I shift into OD.....just like a 4th gear. Driving a model A 45 in OD is sublime......so quiet. I would not own a Model A without a Mitchell OD.
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Old 03-01-2021, 05:36 AM   #14
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Installing a Mitchell in my Vicky and am considering using the cable shift they offer. Anyone used this combination and thoughts.
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Old 03-01-2021, 05:58 AM   #15
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Originally Posted by Kinner View Post
Installing a Mitchell in my Vicky and am considering using the cable shift they offer. Anyone used this combination and thoughts.
I have a cable shift in 2 of my cars. Not much difference driving but less clutter in the car. Changing from high second to low 3rd gear is easier and I do that often.
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Old 03-01-2021, 07:11 AM   #16
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I installed a Mitchell last March and love it. The only part that I didn't do myself was to stick the driveshaft splines into the U-joint, needed my neighbor to push the assembly forward and rotate the tire that was off the ground to align the splines.
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Old 03-01-2021, 07:43 AM   #17
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I have the Mitchell overdrive in my car and love it. My engine is more powerful than stock. I can cruise at 55 easily. I use the overdrive in second gear to extend the hill climbing ability which is useful while driving on back roads in the mountains. Also good for going down the same roads. I don't use the overdrive in low or reverse so it is like having a 5 speed transmission. Second in overdrive is about half way between second and third without overdrive so it is very handy.
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Old 03-01-2021, 11:14 AM   #18
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Originally Posted by Fred A View Post
The Master Cylinder does not reveal where he is but, around here 55 would be pretty dangerous. LA traffic is brutal and no courtesy for old cars. I have an A pickup that cruised well at 65 with an OD. Now with a different engine it may be different. Questions about braking become more important at that speed. Answers are clouded by the meaningless word proper. Good Luck: Fred A
Fred A, sorry for the confusion. I meant with the O/D my Town Sedan is happy at 55mph, I didn't mean to say I actually drove 55mph in LA traffic.
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Old 03-01-2021, 11:48 AM   #19
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Thanks Syncro909
That was my thought as far as clutter.
Glad to hear it worked out ok
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Old 03-01-2021, 01:57 PM   #20
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

It took me a while to decide if I wanted a Mitchell O/D transmission or the O/D. I finally decided on the O/D.

I installed the Mitchell in July 2020 by myself (70 yo, Covid thing and all that). It would have been a LOT easier if I had help. I just took my time and followed Tom Endy's advice and left the rear spring in the car. Glad I did as I found some shackle problems, see picture.

If you are planning on ordering one I would order direct from Steve or Cindy. The Vendors tack another $400 on the price. It took 15 weeks for my Mitchell to arrive by UPS (again because of Covid-19). I hope the Mitchell's are catching up on their orders again.

When I ordered the Mitchell I thought about going with the cable but decided on the shifter. The area where the shifter comes thru is not usable anyway. Notice I did extend the Mitchell shifter 4" so I didn't have to reach for it.

Besides it is fun watching people discuss why it has "three shifters".

Around town I use mostly 2nd low and 2nd high. I love being able to shift down for corners and hills, sit at a light with the Mitchell in neutral, too many other advantages to list.

Only con, not the fault of the Mitchell, is the stock trans still has the large gap between 2nd and 3rd. And yes I could go to 3rd low after 2nd high but most of the time I'm too lazy...

I did not see it mentioned but Tom Endy has a very good article on installing the Mithell O/D https://www.brattons.com/media/wysiw...r-Apr-2012.pdf




Broken Shackle

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Old 03-01-2021, 02:44 PM   #21
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Besides it is fun watching people discuss why it has "three shifters".



You could tell them the stubby one with the button on top is for the 4WD transfer case...


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Old 03-01-2021, 02:48 PM   #22
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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You could tell them the stubby one with the button on top is for the 4WD transfer case...
I tell them it's to eject the rumble seat occupants.
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Old 03-01-2021, 06:33 PM   #23
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Thanks everyone for your comments. Did anyone put in an OD with 33% reduction with stick rear end? I am thinking 33 would be a bit much but would like to know your thoughts.

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Old 03-01-2021, 08:19 PM   #24
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I have a Mitchell in my 31 S/W town sedan, but with a 4.11 rear end gear. I plan to remove the 4.11 and replace it with a 3.78 ratio.
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Old 03-01-2021, 09:01 PM   #25
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Thanks everyone for your comments. Did anyone put in an OD with 33% reduction with stick rear end? I am thinking 33 would be a bit much but would like to know your thoughts.

Ron
I think it really depends on what you are putting it in and what's been done to the engine. My aluminum bodies speedster with 3.54 gears flies with a very tired short block with a high compression head and custom manifold / header. No O/D and it'll pull 55 very easily. Some flavor of O/D is on the list once the body is skinned out and the blown B engine is built. Goal is 75+ for 30-40 minutes (daily commute). Might even happen.
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:45 AM   #26
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Regarding having 33% OD with stock 3.78 rear end: most folks seem to agree that is too tall for most cars unless you have a souped up engine. I have a heavier Town Sedan, with a 5.5 head and stock gearing. The standard Mitchell 26% seems about perfect.....I can still pull modest hills in OD, and 55 is my most common cruising speed, which is just fine with that setup.
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Old 03-02-2021, 01:26 AM   #27
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

A few years before Mr. Mitchel died he told me he ran one in his 3/4 ton Ford pickup with 390 engine with no problems. They should easily take what little abuse a model A engine can give them.
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Old 03-02-2021, 03:21 AM   #28
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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A few years before Mr. Mitchel died he told me he ran one in his 3/4 ton Ford pickup with 390 engine with no problems. They should easily take what little abuse a model A engine can give them.
Quite so. I have seen a cutaway of an O/D and they are built so they can handle much more power than a Model A will ever put out. I have one friend who has one of these O/Ds in his '56 Victoria and has had for many years without trouble.
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Old 03-02-2021, 09:27 AM   #29
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Very stout..they actually speed shift too, the synchro works as fast as you can throw the lever
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Old 03-02-2021, 07:10 PM   #30
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

If one were to install a Mitchell would you need a High Compression Head? If so would it be a 5.5 or a 6.1? What is the stock compression head and how much is too much for a stock engine in good shape?

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Old 03-02-2021, 07:23 PM   #31
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I have a 6:1 and an OD, installed at the same time, so not scientific. I do think that an OD with a stock head would be ok, unless you were in very hilly country. For the great benefits of the HC head, I would go for it, with the right gasket and break in.
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Old 03-02-2021, 07:36 PM   #32
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I have the heavier Town Sedan, so I added the 5.5 HC head the same time as the Mitchell was installed (this was before the newer 6.0 heads were available). I think this makes a great combination if you drive your A much.
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Old 03-02-2021, 07:43 PM   #33
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Very stout..they actually speed shift too, the synchro works as fast as you can throw the lever
Synchro is getting a bit weak in mine - same with the gearbox which went in at the same time.
Crunch, crunch, crunch!
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Old 03-02-2021, 07:58 PM   #34
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Our club has installed 6 Mitchell Overdrives among members and everyone loves them. I especially have enjoyed it and downshifting is a breeze. Two Thumbs Up!
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Old 03-02-2021, 08:24 PM   #35
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Be careful with youtube videos. That guy says to set your preload just where it was. You are taking it for granted that it was right. I took a rear end apart just yesterday that the pinion nut was actually loose.
I just took my first 75 mile drive with my new Mitchell.
The first time I used it, I thought I had an issue with my pickup because it lacked power. It was a windy day. Later I thought, of course it has less power, you are in a higher gear!
If you have realistic expectations, it's wonderful. Especially for splitting gears. Two high, fits the gap that is normally an issue with model As. I am one of the few that has a cable shifter, and I would not have it another way. Split shifting from two high to third low and back and fourth is easy! Not sure why do few use it.
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Old 03-02-2021, 11:37 PM   #36
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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I have a Mitchell in my 31 S/W town sedan, but with a 4.11 rear end gear. I plan to remove the 4.11 and replace it with a 3.78 ratio.
I have a 26% Mitchel O/D and the Mitchell tranny also in my Roadster. Did that so if I keel over the bride can drive normally to get home. It also is a bit peppier engine than stock and I run 600 X 16 and hyd. brakes. Very responsive and does well on the highways and over the Sierras. Cable shift. 55/60 mph fine, 65 when bored.

My coupe has a B/W OD, 33% with 4:11 rear. Never over the Sierras but very good on the highway and local hills, so I fear no problem over the mountains, It is also cable shift. Advantage to that is keeping the floor open to getting in on the right and sliding across to drivers side if and when necessary, 55/60 on highway, 65 if pressed by traffic.(Just until I Can get to the far right lanes.

The best for looks is to use the Laycock (Volvo) O?D and a switch either hidden or mounted on the shift shaft or be creative and build a know for the shifter with a built in switch. Mitchell told me 4:11 gears and a 33% overrdrive is ideal for most occasions. I do agree. Volvo can be had in 33%, though when I was looking no one had one and a $400 B?W showed up, I had the 4:11 gear so here it is. Works for me, again using 600 X 16 tires.

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Old 03-03-2021, 02:05 AM   #37
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

There is an organization in the Model A kingdom in Southern California known as the “BLT Guys”. BLT stands for Bryan, Larry, and Tom, the original three members that started the organization. What this organization does is install Mitchell overdrives and Mitchell transmissions. It has the full support of the Mitchell Manufacturing Company. Over the last few years the organization has grown to include many new members. The BLT Guys charge a reasonable fee and donate the money to the Model A youth restoration program.

An installation takes place on a Saturday morning at Tom’s house, in the city of Westminster, beginning at 9:00 AM. A Mitchell overdrive installation takes 4 to5 hours. Several hours more is required if a Mitchell transmission is also installed. Coffee is served and the owner is requested to bring the donuts. The owner can participate in the installation process, or just sit and watch, or not even be there.

The Model A youth restoration program is a 503c tax deductible program that every two years awards financial assistance to youths between the age of 12 and 21 who are restoring a Model A. The BLT Guys get the credit for the donation, but the owner of the car is given the tax credit that can be used as an income tax deduction. Since August of 2020 the BLT Guys have accomplished six Mitchell installations, two of them included a Mitchell transmission. The last installation was a week ago.

The BLT Guys have all the proper tools and technical knowledge to safely do the task. We do not pull the rear end with the spring attached because it is a dangerous practice that too many in the Model A kingdom subscribe to. We leave the spring attached to the frame where it remains safe. We have a tool to pull the pinion assembly without destroying the pinion bearing pre-load. We always check the pre-load and re-set it if necessary. We can also replace the bearings and the double race if necessary. We carry the stock and charge the owner only for the new bearings; no additional labor fee is charged.

This service is available to anyone in the Model A kingdom located in Southern California.

Tom Endy
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Old 03-03-2021, 06:53 AM   #38
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Tom, Do the BLT Guys also serve Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwiches with the Mitchell overdrive? Inquiring minds want to know.
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Old 03-04-2021, 08:14 PM   #39
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I've seen several photos of an install with the shift lever. Could those of you who use a cable please post a pic?
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Old 03-04-2021, 08:47 PM   #40
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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I've seen several photos of an install with the shift lever. Could those of you who use a cable please post a pic?
Steve sent me this picture when I was considering getting the cable shifter so I could see how it was mounted. I decided against it.

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Old 03-05-2021, 12:02 AM   #41
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I made a sleeve out of Vinyl upholstery material to cover the cable shifter, and main shifter. The more I drive it, the more I love it. Have another ordered for another car.
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Old 03-05-2021, 12:00 PM   #42
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I have seen where people mount the cable to the steering column. The cable does free up some leg room- but when I get the mitchell in the future I will choose to use a shifter. I have driven many cars with the shifter and I love it. Plus- you know where neutral is in the overdrive incase you want to utilize that.
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Old 03-06-2021, 12:58 PM   #43
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I keep reading about the Mitchell shifter taking up leg room. I have had one for 15 years now in my Town Sedan....but it never gets in the way. I never seat three in the front seat, and don’t ever enter on the passenger side. I find it very natural and handy right where it is....but I guess it doesn’t work for some.
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Old 03-06-2021, 01:18 PM   #44
Y-Blockhead
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I keep reading about the Mitchell shifter taking up leg room. I have had one for 15 years now in my Town Sedan....but it never gets in the way. I never seat three in the front seat, and don’t ever enter on the passenger side. I find it very natural and handy right where it is....but I guess it doesn’t work for some.
I'm with you Terry. When the stock trans is in third gear there is not any room in that area anyway. As I mentioned earlier (post #20) I extended the Mitchell shifter 4" so it is about the same hight as the stock shifter.
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Old 03-06-2021, 03:26 PM   #45
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Paul Shinn made a video on installing an overdrive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKRHYlwR7eU
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Old 03-06-2021, 03:31 PM   #46
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Paul Shinn made a video on installing an overdrive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKRHYlwR7eU
See post #3.
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Old 11-20-2023, 08:42 PM   #47
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I love my Mitchell in my 31 Tudor. I wish I had one in my 28 roadster but will have to wait a long time as they are back logged. I am on back log and suspect wait is 2 or more years.
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Old 11-21-2023, 06:14 AM   #48
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

I installed a Mitchell 26% Overdrive early this spring in our 1930 4-Dor Sedan along with the Mitchell syn transmission and am extremely pleased with both of them. Steve was great to work with and along with the help of friends from our Model A Club the install went well. I rebuilt my bell housing completely, brake pedal bushings/shaft etc. before installing the new transmission. I thought my rear pinion bearing and race was good but after taking out the old drive shaft and close inspection the decision was to replace both. My suggestion would be to have new one of both on hand when doing the install of the overdrive. I had to wait a week before new parts arrived and to get my help back. Another positive is that you can have a conversation @45 miles/hour very easily as the noise level it reduced at the lower RPM.
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Old 11-21-2023, 09:13 AM   #49
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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I love my Mitchell in my 31 Tudor. I wish I had one in my 28 roadster but will have to wait a long time as they are back logged. I am on back log and suspect wait is 2 or more years.
Good Morning!

Thankfully the waiting list isn't quite two years, though it is closer to 8-9 months. I left a pretty wordy post on why and how we are trying to close that gap on the forums a couple weeks back.

I also improved our contact page to make joining the waiting list easier than ever. I haven't hit the minimum of ten posts to have links in my forum posts yet, so maybe an admin or other friendly fordbarner can help me out and post the link to the website contact page.

I'm working a way for people to roughly check our current waiting list positions and depths in more real time so stay tuned.

Blair Mitchell
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Old 11-21-2023, 10:52 AM   #50
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

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Good Morning!

Thankfully the waiting list isn't quite two years, though it is closer to 8-9 months. I left a pretty wordy post on why and how we are trying to close that gap on the forums a couple weeks back.

I also improved our contact page to make joining the waiting list easier than ever. I haven't hit the minimum of ten posts to have links in my forum posts yet, so maybe an admin or other friendly fordbarner can help me out and post the link to the website contact page.

I'm working a way for people to roughly check our current waiting list positions and depths in more real time so stay tuned.

Blair Mitchell
Find Blair's post from another thread below. I was on the "wait list" for 8.5 months when I got THE CALL from Steve. Now waiting delivery.

Mitchell contact page:https://mitchelloverdrives.com/contact/


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Hi Everyone,
This is Steve and Cyndi's son (Not the Cowboy). I figured it was time for them to have an account to interact with the community and help answer questions if it was ever relevant. I also decided it was time to get the Company Cars (29 Coupe, 31 Fodor, 36 V8 Sedan) up and running again and I'm not nearly as handy so also might need to post on here for some help.
Most of what everyone above has said is pretty accurate, since my Dad is more than happy to spend an hour talking "shop", but I wanted to let everyone know a couple silver linings.


Production Rate and Wait List
1. The wait list is as long as everyone says. It currently is about 8-9 Months. We aren't any happier about this than anyone else. It's been a combination of factors, though most of it has simply been staffing. We previously employed up to ~8-9 employees and currently if you count my parents we have 5 and only one of those can do any sort of machining.
2. The silver lining is that we have actually spent most of 2023 changing the production model to have the vast majority of our parts custom made by an assortment of outside suppliers, and then only doing quality control, finishing, assembly, and shipping at our Colusa facility. We are struggling to find any small independent gear cutters, so thats the one task we are still doing 100% in house. This is already allowing us to make back some ground. We really would love to get down to ~6-8 week wait time and we are getting creative to accomplish that.
3. The waiting list process is simple. You can call (though honestly it's tough to keep the phones manned right now as both Steve and Cyndi are on the floor) and make sure to leave a message, email Mitchmanfc @ Frontiernet.net , send an inquiry on the website, or heck you could even message me here. Please make sure we have the following info Name, Products you want, Make and Model of you Ford, a Phone number, and a email. We will add you to the list and let you know your current position number and an approximate wait time at that point. If you don't know exactly what you need or have more questions all of the same apply. Though for more specific questions, you'll likely have to call and talk to Steve. He's not really computer guy.
When you are roughly one month out from expected delivery, we will give you a call and work out payment details. In most cases we will take a $500 refundable deposit at that time, in some cases we might be be able to take full payment and get someone into an existing production run.
If you aren't actually ready for the unit at that time there are a couple options. We can take your deposit and schedule you for when works for you or if you still aren't sure you want to invest in a Mitchell product we can bump you down the list a month (or another multiple of a month, though we can't promise that will work out perfectly) and we will just call you back then to see if you're ready. You'd also likely be able to call in during that prtiod and we could do our best to short list you into production.


TOO LONG DIDN'T READ : Email us to get on the waiting list, it doesn't cost anything until you actually get into production.

Cheers and Please Reach out if you need anything with your Mitchell Products. I'll be manning the emails as much as possible moving forward to try to take the strain I can off my parents.

Blair Mitchell
Mitchell Manufacturing

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 11-21-2023 at 01:02 PM.
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Old 11-21-2023, 02:12 PM   #51
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Default Re: Mitchell Overdrive

Thank you!
(Now one post closer to being able to do this myself)
-Blair
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