The Ford Barn

olguy · 03-29-2023, 12:12 PM

Hi guys, Been a long time, but I am asking for some suggestions for an easy way to install an auto trans in my finished '41 deluxe sedan. I woke up one day and found myself to be 82 years old....still need a hotrod but can't shift the old 3 spd, any more. Does anyone sell a reasonable adaptor to install a C4 or some other auto trans with minimum effort (cost)? Thanks in advance for any help...
Tony

Charlie Stephens · 03-29-2023, 12:17 PM

Also post your question on HAMB: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ In addition to your post be sure to use the search feature when you get there. I hate to say it but I think this will turn out to be a very big project.

Charlie Stephens

drolston · 03-29-2023, 07:45 PM

I presume the difficulty with the three speed is the clutch foot work, and not the shifting. I am also 82 and the clutch foot still works fine, but the upper body strength for steering in tight spots, - That is another matter!

My wife's '34 pickup has the C4 trans with floor shifter behind the '53 Merc engine. It works fine. And the rack and pinion steering in such a light vehicle is quite manageable.

fordor41 · 03-29-2023, 10:13 PM

Flat-o-matic sells kits to mate c-4's to to F/H's.

Dick · 03-30-2023, 12:35 PM

I agree with Charlie on this....probably a very large project.
You will have to modify the center cross section of the frame to accept the C4. Not sure but may have to create a new trans cover; floor modification. Then build a mount for the new trans. Convert to open drive or modify the trans to mate with the torque tube in the '41. figure out a shifting system or use a floor shift. Using the flat-o-matic you can stick with 6 volts, original starter and probably not have to modify the fire wall.
You will need a transmission cooler as well. I'm probably forgetting a few things.

olguy · 03-30-2023, 02:10 PM

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Hi and thanks to all who replied. I was afraid of the answers I'd receive...I knew it wasn't a snap to switch to an A/T, but didn't want to admit it.... I wish I could swap my car for one of the same quality with an auto, but the market for a really nice sedan just isn't there. I don't have space for another A/T equipped rod, but that's my problem...Oh well....Thanks to all..

03-29-2023, 12:12 PM	#1
olguy Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: michigan Posts: 16	1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor Hi guys, Been a long time, but I am asking for some suggestions for an easy way to install an auto trans in my finished '41 deluxe sedan. I woke up one day and found myself to be 82 years old....still need a hotrod but can't shift the old 3 spd, any more. Does anyone sell a reasonable adaptor to install a C4 or some other auto trans with minimum effort (cost)? Thanks in advance for any help... Tony

03-29-2023, 12:17 PM	#2
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,046	Re: 1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor Also post your question on HAMB: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ In addition to your post be sure to use the search feature when you get there. I hate to say it but I think this will turn out to be a very big project. Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 03-29-2023 at 12:31 PM.

03-29-2023, 07:45 PM	#3
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,632	Re: 1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor I presume the difficulty with the three speed is the clutch foot work, and not the shifting. I am also 82 and the clutch foot still works fine, but the upper body strength for steering in tight spots, - That is another matter! My wife's '34 pickup has the C4 trans with floor shifter behind the '53 Merc engine. It works fine. And the rack and pinion steering in such a light vehicle is quite manageable.

03-29-2023, 10:13 PM	#4
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,519	Re: 1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor Flat-o-matic sells kits to mate c-4's to to F/H's.

03-30-2023, 12:35 PM	#5
Dick Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Deer Lodge, MT Posts: 658	Re: 1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor I agree with Charlie on this....probably a very large project. You will have to modify the center cross section of the frame to accept the C4. Not sure but may have to create a new trans cover; floor modification. Then build a mount for the new trans. Convert to open drive or modify the trans to mate with the torque tube in the '41. figure out a shifting system or use a floor shift. Using the flat-o-matic you can stick with 6 volts, original starter and probably not have to modify the fire wall. You will need a transmission cooler as well. I'm probably forgetting a few things.

03-30-2023, 02:10 PM	#6
olguy Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: michigan Posts: 16	Re: 1941 V8 to auto trans adaptor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hi and thanks to all who replied. I was afraid of the answers I'd receive...I knew it wasn't a snap to switch to an A/T, but didn't want to admit it.... I wish I could swap my car for one of the same quality with an auto, but the market for a really nice sedan just isn't there. I don't have space for another A/T equipped rod, but that's my problem...Oh well....Thanks to all..