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Old 05-16-2014, 07:53 PM   #1
John Spragg
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Default F150 conversion

Hi Guys I am seriously considering converting to the F150 transmission by purchasing a kit to do this for my '30 coupe (LHD). I have read most of your comments and I am now confused to the extent I need some help. I think the 4 speed with the over drive ratio of 26.7%, (.78:1), would suit my driving. Several kit variations are available there in the US. I want to firstly deal with an honest supplier and I want to keep the closed tail shaft and would prefer not to cut the cross member if possible. So far the kit from Gary Bernard in Fort Worth Texas is looking the best. I prefer a kit with all components and little machining if possible. Am I on the right track, any other good suggestions please? John Spragg Australia.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:01 PM   #2
machine girl
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Default Re: F150 conversion

We can help you with both, built over 100 steering conversions and over 156 transmission kits . ( over 25 years) modelaonly.net. or call 408-722-2518. and yes the o.d. you picked is the most popular. calif time plese, also many ford barners will tell you of the quality of our work.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:12 PM   #3
Ron W
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Default Re: F150 conversion

I like Ken Parker. Very helpful and a gentleman. Ron W
Ken Parker 903-963-1650 or [email protected]
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:14 PM   #4
tbirdtbird
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Default Re: F150 conversion

Nothing against machine girl, whom I do not know.
Gary Menard from AAAA transmissions in Ft Worth around these parts is considered to be a god. You can't go wrong with him.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:17 PM   #5
glenn in camino
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Default Re: F150 conversion

Several members of my club have these 4 speeds in their cars and are very happy with them. I'm more of a pureist.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:18 PM   #6
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I have one of MachineGirl's kits. I assure all of you it is top notch, and went in without one hitch. NO crossmember cutting at all, he does all the machining, pure bolt on start to finish.

Also, he was always there to answer the phone for all of my dumb questions.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:24 PM   #7
machine girl
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Default Re: F150 conversion

should have said our f100 steering conversions are on ebay, so you can see the feedback, don't offer the transmissions on ebay (there sold before we can complete them)
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:36 PM   #8
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Default Re: F150 conversion

I am getting out of the kit building business and will no longer ship - pick up at my shop only. I am still taking care of existing and past customers and doing some consulting for the DIY'ers. Most of my parts have gone to Gary Bernard. He has been a friend for several years and is a very good and honest businessman. You cant go wrong with Gary's kit.

Since Gary and I figure percentage different it is best to go by the ratio. My favorite is still the .78:1 ratio.
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Old 05-16-2014, 08:52 PM   #9
machine girl
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Default Re: F150 conversion

we agree ken! after 25 years ratios have always been a fun topic. but ford only offered the 3 in the rts. our kit is bolt in (no cutting of the frame.) saw pictures of others and the frame was notched. we have a lot of rts parts,(some of almost cant be found.)
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Old 05-16-2014, 09:33 PM   #10
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: F150 conversion

Do these bolt in kits work with the front mounted parking brake, or do you need to use a right side parking brake?
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Old 05-16-2014, 09:36 PM   #11
machine girl
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right side only. sorry
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Old 05-17-2014, 02:23 AM   #12
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Default Re: F150 conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by christian View Post
I have one of MachineGirl's kits. I assure all of you it is top notch, and went in without one hitch. NO crossmember cutting at all, he does all the machining, pure bolt on start to finish ...
I also have one of MachineGirl's kits and mirror what christian said. Three years and still loving it.

I also have one of his Steering gear kits. It is a complete bolt-in as well.
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Old 05-17-2014, 11:25 AM   #13
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Default Re: F150 conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Spragg View Post
Hi Guys I am seriously considering converting to the F150 transmission by purchasing a kit to do this for my '30 coupe (LHD). I have read most of your comments and I am now confused to the extent I need some help. I think the 4 speed with the over drive ratio of 26.7%, (.78:1), would suit my driving. Several kit variations are available there in the US. I want to firstly deal with an honest supplier and I want to keep the closed tail shaft and would prefer not to cut the cross member if possible. So far the kit from Gary Bernard in Fort Worth Texas is looking the best. I prefer a kit with all components and little machining if possible. Am I on the right track, any other good suggestions please? John Spragg Australia.
John. with Gary Bernard's kit you will need to notch the brake shaft , but if you use the AA bell housing you wont have to notch anything. Gary makes a top notch unit, was going to let him install it in my 31 back in 2002 but couldn't have it because of GREAT RACE. His unit was not allowed. I installed the mMitchell. have fun modelAtony Lafayette, LA
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Old 05-17-2014, 04:45 PM   #14
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Default Re: F150 conversion

I am getting Green one from "Machine Girl" soon for my AA.
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Old 05-17-2014, 06:01 PM   #15
machine girl
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Default Re: F150 conversion

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Originally Posted by spdway1 View Post
I am getting Green one from "Machine Girl" soon for my AA.
the people with that red transmission are really enjoying there AA fire truck!
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Old 05-17-2014, 08:28 PM   #16
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Default Re: F150 conversion

If you have a strong touring engine the 26% F-150 with 3.78 rear is great for flat land and hills. If not then mitchell o d is better in the hills . Speaking from experience with F-150 .
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Old 05-18-2014, 08:26 AM   #17
john in illinois
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Default Re: F150 conversion

I have had Machine Girls kit for 5 years and it is great. I think all of the kit makers have a good reputation and product.
John
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Old 05-18-2014, 12:13 PM   #18
machine girl
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Originally Posted by john in illinois View Post
I have had Machine Girls kit for 5 years and it is great. I think all of the kit makers have a good reputation and product.
John
John, you motor sits low in the rear that extra plate below the rear mount
shows it? you must be using float a motors, we add washers to the bottom of the mounts to correct this. does the crank hole in the front line up?
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Old 05-20-2014, 10:36 PM   #19
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Default Re: F150 conversion

John: At the rear of your transmission you have a plate bolted to the top of the tranny and resting on the crossmember. Not seeing one before, can you please explain the benefit. Thank you.
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Old 05-21-2014, 03:51 PM   #20
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Default Re: F150 conversion

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John: At the rear of your transmission you have a plate bolted to the top of the tranny and resting on the crossmember. Not seeing one before, can you please explain the benefit. Thank you.
It supports the extra weight of the heavier transmission. John has his jacked up too high with that hockey puck under it. Should only have a 1/8" or less rubber strip there.
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Old 05-21-2014, 07:32 PM   #21
Duffy1
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Default Re: F150 conversion

F-150 has an aluminum case . Should not be to much heavier than a Model A transmission . I do not have an extra support on my F-150 .
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Old 05-21-2014, 08:23 PM   #22
machine girl
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Default Re: F150 conversion

it is much heavier, and should be supported (float a motors come with a rear support for a stock A.) Just that it has an alum case means nothing the internals are 3X the mass of a model A trans. that's also why the f150 trans don't fail. we have done over 150 no come backs.( sorry some of those hill climb guys twist u joints. ya you know who you are!)

Last edited by machine girl; 05-21-2014 at 09:47 PM.
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Old 05-22-2014, 12:46 PM   #23
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Default Re: F150 conversion

I have been running one for several years that was done by one of our club members. It is great. I have a 29% 4th gear, but they have 4 different ratios all the way down to 21%. It doesn't climb very well, and you need to be going at least 45 to keep it from lugging.
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Old 05-22-2014, 02:05 PM   #24
machine girl
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yes, we will not sell a 29% only the 22%or 28% or as ford calls them41.1%(no good) 26.7% or 37.9%.
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Old 05-26-2014, 02:46 PM   #25
MurphyJ
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Default Re: F150 conversion

For what it is worth:
When i did my f150 conversion i weighed the f150 transmission (71 lbs)
and then the stock 1930 model a transmission (38 lbs) and figured the 33 pound difference was not a major concern as i also reduced the flywheel weight by 20 pounds. So far, and 2500 miles, i have yet to experience a problem. I certainly would add the additional support if it is warranted.
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Old 05-26-2014, 09:05 PM   #26
AL in NY
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Default Re: F150 conversion

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I agree with MurphyJ. 33 pounds doesn't warrant an extra support. I did my own F150 conversion and five thousand miles and NO problems. My engine crank handle stills fits through and engages the crank.
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