Adapting a 39 transmission to a Model A torque tube

[a boner]

Bolt in, or what parts are needed?
-Thanks

[ModelA29]

Mine has a 39 trans and Mitchell OD. Pretty sure you just need the adapter kit since the later car was still a closed driveline, https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/ad....asp?prod=3000

[rotorwrench]

It would be easier to get a Mitchel synchronized transmission since it uses a model A type case. They aren't cheap though.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

It would be easier to get a Mitchel synchronized transmission since it uses a model A type case. They aren't cheap though.

I just talked to Steve the other day. They aren't taking orders right now but will put you on a waiting list. 8-9 months out.

[walls]

8 months would put you in December/January. Not a bad time to be working on the car.

But for the 39 trans, I have installed one before using a Clings adapter. Pretty straight forward. I recommend it although, If you have to buy one then rebuild and also buy the Clings kit, it can get pricey.

It’s optional to lighten the flywheel/V8 clutch, but while it’s apart it makes sense.
More $$ though.

[Floats]

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Hi Guys,
Excuse my ignorance. What are the advantages of a 39 transmission?
Thanks

[GeneBob]

Originally Posted by Floats

Hi Guys,
Excuse my ignorance. What are the advantages of a 39 transmission?
Thanks

The Model A trans was made for the driving needs of 1930. The 1932 and later transmissions changed the gear ratios and have better shift points (primarily for 2nd gear) for driving in modern traffic. Ford improved the synchros a few times through the 1930's with the 1939 trans being the best. Beyond 1939, Ford started to incorporate side shift gearboxes for the column shifter that became popular. Ford continued to improve the shifting of their transmissions into the 1940's and 1950's and some of the synchros/gearsets from the 40's are popular to swap into the later 1930's transmissions. The 1939 and 1940's synchros/gearsets can be fitted into the mid and later 1930's transmissions.
You can see the whole story at VanPelt's website. They specialize in the flathead V8's and the transmissions.

[alexiskai]

I recently bought three '36-'39 transmissions in various states of disrepair for $50 total. I think between the three I'll have the parts to make one good one. I also bought Van Pelt's book. I think it's a fun DIY project, I'm looking forward to putting some time into it over the winter.

[Floats]

Tks GeneBob.

[rotorwrench]

The use of the term "39" is kind of a misnomer but it is the first year of the improved synchronizer system that included blocker rings. 1939 was the last year for top shift transmissions in cars so the 1940 passenger units are remote shift types with side mounted levers even though they have the same guts as the 91A type. The remote shift types are more common since they were used through 1948. The top shift design was only used in commercial pickups after 1939 but it stayed in service with few changes through 1952 in light duty pickup applications. From 42 on, all the top shifters were open drive so they have different mainshafts.

The 1937 and up 78 series top shift case can easily be set up with the later guts and a few parts are the same or usable. The double detent shift tower is also prefered but the 2nd/high 91A shift fork has to be used. The transmissions can easily be changed for either closed drive or open drive applications since the parts are all bolt ons. Side shift guts will fit in any top shift case but the 78 case or later is prefered

[Martinbuilt]

There's a bunch of good info in this thread. I'm working on a '29, and i keep getting 'upgrade' suggestions without any explanation of what's involved.
To the original poster, i'd be very interested if you created a thread about the swap.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Martinbuilt

There's a bunch of good info in this thread. I'm working on a '29, and i keep getting 'upgrade' suggestions without any explanation of what's involved.
To the original poster, i'd be very interested if you created a thread about the swap.

Looks like a simple parts swap. The T5 swap is much more involved.

[Jim Brierley]

The cup that bolts to the rear of the trans has a different bolt pattern, 6 vs. 4. The best way is to get a V8 piece. When I did my wide-bed years ago, I drilled the A piece in 4 places. This worked but required making 7/16's nuts out or 3/8s because of the difference in OD of the rear piece. All else is bolt-in with Clings adapter.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by a boner

Bolt in, or what parts are needed?
-Thanks

Hi Guys, Excuse my ignorance. What are the advantages of a 39 transmission?
Thanks

It is NOT bolt in. It is however not really complicated for a person with some tools and average mechanical skills. A good place to start is go to a model A gathering and see if you can find someone that has a car with the mod done to it.
Take pics and talk to them. See if you can drive the car or at least ride and watch it driven.

The advantages are several. Greatly improved driving pleasure is probably at the top. Gears 2 and 3 are synchro. THE INTERNAL GEAR SETS CAN BE CHANGED FOR DIFFERENT DRIVING APPLICATIONS. (A very popular combination is the 26 tooth gear set and a stock 3.78 rear end) The whole unit is stronger and will last longer. Slightly better gas mileage due to better ratios in the lower gears.
The 39 and later have helical gears so they are quieter.