Recent content by Jim Hamilton

I was thinking a lot between the Mitchell and Columbia. On my ‘46 it was going to require some floor and torque tube work. My goal for this car is to be a ‘50s mild Hot Rod without any cutting. I do though want to get another hood to be louvered.

Another thought/question do any of you Columbia guys get spare parts for these? I’m thinking of getting a spare steel A-24 and another A-17. These look to be the first to let go if my right and left feet work too hard together at a spirited take off!

I finally got my order in to John at Columbia Two Speed, ordered it in April with 2 or 3 ahead of me and as of Friday June 30th, he’s already boxing everything up. I had more issues keeping me at work a lot and more things to fix at home that prevented me from getting all the research done and...

Glenn, Thanks for that article, I really enjoyed that!

How hard have you guys treated yours and are they modified or stock Columbias?

I’m starting to feel the same way Glenn, I’ll probably call John and get this started.

The weather would be something to think about, but if I made a major move it’d probably be Florida. I’m 58 and the way Indy is degrading I don’t see me staying here after retirement. Things aren’t anywhere near good here. I thought maybe Slowforty had a certain way of dealing with the road...

Sounds like a beefed up Columbia should live with a stout Flathead as long as there isn’t any seriously hard launching, reserve OD for 50+ MPH. Keep an eye out for leaks, check the oil, maybe every year or two take the unit off the diff for an inspection.

Yeah, it seems all of these overdrive setups are expensive. It’s probably true that my estimation of around $4500 could buy a lot of gas. I prefer to drive this on old state highways for the scenery and the lower speed limits. But even at 55 mph and a stock 3.78 rear gear, stock tire size, the...

Thanks Bill, glad you didn’t get hurt or hurt the Ford! I read a post somewhere that I think was from you about drag racing. If the Columbia is left in direct, out of overdrive, is it safe to say it can handle a hot Flathead in a heavier ‘46 even if it gets fair traction? Edit, I found it, it...

I’m new here, hope it’s ok to revive an old thread! I’m thinking about calling John Connelly to order a bulletproofed Columbia. I’ve been researching options for my stock ‘46 Ford coupe for about a month now. I’ve considered Gear Vendors, Mitchell, Borg Warner and the Columbia. I’m leaning...