1957 Overdrive Questions

David Conwill

David Conwill

Senior Member
Hello all,

A couple questions about a ‘57 Ford T86/R10 I’m working with:

1) Do these use a unique transmission crossmember, or will any ‘57 Ford transmission crossmember work with one? What about other years?

2) Will the wiring harness for a V8 car work with a six-cylinder transmission?

3) I’ve heard that the kickdown switch will cause problems when using an electronic ignition (like a Pertronix Ignitor) - anybody know of a workaround for that?

Thanks,

Dave
 
The kickdown switch gives the points a temporary ground. I dont know how that would affect the Pertronix. I would think it wouldnt like it much. Can you figure a way to make the circuit open instead of ground?
 
Maybe I could wire the switch before the distributor instead of after. Hmm...

Or I could just stick with points.

Anyone have input on the other items?

-Dave
 
Just thinking here....The solenoid has a set of points that grounds the points until the pawl retracts. Use that ground to open a normally closed solenoid in the line feeding your Pertronix unit. I think these universal relays have normally open and normally closed circuits in them, and applying the ground will reverse it. The Pertronix makes a lot of improvement in the ignition and I would get it worked out to use the Pertronix.

The Pertronix tech line was very helpful to me with an incident I had. I'll bet they have been through the electric overdrive scenario before. Give them a call and ask. You will be glad you did.
 
As far as the cross member, they are the same. The rear motor mount (transmission mount) gets turned around.
 
I have a friend running a 6v pertonix in his 50 flathead with an overdrive & no special wiring. Hasn't had any problems & he runs the crap out of it.
 
That’s good to hear. The issue I’d heard about was from a fellow with a ‘50 Plymouth. His excellent website is worth checking out even for Ford guys.

Hmm, reviewing it, it appears I misremembered and that the issue wasn’t with Pertronix at all, but rather with a GM mini-HEI unit.

Sorry!

-Dave
 
One more question for you fine fellows: My overdrive came without the drive shaft yoke. Do I have to find another overdrive yoke, or will one from say a Ford-o-matic or regular three-speed work?

Thanks,

Dave
 
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