'38 Trans question

M

maxparplus

Member
I have a 1938 Ford Standard Coupe with a stock 3 speed behind the tired old flathead which I am going to rebuild or replace with a little more power. But that 3 speed non syncro trans is not what I want to end up with. Suggestions on what to replace it with that will bolt in, be fully synchoed and not cost a fortune? Maybe also, availability?

Thanks
 
The T5 seems to be the choice of most. There is lots of info posted here, on the H.A.M.B. and on the Flathead Techno Site about which T5's are the best, installation instructions, etc. There is a guy who makes a complete kit for this. Also, I believe Flat Ernie (sp) a member here, is one of the experts on this conversion.
 
Max, The '38 Ford transmission does have a synchro, but is inferior to the '39-'48 transmission. The same gearsets interchange into your '38 transmission case, which in effect, would then become a '39 transmission, the perennial favorite floorshift. Van Pelt can supply the gearsets, or can rebuild your case for you.

Mac Van Pelt www.vanpeltsales.com
Transmission parts, website flathead information
 
As stated in an earlier post your trans is syncro (and the '39 style gears ae better yet). If it grinds that is another problem. Remember early syncros did not include going back into first. Try to find someone with a trans that is working correctly and shift it a few times. Going to a later trans will probably require open drive and the list goes on. Might be a good post for HAMB if you are going to do this (which I don't recommend, just go out and by a new car).

Charlle Stephens
 
I'm sorry I mis stated the situation a bit. My current stock '38 trans is fine, it shifts fine and I know it's not sychro back into first gear. I was looking for the quick, best solution for a fully sychroed trannie to put in once I beef up or change my old flathead.

Max
 
Use 39 and up gears and shift fork should go in your case and you can use your original shifter. If you are going to try to do it yourself buy the vampelts book it shows you how to rebuild them step by step. Fairly easy to do
 
Max's intent or interpretation of the '38's best improvememts worrys me some. Recently been working on a couple of '40s which is nearly identical and am having trouble with hatchet job mods to the X member. Many hotrod "improvements" include the use of transmissions that are oversize or extra long compared to the V8 era. Much of the trouble is that the more elegant gearing solutions cost thousands like the Mitchell OD. Hate to see a 38 standard coupe take such a beating to save a few bucks. I'm not a big fan of the T5 as it is so often poorly chosen and a 5spd becomes effectively 4spd with either a granny gear or an overdrive that can't be used. T5s are often chosen by the price without any thought to how the gearing will effect performance. Like the doc's oath: Do no harm! Fred A
 
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