53 Overdrive Tran. Question

BILL WZOREK

BILL WZOREK

Well-known member
I have a 53 over drive trans that I am going to send to Mac VP to rebuild.
My Question is can I put this in My 53 mainline and Run it just as a 3 speed untill I find All the shifting controlls that I need ( DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR YET ):confused::confused::confused:
 
Yes! You can also run a hot wire to the solenoid and take it in and out of overdrive with a toggle switch. It will free wheel so remember to park only in reverse.
I ran a brand X pickup that way for several years.
 
So how would that work?
when I am in high gear at cursing speed can I preselect overdrive and then step on clutch to get into overdrive.
Then when in Overdrive how do I get it out?
 
When you install the overdrive you need to shorten the drive shaft 1". If you put it in and hook up the cable and a live wire of togle switch it will work. push cable in and turn on togle switch that is hooked to trans. solenoid (other wire from solenoid to governor) and when you get it going about 27 miles per hour let off gas and it shoulds shift into overdrive.
 
To get in overdrive flip the toggle switch and take your foot off the accelerator the solenoid will then ingage the overdrive. To return to straight drive turn the toggle switch off. I should also mention there is a lever on the overdive housing that must be left in the rear position. This is the lever the dash mounted cable is conected to.This will allow you to test and enjoy your overdrive untill you can locate and install all of the correct parts.
Hope this helps.
Eddie
 
My dad taught me this "trick" when I was 16 (a gazillion years ago). Has worked well on a variety of different ODs (Ford, Plymouth, even a '54 Henry J). Almost like running a 6 speed.
 
George49ford is right the Borg warner OD was used on a lot of brands ford,chevy,studabaker,plyouth ,some one is rebuilding old cyl. and building to 12 volt. Harold
 
Bill,
I have a '53 with overdrive. If you keep the mechanical shift arm in the locked-out position, it will stay in standard 3-speed permanently. It will have the normal engagement with "NO" freewheeling on compression.
Milt K from Pa
 
Hi Milt:
Is there any way you could Post a pic of the Machanical shift arm?
The car only has a 3 speed & I want to install the Trans with over drive.
And like before I an not all that sure what I need to make it all work.
 
Bill,
I have two fords with O/D hooked up with a manual switch. On My 49 I used a dimmer switch so you wouldn't notice any switches. You will want to run a cable to control the little leaver on the O/D unit. The only other thing you need is power to the solenoid. It sounds real complicated but it isn't. E-mail me if you get stuck, Chuck.
 
If you are not looking for originality you could try a system (control -wiring ) from Loyd Young. I bought the equiptment, including wiring, push buttom and diagram from him for $75.00. Beliieve me he is not making any money.
Here is how it works: First engage the free wheeling , push in lever, get car up to 27-30 MPH and hit buttom which engages solenoid. To disengage push in clutch which actuates the limit switch and tran will go back into direct drive,but will still be in free wheeling. I modified the system a little by puting the engaging button on the floor out of the way, upper left beside the clutch. If you want to push in the clutch and use as a kick down, that also works. A lot less to go wrong, and you can buy the components of the shelf, if something fails. Harry
 
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