Am I crazy?

luvmyclassics

luvmyclassics

Senior Member
Do I even attempt to do my own transmission? Or do I bite the bullet and send to Van Pelt?

My son was a trans design engineer so he is confident we can re-build it. I am not. Like to hear opinions on this.
 
I did a '39 box with later gears about 25 years ago. It was my first transmission build and worked out well. I had done a bunch of general mechanical work up to then, but no transmissions. I say go for it!
 
Well, as transmission go they don't get much simpler. If there ever was a transmission you would want to attempt to rebuild this would be it. I would suggest getting VanPelts book on the subject.
 
VanPelt's book gives all the info a person needs for overhaul as well as parts ID & excellent photos. A person could be pretty confident about their overhaul with that kind of knowledge at their fingertips. A person needs some really good snap ring pliers too. I'm talking about the old timey heavy duty types. Snap On and a few other companies still make them as far as I know to this date. VanPelt sells the type of snap rings that are easy to get off and fit the intended grooves the best. Some of the OEM ones are very difficult to get off & on and some of the repro ones are way too loose a fit.
 
JSeery said:
Well, as transmission go they don't get much simpler. If there ever was a transmission you would want to attempt to rebuild this would be it. I would suggest getting VanPelts book on the subject.
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Book good but not absolutely necessary if you take good pictures of how it was together before you take it apart. Make special note about how the synchronizers are installed.
 
Give it a try. The absolute worst and embarassing thing that could happen is that you have to send it to VP to have it reassembled and checked out.
IDEA: Old 40-48 Ford transmissions are available. Some folks are just tired of tripping over them. Buy one that needs repair and practice on it. Check your local Craigslist.
 
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19Fordy said:
Give it a try. The absolute worst and embarassing thing that could happen is that you have to send it to VP to have it reassembled and checked out.
IDEA: Old 40-48 Ford transmissions are available. Some folks are just tired of tripping over them. Buy one that needs repair and practice on it. Check your local Craigslist.
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Also remember the last line in the picture :D

Bob
 

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I tied into my first Model A transmission ('31 Fordor) when I was 15 or 16 years old. It had a couple of gears that had teeth missing. You could actually buy parts for them at NAPA back then. It did just fine running it all over Arizona for the next couple of years until I sold it.
 
It's easy. Get Van Pelts book to assist you. I have rebuilt 3 of them in two years. Two top loaders and one side load. It was about as straight forward a job I have done. Buy your parts from Van Pelt as they are of really good quality. Typically all you need is bearings, seals, new lock rings, thrust washers, good blocker rings and gears that aren't chipped or broken. Also, he will have you convert to the later style synchronizer. The synchronizer sounds complex but it is not. I actually enjoy a transmission rebuild.

Get yourself a pair of lock ring pliers and the job gets even easier.
 
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crazy-maybe, able to rebuild a early Ford transmission more then likely. they are not that hard to do. open it up look how things are and how they work photos if necessary then start. If something looks rough or worn then replace it. put it all back together and spin the in and shift it and feel the out things should feel smooth and react as you would expect.
 
I bought Mr. Van Pelt's book and did mine a few months ago. I had never been inside a transmission before. It is installed and working okay. I would suggest building a couple of legs to keep it from rocking around while you are working on it.
 

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Got general automotive mechanical skills? If so, you can do anything you set your mind to.
After all, this isn't rocket surgery.
 
Definitely do it yourself. Get the book which is excellent. Having caged bearings makes it so easy to do. When your done, you will understand it and be proud of your work.
 
Yea, caged bearings help a lot. I just did a couple four speeds with uncaged countershaft and input shaft bearings. Spent some time fishing them out of case. Heavy grease is your friend.
 
RalphM said:
Yea, caged bearings help a lot. I just did a couple four speeds with uncaged countershaft and input shaft bearings. Spent some time fishing them out of case. Heavy grease is your friend.
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Ralph
If you use heavy grease for an old Borg Warner 4 speed cluster shaft bearing
assembly you will have left-over rollers when you are finished. Then you get to drop the cluster gear to wash the rollers and then use Vaseline petroleum jelly
for assembly. Ben there done that.
Bruce
 
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