Automatic overdrive

4

41merc

Member
I have a 37 p/u with a 53 merc engine, I'm interested In installing an automatic transmission with overdrive. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.
Thank you,
 
I'd use the early Ford AOD this requires an adapter and is a bolt in. the converter lock up is internal and the TV cable is the only thing you have to worry about and any transmission shop can adjust it. The only draw back is the trans need more power from the engine to operate. Most of these trannys are bolted to modified engines and I recommend an increase in displacemnt and compression. But they work great
 
Good friend that bleeds Ford blue, used a 700R4 transmission. Adapter plate, driveshaft, and stock rear end. '50 Ford wagon. Drives it all around, no problems.
 
Excellent ******, but has a computer controlled converter lockup, this needs an external control.
 
I have a '51 Victoria with a flathead and an AOD as Ole Ron suggested. Got the adapter kit from Summit; complete with the starter and flywheel. With a 3.55:1 rear end ratio, she turns 1750 RPM at 70 MPH. Plenty of power from the flatty. The flathead is a very torque-y engine, so it works very well. I have yet to put enough road miles on it since I put the 4 barrel on to attest to exact MPG, but it does very well in this area as well. With the 2 X 2 barrel carbs that were on it, I got only about 16 MPG but am doing better now.

Lokar provides a Throttle Valve cable for the AOD. I had to modify the arm on the transmission so that I could "clock" it to a position where it would work. I attached the cable to the carburetor in a manner that as the throttle is opened, the cable is pulled at the same rate as the accellerator is opened. As for having a professional adjust it, not so. All you have to do is adjust it to take out all of the slack in the cable. The Lokar kit is adjustable for this purpose.

I read the above reply relative to the power loss by using the A/T. I have not experienced this. In fact, my experience is a much more responsive and driveable car. The 4 forward gears (including OD) make it seem to actually be more peppy!

I would be glad to provide pictures of the set up if you but ask.

VR, Motorhead
 
I have provided this conversion on several customer chassis that I have furnished the FH drivetrain for. Everyone has seemed satisfied with the results.
 
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