Borg Warner R10 overdrive conversion for Model A?

M

mgarrett

Junior Member
I saw a picture on the internet where someone spliced a '49-'53 Ford (Borg Warner R10) overdrive into the torque tube of a Model A - looks like a great set-up. I'd like to get more information on who did it, how it works and perhaps close-up photos. I'd like to try this conversion in a '40 Ford 2 door sedan.
Thanks,
MG
 
Mafca publication " how to restore your model A " volume 8 gives a perfect explanation including pic's etc
 
have B/W o-drives in 2 model a's .had to change from 21'' tires to 16'' to have enough power in the 29. put 4:11 gears in rear while instaling the o-drive in the 30 truck . i like the B/W because i can run in 2nd. gear o/d in the mountains where hi is to hi and 2nd is to lo. also have a columbia in a car, have 4:44 rear gears w/26tooth zypher trans. gears 7.00-16 tires, good combo.
 
You must have a method of taking the OD out of engagement before you attempt to back up. I used a cable to shift my unit but I forgot a few times and broke some internals. On a car designed for Borg ODs there is a rod in the transmission that knocks the unit into standard when reverse is selected.
 
mgarrett said:
I saw a picture on the internet where someone spliced a '49-'53 Ford (Borg Warner R10) overdrive into the torque tube of a Model A - looks like a great set-up. I'd like to get more information on who did it, how it works and perhaps close-up photos. I'd like to try this conversion in a '40 Ford 2 door sedan.
Thanks,
MG
Click to expand...
I have installed a Borg Warner R10 in my 1937 Chevrolet PU, You can read about that installation on here http://www.restorodstogo.com/2011/03/r-10-borg-warner-overdrive-custom.html
Contact me if you want to talk about it. You can click through on the left side bar to my email contact. Doug
 
FYI on rear-end ratios: most 1930's - 1940's cars that had OD from the Factory had ring & pinion ratios in the 3.9 - 4.11 - 4.3 - 4.6 territory ( 16-17" tire sizes average ).

That seemed to be a good compromise between OD for the Highway without making them too "doggy" on hills...

For example, take a garden-variety 1940 MoPar six with a 4.11 rear, and pop a 27% B-W OD behind it, and get a resultant final-drive ratio of 3.0003 : 1 - pretty tall gears indeed, especially for a 90 to 110 HP six.

Put that same 27% B-W OD into a Model A with stock 3.78 rear, and you get a 2.759 : 1 effective final-drive ratio... very tall indeed.
 
Lloyd Young in Ohio make a great reverse cut out setup for the Borg Warner OD. You step on the clutch and it kicks out the OD. Lloyd is super knowledgable on the Overdrives. 614-837-7832
 
Mitch & Rich of bakersfield, CA who build the Volvo overdrive mod for a Model A came up with a device to prevent backing up with the overdrive solenoid engaged. It works as well for the Borg Warner.

They install a cut out switch in a hole drilled into the end of the tunnel knob on the transmission tower (passenger side). When shifting into reverse the shifting shaft enters this tunnel and opens a normally closed switch that removes power from the solenoid.

The angle placement of the switch is critical. Straight back it interferes with the cross member. Too high and the switch will not activate.

Tom Endy
 
Bill Swigart does them i have one of the original ones from Burt Hilner who sold his company to Bill Swigart
 
I drove a Borg-Warner for 18 years...loved it..til I drove a sedan with a Mitchell OD.
that afternoon I ordered my Mitchell...that was 85,000 miles ago..the best money that I've ever spent !! no gizmos to help you into reverse !!
Bruce Davis a400usa@nccn.net
 
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