If you could only do one... $$$

I am on the fence about this, at first I thought the Mitchell was the way to go , then I drove a '36 pick-up with a S10 conversion. With all syncro it was a joy to drive, especially when downshifting on hills, corners etc.. I don't want to change or modify anything on the drive line that will permanently modify my '29 pick up, so I am leaning to the 3 speed syncro trans that is a direct replacement .
 
I agree holdover, I really don't want to change anything on my coupe, the syncro is indistinguishable from the stock one and you can have a 15% higher second gear (same for 1st if you want) so probably pulling 30 mph in second wouldn't be a problem. Getting started on a hill and then being able to get into second quickly would greatly help keeping your momentum up. I really don't even like the idea of over 50 mph in these cars, if you are in a collision, you're gonna get hurt, or maybe even a little bit dead. I like the Model A experience just the way it was designed, but it sure can be intimidating out in today's driving reality. Although more difficult to do, the OD could be put back to stock as well, you don't have to modify anything, everything you need is in the kit.
 
Art Newland said:
Where do you even buy one of these? The web links for guys selling them don't work any more and I hear of money given out and never getting their ******.
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Dave Delmue, dave4564@msn.com or 408 722-2518 are what I have. I was not original purchaser of mine, but contacted Dave a year or two ago when a U-joint went bad and he confirmed a fit issue I had with the replacement. I do not know if he still makes the conversion.
 
Ted Duke said:
Dick,
IS someone still doing these kits or supplying parts?

Ted
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The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.
 
Dick Steinkamp said:
The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.
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I have his kit. Been using it for about 6 years now.

And, Yes, he is still making them. A couple guys in our club have bought and installed them within this past year.
 
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For me, neither. I would rather throw $2300 towards the purchase of another Model A to feed my addiction.


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Dick Steinkamp said:
The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.
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Thanks,

I would be interested in the information.

Ted
 
Hi Art,

In my opinion, you should be commended for writing a very sensitive, descriptive and highly technical Medical "Term" concerning Model A "Safety" in your Reply No. 22, that appears to have never been written anywhere before.

Looks like this "Term" would be a wonderful, mild mannered "Term" to sell Model A Seat Belts; i.e.:

"over 50 mph in these cars, if you are in a collision, you're gonna get hurt, or maybe even a ........... "Little Bit Dead."

As a selling point, everybody can visualize that being a "Little Bit Dead" would be far more "painful" than being "totally" dead.
 
I spent 45 years "on the road" on my job. Each and every day doing 100-200 miles in big city driving. I was "rear-ended" eight times and "T-Boned" once. I have become an extremely defensive driver which I think translates to good Model A driving practices.
 
holdover said:
, then I drove a '36 pick-up with a S10 conversion. With all syncro it was a joy to drive, especially when downshifting on hills, corners etc.. I don't want to change or modify anything on the drive line that will permanently modify my '29 pick up, so I am leaning to the 3 speed syncro trans that is a direct replacement .
Click to expand...

Interesting thread. Does anyone make a direct replacement for the Ford Toploader 3 spd., the 1939 variety? Seems like even after they are rebuilt they develop the 'pops out of second' syndrome, while decelerating on a hill, common to these trannys.

And by 'trannys' I don't mean 'transgenders' thank you.
 
Dave was at Turlock this year. His email and phone are in post 25. His snail mail addy is Dave Delmue, 17649 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. His F150 trans/OD conversion is $3500 and is a "drop in conversion kit" according to Dave.
 
My tax refund is all ready in the bank as of last Friday, I've enough for both overdrive and syncro trans now and take Larry and his misses out for a Turf and Surf dinner but not sure if I want or really need to do it, the trans and overdrive, that is. I'll probably have a better idea if I really need either after a long trip....I'll decide then. The Ford F-150 route sounds like a few bucks could be saved.
 
I like my 4 speed OD F150 transmission.
I got mine from Tim Sheridan in Nunca, MI. His number is 616-837-6477 and his prices were good. His setup uses the stock bell housing, and doesn't have to cut the crossmember. I just cut off the upper and lower ears on the cover of the bell on the front of the drive shaft. He will also shorten the driveshaft if you want or you can have it done locally. The only other thing required was to put two washers under the brake cross shaft to lower it slightly. I went with the trans with the 3.01 first gear and middle overdrive ratio. With a bored and reworked engine, it can still pull up hills in OD. Gets a lot quieter when I put it into OD.
 
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