Info needed on o/d Ford hookup....

W

wjfraser

Junior Member
Hi guys:

I need some assistance on my project (1950 Ford Convertible.)

I have a 1950 Merc engine and overdrive (12,000 original miles) that I plan on installing in the convertible. But in order to maintain the appearance of a stock 50 Ford under the hood. I want to install the 50 Ford heads and Ford intake manifold and Ford carb.

Haven't really looked that deeply into the 'plumbing' aspect of this swap, but is there any physical linkage (like a tube) that has to run between the carb and the transmission to allow shifting or is there only electrical/mechanical pieces that are needed? I don't have the old Holley carb from the Merc to compare.

What basic parts will I have to install on the 50 to make the o/d work properly?

Any advice, greatly appreciated.

Bill
Vancouver, BC
 
The only mechanical linkage is the O/D cable that runs from the dash to the arm on the BW O/D unit on the trans. The other parts including the O/D relay and Kickdown switch are connected electronically with the governor and solenoid on the transmission. I bought my O/D cable at C&G Ford. If you do a search here you'll find threads that discuss the Ford and Merc BW O/D transmissions and there should be a reference for a vendor that has the relay and kickdown switches.
 
For the soleinoid to fit the convertible frame you will need the adaptor made to clear the x member of the frame. I think that is a 49 and 50 only and is hard to come by. Good luck. Eddie
 
If it really is a '50 Merc engine and transmission, I believe you may run into some clutch linkage problems.
 
You will need an adapter for the overdrive when installing in a convertible.

partno-OD1.png


Overdrive Adapter for the 1949-50 Ford Convertibles and 1949-50 Ford & Mercury Station Wagons. This must be used when installing an overdrive transmission. Remanufactured by 1949-53 Ford Mercury Assn. Made in USA. Comes complete

Special Price offer ends June 1st. $275.00

Solenoids, relays and other Overdrive Electrical parts are available from Shoebox Central 405-259-9222 Web site www.shoebox-central.com Your one stop store for 49-53 Ford &
 
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Like tubman said the trans are different. See the pics from Vanpelt site.

Bob
 

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Any of the shoe box Ford OD transmissions would be closer to a bolt in but you would have to find or fabricate the actuator solenoid adapter to fit the X-member of the convertible. The later 51 on type transmisions are similar but I think they are a tad bit longer in the rear mount dimensions. The 49 thru early 51 Merc has the 48 & earlier type half bell & clutch equalizer. The rear mount is also different. The shift linkage is probably pretty much similar to the Ford but that's about it.
 
I think the mount on the '51 is farther forward than '49-'50, but I am sure they are different.
 
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