Installing a synchro Ford trans in an A

BillLee/Chandler TX

BillLee/Chandler TX

Senior Member
Where can I find instructions/discussions/pointers on putting a Ford 3-speed synchromesh transmission in my A?

I have the transmission, 'B' flywheel housing and 'B' oil pan.

I suspect I need much more!

Help appreciated.

Bill Lee
 
Clings in AZ do a kit for the flathead V 8 box onto an A , If you are running B engine use B box , but you need radius rod & pedal mounts made .
 
quickchange said:
Clings in AZ do a kit for the flathead V 8 box onto an A , If you are running B engine use B box , but you need radius rod & pedal mounts made .
Click to expand...
Thanks, quickchange.

Looking at their web pages, it appears that their adapter replaces the flywheel cover that is used with the standard 'A' transmission. Their pictures don't appear to include the engine mounting lugs that are part of the 'A' cover. Am I missing something?
 
Bill I have a kit here , has pedal mount & r/rod mount . but fits an A f/l wheel housing , you can use it but you need to cut your B sump & fit A flywheel housing , Just leaving on 20 hr flight for Jefferson Hershey etc so no time to do pic , This kit is top class , fully recommended. Derek
 
Several of my friends have replaced their model A transmissions with a 4 speed out of a 50s era pick-up. 4th gear is actually an overdrive. I think you need an AA bell housing to make the switch. We're in the Hangtown As in Placerville, Calif.
 
glenn in camino said:
Several of my friends have replaced their model A transmissions with a 4 speed out of a 50s era pick-up. 4th gear is actually an overdrive. I think you need an AA bell housing to make the switch. We're in the Hangtown As in Placerville, Calif.
Click to expand...

I have that transmission in my pickup. Works like a charm.
 
Unless you're putting in one with overdrive, you aren't gaining anything. Spend one good morning learning to double clutch, it's a whole lot easier and cheaper. Good luck.
 
Use your V8 trans with Cling's adapter kit. No B parts are needed, in fact they complicate matters. Cling's kit uses the A bell housing and engine mounts. If using hydraulic brakes, ha has a mount for the M/cyl. too. e-mail me at jimb4e4@gmail.com and I'll send you the chapter of my book that deals with that.
 
Here are the instructions on how to install a 1939 style Ford transmission behind a Model A engine using the Clings adapter.



http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/Content/uploads/A-7001--rev--1-17-2-4893.pdf



A-7001-2108.jpg


Here is a link to buy the whole kit, or just piece by piece what you might need.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/transmission-adapter-kit

This is the one in my car. I love it.

cabby39trany.jpg


cabby39pedals.jpg



.
 
Last edited:
glenn in camino said:
Several of my friends have replaced their model A transmissions with a 4 speed out of a 50s era pick-up. 4th gear is actually an overdrive.
Click to expand...


This transmission you describe is actually the T170FT-RTS Tremmic transmission found in Ford F100-250 light duty trucks from 1984-1987. It is a top loaded 4 speed with 4th being overdrive. Aluminum case and shift tower. Also known as a TOD (top shift overdrive) Produced in 2 and 4 wheel drive versions.

Gear ratios are:
1st - 3.01-1
2nd - 1.78-1
3rd - 1.00-1
4th - 0.78-1
REV - 3.01-1

In a Model A:
7218

post2007MARCrepairs019-1.jpg


It has also been adapted to a flathead V8 in a similar way.

RIMG0019.jpg


RIMG0020.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks to all for the input.

The problem I have is the transmission is a 4-cylinder transmission. It is a synchromesh, straight-cut gears for L-R, but the case has a bell housing that includes what would be bolted onto a Model A transmission. The V8 transmission case stops well short and the Clings adapter provides the rest to mate with a Model A flywheel housing. A couple of pictures to illustrate the difference.

Does anyone make a flywheel housing that will bolt to this transmission on one side and the A engine on the other?
 

Attachments

  • DSC_8266A.jpg
    DSC_8266A.jpg
    29 KB · Views: 213
  • 12338520293_c7a46d9759_c.jpg
    12338520293_c7a46d9759_c.jpg
    209.4 KB · Views: 234
  • ModelA_transmission.jpg
    ModelA_transmission.jpg
    65.2 KB · Views: 177
That first photo looks like you have a 1932 - 1933 4 cylinder Model B transmssion with synchro gears inside. That bellhousing should bolt to the A engine using a B oil pan. I don't think you need another bellhousing adapter.

I think you need to just buy the pedal adapter the wishbone mount and the emergency brake bracket from Berts, or use an emergency brake from a 1933-1934 Ford. That mounts to the transmission top and has a built in pawl.
 
Last edited:
Jason in TX said:
That first photo looks like you have a 1932 - 1933 4 cylinder Model B transmssion with synchro gears inside. That bellhousing should bolt to the A engine using a B oil pan. I don't think you need another bellhousing adapter.

I think you need to just buy the pedal adapter the wishbone mount and the emergency brake bracket from Berts, or use an emergency brake from a 1933-1934 Ford. That mounts to the transmission top and has a built in pawl.
Click to expand...
Yes, it is a 32 4-cylinder transmission. I also have the 'B' flywheel housing and the 'B' pan.

Comparing the 'B' FW housing to a Model 'A' housing, the B is 3/4" narrower across the engine mounting points, the engine mounts on the FW housing are located vertically different between the two, the bolt locations also different. New engine mount would have to be fabricated.

Then you have to deal with the radius ball attachment. Without the full diameter FW housing, there is very little 'meat' left where the ball would be attached, just the bottom of the bell housing. Same problem with the clutch and brake mount: attaching it to the side of the bell housing without the support of the full diameter FW housing (although not as bad as the radius ball mount).

Then comes the pan! The diameter of the rear main on the A is smaller than the B, and something would have to be done to the rear of the pan to make it fit down on the cork gasket on the A rear main.

Somebody clue me in if what I am seeing isn't right!

Sure would be nice to have a Model A FW housing that would fit the 32 trans! Fat chance!

Bill Lee
 

Attachments

  • DSC_8263A.jpg
    DSC_8263A.jpg
    50.2 KB · Views: 87
  • DSC_8264A.jpg
    DSC_8264A.jpg
    43.8 KB · Views: 79
A old friend made this, to use with a B flywheel housing. Looks like he just tacked a 5/16 plate the Model A rear mount.
 

Attachments

  • bmount.jpg
    bmount.jpg
    35.3 KB · Views: 180
briphaeton said:
A old friend made this, to use with a B flywheel housing. Looks like he just tacked a 5/16 plate the Model A rear mount.
Click to expand...
Yes, a fabricated mount to take into account the 3/4" difference between the B flywheel housing and the separation in the mounts at the A frame.

Thanks for the picture.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top