mitchel overdrive for 40 four door

Thomas Sargent

Thomas Sargent

Member
Has anyone installed the Mitchell overdrive in a 40 four door sedan? Wondering if the floor needs to be cut to provide clearance for the box and where at? Mitchell was not clear on my question, felt no cutting of the floor necessary.
Would hate to impinge on the foot area in the backseat Thanks in advance
Tom
 
Thomas Sargent said:
Has anyone installed the Mitchell overdrive in a 40 four door sedan? Wondering if the floor needs to be cut to provide clearance for the box and where at? Mitchell was not clear on my question, felt no cutting of the floor necessary.
Would hate to impinge on the foot area in the backseat Thanks in advance
Tom
Click to expand...

No cutting necessary on a '40. The Mitchell is a nice unit that operates smoothly.
Still, unless you are acquiring a known good unit, I'd suggest you find a Columbia.
Not sure what a Mitchell costs these days. A properly built Columbia is around $5k.
 
The unit is back under the seat not the foot well. The Mitchell cost's less then the columbia and is a easier install. I've had both and like both, but for a new install I'll take the mitchell first any day.
 
I have the Mitchell 26% unit with the original 4.11 rear end. It was relatively easy to install. I chose the cable shift. The forward edge of the Mitchell is very close to the rear edge of the footwell. Once when I inadvertently hit a deep dip, the rebound caused the edge to hit the rear of the footwell. It would be better 2” further to the rear but it’s OK. The gearing is perfect for NH, 4.11 around town, hills; overdrive on the bigger roads. It’s comfortable going as fast as I want to, around 60, real quiet at 55. Bump those numbers up a bit with the standard 3.78 rear.
 
Put one in a 39 Std Coupe and no mod of the floor was needed. Used the cable shift and it worked great. You may ask Steve Mitchell for the length from the front of the gearbox to the banjo and measure on your car to see if you have clearance.
 
any chance you have any pictures of your unit installed to help me visualize how close the floor step is to the box? Did the cable shift install present any problems? Thanks PS very long lead time, almost one year right now.
 
It’s close , but it will fit.
The leading edge of Mitchell Aluminum gear box, is the thickness of a wooden paint stick from the step in the floor.
Stretch
 
IMG_8609.jpg

IMG_8608.jpg.

Only pictures I have available at the moment.
Stretch
 
Mitchell is very hard to get in touch with. They never answer the phone, I am getting frustrated, wondering if it is a good idea to do business with someone as hard to reach as them. Any thoughts? I have been on the waiting list now for 1 year plus, got one call back a couple weeks ago, asked some questions and Steve said he would send me some pix and the price list, but nothing now for three weeks.
 
When I leave a message Steve always call me back but it may take a few days. A month ago He called me on a Saturday evening! Covid about wiped them out. They lost employees and have not been able to replace them. To be honest, from listening to Steve I’m surprised they’re still in business. I believe that their products are worth the hassle (and really have no decent competition) but some would disagree with me. The day I bought my ‘30 I called Steve and to on the list for an OD and a Transmission. They do not require a deposit to get on the list. Thomas, I’m honestly surprised that you have been waiting a year the current time is approx 6 months.
 
I have looked into going the 5 speed manual transmission route, and don't like that option very well compared to the slick Mitchell approach. Wish there was a better or easier way to get this moving.
 
Someone in the Model A classified section has a Borg Warner T5 trans which has been modified to accept the torquetube style driveshaft. Might be worth checking into. Still needs the adaptors tho.
 
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