Mitchell overdrive test drive today

T

trevo

Senior Member
Finally finished a number of updates on my 34 missed out on having the car at the EarlyFord V8 Nationals in Napier which has been a resounding success over the last week,however the Mitchell Overdrive was worth the effort in overdriven mode it accelerates like a bat out of hell is quiet and in first on a steep hill has no problems at 30 mph am doing about 1100 rpm maybe around 22 at 60mph not sure if the speedo is 100 percent accurate will check that with a friendly cop the only negative was cutting the floor in the boot.
I have yet to figure out how to electrically operate the Mitchell any detailed ideas appreciated cheers
 
trevo said:
Finally finished a number of updates on my 34 missed out on having the car at the EarlyFord V8 Nationals in Napier which has been a resounding success over the last week,however the Mitchell Overdrive was worth the effort in overdriven mode it accelerates like a bat out of hell is quiet and in first on a steep hill has no problems at 30 mph am doing about 1100 rpm maybe around 22 at 60mph not sure if the speedo is 100 percent accurate will check that with a friendly cop the only negative was cutting the floor in the boot.
I have yet to figure out how to electrically operate the Mitchell any detailed ideas appreciated cheers
Click to expand...
You did not explain why you want to complicate the very simple shifting of the Mitchell by adding some electronics (solenoids?).
???
 
trevo said:
not sure if the speedo is 100 percent accurate will check that with a friendly cop
Click to expand...

Trevo,
If you have a smartphone like an iPhone or an Android just download a free GPS speedometer app. Then you can check speedo accuracy on any of your vehicles.
 
The cable operation to me is somewhat clumsy does not look good on the gearshift lever so why not electrically operate it a small rocker switch will take up less room and look much tidier in my opinion fitted into the gearshift knob as per Triumphs otherwise it all works well
 
trevo, You have the Mitchell cable and knob fitted to the gearshift lever ??? That would sure look awkward. Its supposed to be mounted on the lower edge of the dash panel or something like that. The only way to operate the Mitchell with a small dashboard switch would be with an air or vacuum two way cylinder mounted down on the Mitchell box. The dash switch would have to operate two solenoid valves to activate the cylinder in and out and you need a vacuum or compressed air supply as well. A whole lot of messing around. If your car is 6 volt then 6 volt solenoid valves may not be easy to find. Solenoid operation only on the Mitchell box selector rod may not be possible because of the movement length required to change the box ratio. Some Mitchells are operated by a rod and a floor mounted lever as the model A guys fit but that is an awkward fit up on a 1934 Ford and not sure if it would work. Regards, Kevin.
 
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Kevin,the cable came from Mitchell with machined Aluminum blocks with tapers designed to slip over the gear shift lever it's not a nice look I converted to 12 volt some time ago electric solenoid appeals more research required thanks all ideas appreciated.
 
Trevo, two things.
One Did you have to cut the floorpan to fit the mitchell,If so how much.
And give some thought to using one of those eaton two speed diff selectors as fitted to old bedfords etc,or an engine RPM actuator from a JLG boomlift.
what diff ratio also
Lawrie
 
Laurie my diff is 3.5 I cut 25mm all round bigger than the O/D unit very carefully and fabricated a sheet metal box to re establish structural integrity worked out real well and the floor mating is not too badly upset I PMd you send me your email and I will send you a couple of pics and I have just found a solenoid that may do the trick a US made product available in Ozzie I will email them tomorrow to confirm won't be cheap but anything good isn't.
 
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