Over drive in our 46

oldford2

oldford2

Well-known member
Well, after almost 2 years of studying Columbia's, 3.54 rear end gears, and Mitchell's, I have finally ordered a Mitchell (26%). 3 month backlog so will not get to try it till mid September:(. And, we have a few long trips planned this summer that involve interstates (2900 rpm's @60 mph) (2400 rpm's with the Mitchell).

John
 
John, you won't be disappointed with the 26%. With 3.78 rear gears you will find it to be very versatile. We just got back from Vermont today and and hardly ever had to down shift on the hills. I do have a 276 engine and pulls the hills with ease. Did you get the cable or the shift lever?
I have the cable and it works very well.
Don
 
I'm sure you'll like it. I put a Columbia under my '40 five years ago, and now I can't imagine driving without it. IMHO, once you have overdrive, you'll never want to go back.
 
have od in all my cars, borgwarner, f-100 trans, columbia. have columbia w/4.44 gr, 26 th linc gears, 7.00- 16 tirs. gear ratio and tire size and cam grind are important if you want it work well and not bog or not have any power.
 
I have adapted Columbias to fit both my model A,s & wouldnt drive an A without an O verdrive.Both have ratios of 4.11 & 2.94 in OD.They cruise nicely at 60 mph at same rpm as 43 mph in high gear.
 
John, I'm planning on installing the Columbia I've got in the '39 LZ and I've been thinking about putting a Mitchell in the '39 CS. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the install and operation of the Mitchell in your '46. Vic
 
Just out of curiosity why did you go with the 26%? I have one I put in my '47, I went 36% and cable shift and I love it! I figured if I was going to spend that kind of money and do the work I might as well go all out and get the 36% also.

Just fyi I did have to notch the floor under the back seat in my car. It installed fine but it would hit while driving, especially with a couple people in the car. I can post pictures if anyone is interested.
 
Automotive Stud said:
Just out of curiosity why did you go with the 26%? I have one I put in my '47, I went 36% and cable shift and I love it! I figured if I was going to spend that kind of money and do the work I might as well go all out and get the 36% also.

Just fyi I did have to notch the floor under the back seat in my car. It installed fine but it would hit while driving, especially with a couple people in the car. I can post pictures if anyone is interested.
Click to expand...



I'd like to see photos of your installation as I'm thinking about installing a Mitchell OD in our '39 CS and the floor clearance is a concern.
 
I went with the 26% after a lot of thought and discussing it with my engine builder and we decided that the 26% would be a good choice. I did all the rpm checks at different speeds with both ratios and had no problem with around 2200 rpm at 60mph. The main thing with the 26% is that basically I don't have to shift hardly at all with my 276 motor. Here in the east we travel up in the mountains often and I could get by never shifting out of OD. I'm sure the 36% is a great choice to but just not for me.
Regards, Don
 
37don said:
I went with the 26% after a lot of thought and discussing it with my engine builder and we decided that the 26% would be a good choice. I did all the rpm checks at different speeds with both ratios and had no problem with around 2200 rpm at 60mph. The main thing with the 26% is that basically I don't have to shift hardly at all with my 276 motor. Here in the east we travel up in the mountains often and I could get by never shifting out of OD. I'm sure the 36% is a great choice to but just not for me.
Regards, Don
Click to expand...

Ah, I didn't consider that! I live in flat NJ so constantly shifting in and out of overdrive isn't a concern like it would be other places.
 
Vic Piano said:
I'd like to see photos of your installation as I'm thinking about installing a Mitchell OD in our '39 CS and the floor clearance is a concern.
Click to expand...

Here you are. You can see where the leading edge of the overdrive would tap the floor over bumps. I cut up a 289 valve cover and welded it in, worked perfect.
 

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Great use for a valve cover! Is the rear of your coupe lowered? If so, how much?
Contemplating a Mitchell for my '46 Tudor. Thanks
 
I got my mitchell OD today for my 36. I ordered it 16 weeks ago. I've got one in my Model A as well.
 
I've been thinking about a Mitchell for my 39. Has anyone installed one in a 39 coupe? I am not interested in cutting my floor.
 
I put a 36% in my 40 and love it.turned the shift arm to the bottom so as not to hit floor but did go with cable not lever.No problem with floor have complete Bradley floor
 
Installation time?
Can one person do it or two? Things/hints to watch out for? How far back does the rearend have to be moved? What tooth count on a stock 46 pinion spline?
Thanks

John
 
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