Transmission swap issues

F

Fordguy1964

Member
So I just picked up a 31 Ford Sedan that I am trying to do the V8 conversion on. The engine and trans came out of a 53 Ford. The transmission is a column shifted 3 speed. There doesn't look like there is anywhere to mount a shifter to the side of the trans since it is so short. I'm sure that people have done it before. The question is HOW!??? I thought about making a heavy plate to come off the cross member and mounting a shifter to that then make my own shift rods. I had the shameful thought to just ditch this trans and mount a modern overdrive.... blasphemy! I also wondered about the possibility of using the stock 31 3 speed from the 4 cylinder but thought even with mild driving I would probably quickly destroy it.

Thoughts from the group on this?

Thanks!
 
I have put many thousands of miles in model A's. Transmissions are not bad, just probably gear ratios you won't like, and shifting the sliding gear transmission until you get good at it. Why not just bolt in any v8 top loader (floor shift) from 32-52, open or closed drive, take your pick.
 
Unless the '53 Ford transmission is an overdrive unit, you should be able to find a floor shift conversion for it. You may have to get a little creative in mounting it, but it will no be the least of your problems. The rear transmission mount (and cross member) and the clutch linkage are the real problems.

Going to the earlier transmission (by using a Merc or Ford truck bellhousing) and drive train (as suggested above) is an all around better way to go. I wouldn't even consider using the "A" transmission.

This is assuming that you use the later Ford truck water pumps for the front mounting.
 
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eBay has had many floor shift conversions available. I bought one NIB recently. Less than $100 .definitely worth it compared to converting to another trans . Once you see how it all mounts, you could probably make one of the kits from the 70s work .
 
I smile these days as I blaspheme my way into town, shifting effortlessly (and shamelessly) through all 5 gears with my bored and stroked flathead in the sweet spot, no matter the tight turns, and extreme grade on our many hills. While you have a blank slate, at least give thought to a T-5.
 
As usual, GB is correct, if building from scratch, a modern trans with overdrive is the most beneficial. I've always stuck with the old ford parts mainly because I had it in stock, and too cheap to buy that new fangled stuff. The OP has not responded back, so we don't know if he has fabrication skills, or needs a bolt in
 
Classic choice would be '39 ford top shift 3 speed and enclosed drive line. What brakes you are going to use may affect which way you wish to go. I have a T5 and juice brakes in one old car and can confirm it makes driving so much more pleasurable, assuming you still want to/physically can shift gears. There are options to retain the closed drive line but if your going to do it might as well go open but that puts you down another path of parts buying and swapping.
 
I have read V8Coopman & Heards detailed explanation of putting a NWC T5 into a 36 Ford with an enclosed drive-line over and over again. I just wish someone made a complete kit with a rebuilt transmission that an 80 year old duffer could install in a 36 pickup. The task of trying to find all of the different parts would be a daunting job and I would probably still be working on it when my time was up. I want to drive it for a few more years! LOL
 
It's possible to adapt a side shift transmission to operate and visually look like a floorshift trans in the cab. The attached photo shows a 49 Merc O/D trans that uses a early truck 4 speed trans shift tower to do the shifting. That modification to the shift tower was time consuming and required a lot of fabrication and machining. In my opinion a modern T5 transmission/adapter combo would probably cost less in the long run, unless you could do the work yourself or knew a machinist who was retired, had access to the equipment and enjoyed a challenge. Before fabricating this shifter I tried using a 53 Hurst side shifter kit. I wasn't able to adjust it to perform in the truck - the linkage was too sloppy, the throw too long and it looked ugly.
 

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expavr said:
It's possible to adapt a side shift transmission to operate and visually look like a floorshift trans in the cab. The attached photo shows a 49 Merc O/D trans that uses a early truck 4 speed trans shift tower to do the shifting. That modification to the shift tower was time consuming and required a lot of fabrication and machining. In my opinion a modern T5 transmission/adapter combo would probably cost less in the long run, unless you could do the work yourself or knew a machinist who was retired, had access to the equipment and enjoyed a challenge. Before fabricating this shifter I tried using a 53 Hurst side shifter kit. I wasn't able to adjust it to perform in the truck - the linkage was too sloppy, the throw too long and it looked ugly.
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