I was wanting to use this transmission in a '41 Ford coupe. Is it feasible or will be too much work ? I am keeping the banjo rear, and torque tube. Am going to use a SBC engine. I already have the pressure plate, clutch disk and pilot bushing installed. Main reason I wanted to use this transmission is because it's a floor shift, already have it, and it's removed. I do have an original 41 transmission in a sedan that I could remove and use if that's a better option.
That's a big truck transmission. Most likely not synchronized. That and the size of it will make it a bad option. The column shift out of the 41 would be a better option and honestly more fun and clear up leg room.
I was afraid that's what the general consensus would be, but was expecting it. Good thing my junked sedan has the column shifter and linkage because it's missing from the coupe.
Definitely not synchronized. ‘It’s a Warner Gear T9. Early one at that, with cast in hogshead and reverse lockout.
From my memory, column shifts were a PITA and most people couldn't wait to install a floor shift. Column shifters were often vague and didn't shift smoothly or accurately...........unless you never speed shifted it. Lot more trouble to mount and get the linkage working close to properly. Some people like them because it harkens back to the forties and fifties nostalgia. On the other hand there is a definite trend toward using later model 5 and 6 speed transmissions with floor shifters. Smoother shifting and those extra two gears make drivability much better. Parts are easier to find and the trans are usually strong enough for a mild smallblock if you don't abuse them.
I have a 46-48 column shift in my Model A sedan behind a 59ab. I absolutely love it. With new shift rod bushings it shifts better than any 3 speed floor shift plus it's WAY more fun. I wouldn't hesitate to run the column shift. Your torque tube and everything will work flawlessly.
Another advantage to column shift is car thieves will leave it alone because they haven't got a clue how to drive it.
"Oh my goodness! I almost touched the knee of my cheerleader girlfriend while using the floor shift. Maybe I better switch to a 3-on-the -tree." ........said no 1950/60 high school dude ever. My Aunt Mabel had a column shift in her De Soto and she loved it, too. Now sit back down in the Peanut Gallery and don't interrupt the presentation any further. *This post is meant as rough teasing and humor and no disrespect is intended. Note: No 3-speeds were killed or harmed etc, etc, etc.
We obviously have a difference of opinion on how well column shifters work. All I can say is that I have never heard of anyone who drag races removing a floor shift and replacing it with a column shifter because it shifted better, which should say something about which works the best. I will give you that the column shifters were innovative when compared to original OEM floor shift transmissions used in the 30/40s time period. Trying to go thru the "gate" area of a column shifter quickly was usually a self taught process for each manufacturers design. Does any manufacturer today make a vehicle that uses a column shifter for a manual transmission? The thing I remember the most was the sloppy feel they had after a little use, very loose feeling. Not saying someone couldn't enjoy driving one, but they gave new meaning to the term "sloppy seconds"............ One of the current TV shows had a segment not too long ago where a guy drove a nice looking Mustang into a Gas Station/Convenience Store one night and parked at the pump. As he got out of the Mustang, a local hijacker decided he liked the car, so he shot and killed the driver......jumped into the car and found out it was a 5(or 6) speed manual transmission and had no idea how to drive it...........so he just ran away. I'm telling you, many, most of todays youngsters don't have a clue about anything if they can't find it on their cell phone.
Oh you mean the lack of shifter slamming into her knees when she sits next to me is a bad thing?! Haha! He is stuck with either a early Ford floor shift or column shift since he is keeping the banjo and torque tube. I'd rather have a column shift anyway of the week over an 39 toploader style trans. Especially in a 41 ford. The shifter is incredibly close to the dash in those cars.
I remember when column shifts would very often jamb up if an attempt to speed shift them was made. Then Anse came along and adapted the factory T-bird shifters to the popular cars of the day. Then good old George Hurst figured out the "dual pattern" Syncro-lock floor shifter and life chanel forever more for racing/speed shifting manual transmissions. I had the distinct pleasure of becoming friends with George in the mid sixties. He would regale my with stories of his history of Hurst Corporation. He and Bill Campbell were real innovative.
The deal is this, Anyone can choose what they want The column deal will need rebushed after 80 thousand miles. That's a lot of smiles with your girl getting hugs
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