Hi there everyone. My car is a 53' Ford Mainline. I installed a 49' 8ba with a 3 speed manual transmission. I decided that I am going to run a fordomatic trans in it instead ( I know I know...). I'm aware that the crank on the 49' block has a hole on the end that is 5/8" in diameter. The torque converter on the fordomatic requires that the crank have a hole that is 1 1/4" in diameter due to the snout (I think that's the word) that sits inside the crank. When I bought the trans this weekend, the guy also gave me the correct crank to use with my application (trans and crank came out of a 53' customline). My question is can I just have that protruding snout. On the converter machined down to 5/8" instead of having to go through the h***le of ordering new bearings for the crank and possibly even having it turned. Does that snout on the torque converter have enough meat to make this possible? Is it a solid piece? Thanks ahead of time guys. I will try to post a pic of the converter tomorrow.
The "snout"as you say , on all converters have to be mounted . That helps keep the converter aniline and stable on both sides . As for the FOM , you could get a C4 and an adapter if you really want an automatic transmission . The FOM also starts out in 2nd gear . Before you spend another penny , please take time to reconsider what you are thinking of doing . The FOM is an OK trans if that's all you have to choose from . You really should consider a C4 with an adapter and you will be much happier with a C4 than a FOM ! I would even use a 3 speed for now instead of going through all the trouble and money of mounting a FOM behind a flathead . It's just my opinion and from someone that has a FOM behind a Y block and totally hate it ! If someone game me a newly rebuilt one for free , I still wouldn't put one in my car ever again ! If you break down , there is no trans shop around that is going to have any parts for the FOM . You will also need to find someone that still knows how to rebuild one . The C4 is a very common trans , it's well built , very strong and any trans shop anywhere will have parts for a C4 and will be able to rebuild one for you very easily . But in the end it all comes down to what you want and it's your car ! Just be happy with your decision on the trans you want to use ! Just something to think about . Jim
Thanks Jim. I did consider going with the C4 conversion and priced out what it would roughly cost me. It would be a safer and more reliable way to go. Only problem is that I would really want to go with somewhat original components for now. I love cars that keep most of their orgins. As for the 3 speed that is currently in there. The trans mount location is not lining up with the trans crossmember on the from. I think that it is because its a 49' 3 speed manual. Very odd to me. The shoeboxes must have had the crossmember in a different location. 2nd problem with the trans is that I've been having the hardest time trying to locate the bracket that holds the equalizer bar for the clutch ***embly. I've been pulling my hair out trying to get it put together. So my solution to this would be to find a fordomatic (knowing that they are not the greatest ******s), and finding original parts to get this car on the road.
I can understand your line of thinking, but I can't agree with it. I had a Ford-o-Matic in my '51 shoebox (see my album) and it ****ed...and mine was working good! Keep in mind that if you build your car the right way...like using a C-4 instead of a Ford-o-Matic...you'll only have to do it once. Good luck!
Have you put a wanted ad in the HAMB cl***ifieds for that bracket? with so many shoebox Fords getting modern transplants someone probably has the part laying in their garage,also look up member Whisky Runner (He is in Theodsia,Mo) by clicking on Community and then members to find Him I think He has some parts cars 49-53.Are you sure that the crank does not have a bronze pilot bushing in it which is for a std trans,it is removed for a Ford-O-Matic.Usually 49-56 Ford transmission mounts were in the same place,you may have a Merc trans which has the mount further back.
Thanks for the input missysdad. Its true that the C4 is definetly the better option for the trans. If only money grew on trees, the C4 would have been my first option. I looked into flat-o and spoke to Gene regarding his kit. Its a little more than I can currently afford this time of year. Being that the I purchased the flathead/trans from a guy that said he pulled it out of a running car, I would hate to spend close to 2 grand in the process of completing the driveline (adapter, trans, modified mount, custom driveshaft) and then realize that my motor knocks at a higher rpm. Comparing the two transmissions, the fordomatic will be my lower priced option due to the parts being more readily available.... At least here locally. As for now I have fired up the engine and it sounds great. The only reason that I'm not going to run the 3 speed manual that I have is because mounting location does not match up to where the rubber mount is going to be bolted up. I have both a 49' trans mount and a 53' trans mount. 49' p*** cars must have had the trans crossmember in a different spot. I'm pretty sure its not a merc transmission because the setup did come out of a shoebox. They would have had to modify the crossmember for that trans to work. As far as contacting whiskeyrunner, I want to say that I have a while back but I can't verify because I deleted my older messages. Going with an automatic is going to be my next option. I had contact with a fellow hamb member which had a driveshaft out of a 53'/fordomatic for $25. Can't beat that. I'm in the process of trying to contact him.
I forgot to talk about the pilot bushing Jeff. You have me wondering now. Currently the trans is bolted up to the block in the car. I will try to remove the trans this week to see if it has that bushing. It would make my week if it did have the bushing and it turns out that there is a 1 1/4" hole behind it. The engine is an early 49'. I'm crossing my fingers!
All I'm gonna say is, ford-o-matics aren't terrible. Yeah, they aren't great, but they're good. C4's are better, but if it were me, I'd consider a t-5 before a c-4, and keep it as a stick car. But thats juts me?
Maybe after a year or so I can do the C4 swap. We will see how long the FOM trans lasts. I posted a new thread on the main board to see if any one else has done this type of machining before. Thanks for your help and opinions guys.
OK so keep the 3 speed and tell me what part you need ? I have a 49 , 50 , 55 Fords sitting here and some extra parts that are extras they I had . If you have a picture of the piece you need please send it to me at mu home email address ---jims55hotrod@comcast.net I just might have what you are looking for . That way you can keep the 3 speed till you save enough for a good C4 trans conversion ! My 50 Ford I will be changing it to a 289 or 302 or maybe a stroked 351w and uae a 3 speed that is already on the column or a 4 speed . Anyway I have the fork I think and some other parts for a flathead clutch set up and 3 speed trans so please tell me what you need and I will go out in this damn very windy bitter cold and hunt the parts up for you if I have it ! I can do that for you if you want ! Jim
Thanks Jim. I will send you an email with pictures tomorrow when I get the car up in the air. There is an issue with the mounting location on the trans and the mounting location of the crossmember. The location of both will not allow a rubber trans mount (49' or 53') to be used. I think this is because the trans is an early 49'? The cars had different frames. Thanks again - Sal
Sal ,why not make a small plate to bolt up to the cross member and then drill the holes out for the trans mount to set into . I have done that many times before . That is if I am thinking that this is the problem . You could even weld a small plate to the Cross member so the trans mount will fit in OK . I will see what pictures yo have then we can go from there . Jim
I just sent you an email regarding the clutch ***embly Jim. It contains a picture from a parts diagram that I have. Part # 7509 is the main piece that I need. I have the equalizer bar and everything that sits outward of that already. When I get the car in the air tomorrow, I will email you the pics of the trans mount etc... Thanks for that p/n Jeff. I doing some research on that right now.
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