1952-59 Ford Fordomatic Transmission Rebuild

Anyone on here ever rebuilt their own air-cooled, 3 speed Fordomatic? Mine is pretty much shot in my car and I have talked myself out of converting my car to a manual as I had been planning. I now have an old pickup with a column shifted 3-speed so I can drive it if I want to drive a standard... Anyway, considering rebuilding my own Fordomatic so looking for any input from someone with experience or direction toward where I might get some information. Thanks in advance.

 

There are Ford service books on rebuilding the Fordomatic. Look at the parts suppliers as they may carry them. Otherwise check ebay for one.

An option is a C-4 three speed. Much better trans than the old Fordo's, easy conversion.

 

http://www.network54.com/Forum/260730

 

Thanks! You know, I hadn't really thought much about swapping transmissions, but maybe I should look into that. When you mentioned a C4, it reminded me that my son got what should be a good one with his 50 Ford project that we aren't going to use since he wants a 4-speed.

 

If I remember there was a lot of discussion here on doing it: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5 But it looks like the easiest with a y-block was not the C4 but the FMX because a C4 requires an adapter kit that is now over $900,if you are going to spend that much I would use the AOD which uses a similar kit and gain the .67 overdrive for highway cruising and better fuel economy. http://www.ford-y-block.com/c4adapt.htm

 

Thanks Jeff! I just found most of that information as well as I was doing some looking. Pretty sure I have talked myself back into just building the Fordomatic, considering my budget. I'm not really looking for increased mileage or anything...just a transmission that will get me from A to B. The one in this car has now made it to 95k miles so I ***ume it will keep going after a rebuild.

 

My last trip from OK City to St. Louis and back about did it in.

 

Here's a transmission in this forum for sale in case you haven't looked: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/56-parts-for-sale.1083669/

And just in case you might to convert to a manual : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/56-parts-for-sale.1068776/

 

Thanks! I had actually talked to Eric about all the parts to convert to a standard and even have a good T85. But, I am resolved to stay automatic.

 

nothing wrong with the old fordamatic..not long ago had mine fully reco'd cost $1300 aussie dollars and car drives great (56 vicky) but if i had known then i would have gone the fmx route.
taking off in first gear is so much better and at the same time would do away with the kickdown linkage...
but i have what i have and enjoy driving it anyway

 

Go to ebay and put in Fordomatic repair manual Lots of choices, pick the right year.

 

Good idea! Just found one and bought it. Thanks!

 

Also think I found another air-cooled 56 Fordomatic for free that I can build then just swap it out.

 

What does one look for when trying to find an FMX transmission?
Years? Cars? Models?
Thanks
Jim

 

Look for a 61 or 62 Green Dot Cruisomatic that was behind a 292. It will be a bolt-in. It will have a vacuum modulator and maybe an aluminum bell housing. Try to get the carb to transmission linkage, too.

 

Thanks so much Brodie. Are there any other models, years, etc?
That will be difficult to find around here in Norcal
Jim
OR, Any idea where I might find info about other models?
Thanks again

 

58 to 60 full size y-block cars may have had a Cruiso, however they will have a mechanical pressure rod and no vacuum modulator. Not a deal breaker by any means.