I have a few random thoughts that I was hoping I could get answers to. 1. Why do most people refer to 26/27 Ford roadsters as a 27 roadster? Why are there so few 26? 2. Aren't the 23-25 roadster bodies the same? I see 23 all the time but almost never see 24-25. 3. Is the Ford gearbox that everyone calls a 39 only made 1 year or is that a generic term like Kleenex? Is there other years that are synchro after 39 but have the same external case?
I think the answer to #1 & 2 is just that most people can picture a '27 in their mind when you mention one but '26 kind of makes one think twice even though they are virtually the same. The same thing happens with '28 and '29s, my roadster is technically a '28 but I refer to it as a '29 so most people can visualize it. I'll get corrected if I'm wrong (I'm no expert on flatheads and stuff) but I believe that the '36-'39 Fords had the same floor shifted 3 spd, and in '40 they introduced the column shifter and changed the transmission accordingly.
Why when I say "32" I presume you know I mean Ford. When I say "57" I'm talking about Chevy. Like you said, T's are 23 or 27, early Model A's are 29 unless it's a roadster without door handles, But I rarely stop to worry about it.
Henry shut down the factory in April or May 1927 in order to make the Model A so there are lots more 26s than 27s. I have posted the production numbers before and the differences between the 26 and 27.
The floor shift "39" trans continued on to at least '48 in the pick-ups, & the '48 & newer were open drive.
I believe ‘39 was first year for synchronized first gear and helical cut first and reverse gears. The later truck top loaders were open drive if I recall some recently read information. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
The floor shift was later than 48 in pickups, I believe a cousin had a three speed early fifties ford pickup, well it was his dad's on the farm, I think he got it up to 60 in second, she was wound out this would have been in the very early sixties. If I am wrong I will accept that without crying
Can someone direct me to a thread that discusses all about the trannies? I would like to further educate myself on this.
The Ford 1939 trans was stronger than the previous ones and the ideal build is to use a truck "78" series case with 39 or later gear sets.. The "78" series cases were I believe a little more stout.. Also, The later side shift gear sets will fit inside the 39 up top loader trans and are a little easier to find... So, a "78" series case, good side shift gear set and you're in business....
Check out Van Pelt Sales website...Mac is very helpful and a HAMB member that chimes in with helpful advice regularly.
Kinda on the same note a lot of people say model a 5window. Duh, they are all 5 window. Coupes i am referring to.
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