Hot Rods Columbia 2 speed axle actuator

Just checking in to ask if anyone has used a 12v linear actuator to engage disengage a columbia 2 speed rear axle ?on the face of it the idea seems cleaner that’s in air and vacuum.But will it work?

 

http://www.columbiatwospeedparts.com/

 

John Connelly does not have a reference to any actuator other the the original vacuum , well as far as I can see. Clearly he is the main go to man.

 

Good question-I have no idea but he knows if anyone does-give him a call. My 40 has all the orig controls and functions very well.

 

I put a manual shift in mine, works good

 

I wonder if a linear actuator would act fast enough?

 

The actuators have various speeds and ability to pull push. I imagine with the straight dog gears possibly you don’t want to go too fast . But I don’t know much about the action.

 

I have seen one set up with a "J" model Bedford two speed diff actuator that was 12v,
guy said it worked really good.

 

John Connelly said he recommends stick to vacuum ,it works. I was just throwing an idea out there.
@karl share , we plan to use a speedometer changer from an Eaton 2 speed axle out of a Bedford truck. Just need to track one down.

 

Mine is stock vacuum setup and stock speedo changer etc. Car had sat for a few years. The Columbia did not work. I called John and he told me pull hoses on canister and squirt a bit of light weight oil in the outlets. Did it and let set overnight-works great since. Columbia manual says to do this every so often.

 

The Columbia in my '32 Roadster is from a '37 to '39 Lincoln. The speedometer drive is off the rear axle and my drive cable is 14 feet long. Great because it eliminates the speedo switch over. Been in my car since 2006 and engine runs at 2200 rpm at 70 mph on the freeway. A great addition to a torque tube type driveline. The connection for the cable can be seen in this this photo.

 

Regarding the actuator for gear changes I used a GM gas tank module for a Chevy pickup. It does pull vacuum from the intake manifold and has a GM switch under the dash. Unfortunately neither the module or switch are currently available. I don't have a part number for either the module or switch and was hesitant to even post this info because the parts have been discontinued.