Before anyone goes full-blown apeshit for me even asking for such blasphemy, I am paralyzed and my legs dont work so I cant drive a stick anymore, and havent put any major thought into rigging up some sort of hand clutching system just yet.... That is alot to do when one hand must be on the wheel, and the other used for the gas/brakes..... SO, has anybody ever seen, heard of, or done such an adaptation to a Model A 'banger? I searched and couldnt find a thing. This makes me think it would be rediculously expensive to do, as NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! Thank You, James
Hello to a fellow Michigan hot rodder! Bendtsen seems capable of just about anything. I checked their website, and looks like they have what you need...model A and B engine to a Chevy automatic transmission for about $1200. Wilcap might also have something for you. I don't know if there is a less expensive alternative, except for going with a modern four cylinder and it's automatic trans. More blaspheme! Good luck with everything, and Happy New Year, James! - Rick
One of the best hill climb, drag car is a coupe with a torqueflight behind a banger. You can find good info over at the fordbarn.com site
I ran into a man this past summer who's last name was Simpson from the tulsa area and he had a 29 roadster with a miller overhead valve conversion on a B motor, 2- 2's and a 200 metric trans, I followed him a little while on the highway runnin 70 real well, he said it was a kit, but I cant remember from where.
it has been done. i recall at least 1 article maybe in SSOS 'zine? i think you need a very healthy engine due to the extra hp need from an auto.
I've come across several that had them.In the last issue of Hot Rod (?) there was mention of a hillclimb that Speedy Bill put on for bangers.Several had automatics. Go for it !!
Don't let anybody tell you how to build YOUR car. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Model A.htm I'd recommend a GM 200R4, and an open drive conversion for the rear axle.
I know that a Ford C-4 trans is very popular for this application. I'm not sure who puts out the kit, but I would check with MAC's or Snyders. I know of several in the Phoenix area that use this combo for hillclimbs.
Definitely been done before. Search archives here, on fordbarn.com, and ahooga.com. I have seen one with hand controls for the throttle/brakes here in Southern California. Charlie Stephens
Lonewolf, For decades the Mancillias brothers in the 4 ever 4 club have made an adapter for the banger/automatic conversion. One of the members in the club is also paralized and runs autos in his cars. His name is Art Moore and I've pm'ed his phone number to you, well it's the only number I have for him and I've not been in the club for years. If it doesn't work let me know and I'll get it for you through another member. oops, I just read 4bangertroys post. He's got you covered.
Hey James, its nice to see a guy not allowing himself to be held back from his passion. I too use a wheelchair and love this hobby. I had this exact question a few years back and had gotten some great responds. Good luck and happy hot rodding.
Read this classified and contact the owner http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415202 Lars
We had a wheel chair bound member in the L.A. Roadsters club in the late 70's, his name was Roger Steiner, I'm sure a lot of you knew him, Roger "drove" his T Touring with hand controlled devices, including cruze control & going all over the Western States, enjoying every minute of chasing those lines!----Here's a pix of Roger's T Touring, Magoo's '29, & my '32 on the cover of LAR Fathers Day show 1980 program.------Don
Jim Simpson [40bcool on the HAMB]. Seems like it has a 700R4, but maybe not. In fact the car is in the HAMB classifieds right now. Pretty sure his number is on there, if not, pm me and I will put you in touch. Joe
My dad was on a race team 30 years ago, and the driver rolled a quad, and was paralized, so they set the Foriegn stock toyota up hand control, and he was pretty competitive Good luck
Here are a few pictures that might be of interest to you. I'm using the Bendtsen package with a GM 200c auto behind my "B" engine.I'm also using a 1946 Ford truck rear end, which has the open drive shaft pinion set up. Hope this helps, Ron p.s. just had to show you the nose
The kit for Torqueflight keeps the banger forward bell by using a Slant Six trans, which has about the right starter location. Go look on the Secrets of speed site and peruse the index. Let me know what you find and need...I have most of the issues and can actually find many of those.
Art Moore has 3 bangers running with Chrysler 904 transmissions. He too is in a chair with non-functioning legs. He will be glad to help you. art4e4@yahoo.com
I have their setup, it's still in progress so I cant say good or bad but from the parts they are pretty straight forward looks like easy to assemble and I am using 200R4 trans what are the problems you had or what should I look out for
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