fordomatic on 49' flathead engine

Has anyone ever installed a 53' fordomatic trans on a 49' or 50' ford 8ba flathead engine? It currently has a 3 speed manual attached to it. I have heard that there is a difference in the crankshaft which will not allow the nose of the torque converter (engine side) to slip into the crankshaft of the early 8ba blocks. I do have a spare crankshaft which is the one that came with the FOM trans that I just bought. I would rather not tamper with the crank unless need be. Is it possible to machine down the nose on the torque converter to 5/8" so that it will slip into the existing crank? Im hoping that there is enough meat there to do this. Or will removing the pilot bearing on the crank give me the 1 1/4" needed (crank side) to just bolt up the FOM trans? Im planning on dropping the manual trans sometime this week to pull out that pilot bearing. Thanks ahead of time guys.


.... And yes I know that the Fordomatic isnt the best of trans out there and I should install a C4. I have to deal with what I have for now.

 

Remove flywheel on the '49 and look at the back of the crank...engine has likely been rebuilt a time or two and you my luck out and find it has the '51 up crank type that has a recess to take the nub you can see on your trans.
This trans will be a great addition for your sluggishness and dead weight! Keep the stock stick until you can find what you want!

 

You will also find that you lack sufficient floor clearance for the Fordomatic. '51 models had a larger front trans 'hump' to provide the needed space for the F-O-M.

Ray

 

I didnt think of the crankshaft possibly being replaced during and rebuilds of the motor, if any. I will pull the manual trans off tomorrow and see what I end up with. Won't be too hard since a don't have any linkage or the correct driveshaft for the 3 speed that is in there right now. That is why I am going with an automatic instead. I've been having a hard time locating brackets for the clutch ***embly and the trans mounting position will not line up correctly with my existing trans crossmember.