Early 60's Ford tranny swap question

I have an opportunity to get a new toy. However my next one needs to be more practical.

I'm looking into a 1960 Ford Wagon and trying to set it up in my head prior to acquiring it.

I would want the engine compartment to be period correct. In other words no modern 5.0, 4.6 or even fuel injection. But due to the price of gas and the fact that I want to drive the **** out of it, I would like an overdrive. The car currently has a 352 or a 390 FE block in it.

My question is does Ford make a "non-electronic" overdrive automatic (like an AOD) that will bolt up to the 352/390 FE block? If not does anyone make an adaptor plate to make it work?

 

Yes and no. They have 3 spd manual overdrive transmissions that went behind FEs. They are like the older 50s ford ones but stronger like a T-10. I dont know the exact name for the trans but my Dad has one he got out of a 60 wagon with an FE. To go automatic overdrive you are going to have to use an early AOD and an adaptor from Wilcap or something.

Put some taller gears in it and be done with it. Takes a hour to change those.

 

FE to AOD adapters are common. It'll be far better than trying to stooge around in a 3-speed automatic with 2.20 gears or something.

You could also run an AODE/4R70W with a Baumann or equivalent computer, the only engine input it REALLY requires is a throttle position sensor.

 

Aside from the adaptors, Lentech makes an AOD with FE bellhousing. You can't buy the bellhousing without the AOD and they charge a lot of money for transmission- $3-4K.