Hi all. I am trying to locate a gearlever for what i have been told is a`32/34 box.The part number on the gearbox starts 18 which i have been told ages it as a¬32/34 box.The turret on the top leans back at an angle. I got a lever today which the vendor said was what i wanted,but it dosent fit. So,i was wondering,can any of you guys can email me a picture of a`32/34 lever,especially the bit that goes in to the box so that next time i will have a better idea of what i am looking for and dont end up with the wrong piece again? Are there any identifying numbers on the lever?The one i have has what appears to be a 7 cast on the bit that fits inside the box.Does that have any significance? New to this early Ford stuff and been caught out a few times already!(Putting together a`32 on an original UK frame). My email address. jackie.bull@btinternet.com Thanks in advance for any help coming my way. Mark
Had a quick look on the van pelt website,and they show a pic of the lever i have. Appears to be for the 38/39 Ford/Mercury. It also states that the early levers are different and wont work in later boxes and vice versa,so i`m not going mad,i have been given the wrong piece! Mind you,a pic of what i want would still be appreciated.Or if you have one you would be prepared to sell?? Mark
It's the lower regions you need to be concerned with. The part from the pivot point into the trans is shorter on the early trans's. I think they switched with the 1937 cars. And, Ford used the *18- numbers on transmissions into the forties, so don't think that number will get you a '32. The numbers following the *18- are what counts.
Thanks for the info...but thats not how i read it on the van pelt site,or what i have been told by a guy over here! It mentions on their site the difference in length of the lower section. This is the info i have..32/34 start with 18- 35/36 start with 48- 37/48 start with 78- Could i successfully fit a later top plate and lever on to the early box?? Mark
Lets start by trying to identify the shift tower top, There should be a casting number on the top plate area forward of the shift tower, What is that number? Lever designs are based upon the bend of the lever and the distance from the ball to the shift pin. Straight levers with angle rear ward are usually 32-34 but later PU use a similar lever but with a longer pivot arm. Mid 30's have S swept levers.
Those 18's, not the 18 serial, are casting numbers on case and not stamped 18-serial...even though there are several variants '32-4 in the case. Up top a '32 (I think this is correct for RHD) only will have two lugs for handbrake handle. Later top only usable with 1936-up gears, just as with shift lever. Should be fairly easy to unearth some kind of '32-5 lever on here...I'd swap or give you one but not willing to ship. There are several '32 ones, I think all are a simple angle style with angle at base and essentially straight upper shaft. There are numerous curved versions for later cars.
Also, if you feel trans is an intact original the number following 18F on the serial stamp right at top of bell housing will date the car it came in*. Not certain of handbrake placement on RHD or of placement of '32 only brakelight holes...I suspect brakelight switch went elsewhere due to pedal order. All that is in the '32 book somewhere. *though to add to the confusion, England built '32 based cars until '34
Thanks for the info fellas.I`m away at the Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County raceway from tomorrow till Sunday,planning to rag the nuts off my T bucket,but when i get back i will get any numbers i can find,and will get some pictures. Just to add,although my ch***is is an English version,i am converting to LHD and the gearbox came in from the States.The mount that was on it has been identified for me as a 1934.(i have a new repro 32 one on its way) Bruce..i have a contact in LA who will post to me if you can get it to him?Happy to pay for it,paypal any good?Just looked at your location..i think i also have a contact in your neck of the woods who ships parts to the UK,i`ll check. We`ll`speak`on Monday! Have a nice weekend.
****,thanks for that.I`ll look up any numbers i can find and report back on Monday. The lever i have has a double curve and tapers toward the top,and when dropped in to the tower,the locating parts on the lever p*** through the fittings in the box.It is too long. Mark
I was talking about the serial number hand stamped into the top of the bellhousing. As for part numbers cast into the individual pieces, yes they will have the prefix you mention. You can fit later gears and tops into the earlier housings. I have done it myself. If you have an S curve handle that is too long, you have a '37 and up handle with earlier guts.
I'll see if I have a proper lever for the early top. I know I have a curved one much like a '39, but will need to dig futher. Don't know if you need correct or just one that will move the gears. From there, the question will become will the wrong one fit in the ****pit...not much room there*, and some combos will smash your hand against the dash. Throw is longer than on the '36 up type. *the discussion of variants and changes during 1932 in the '32 book will illuminate this!
Thanks bruce. Yes,alchemy,i read somewhere that the same number that is stamped on the ch***is would have been stamped on to the bellhousing.Didnt make the connection for aging the car! I`ll get all the info together for next week. Thanks again. As for what lever i need,it will be going in to a 3 window coupe,sitting on the frame as per original,and i will be using the dash that came out of the body that came with the ch***is,which was a French(just to confuse things even more!)Tudor sedan.I can get a pic of that also. Mark
The sedan dash will not fit a 3W. Might be easier to fit a Chevy or something. 3W was completly different from a sedan
No Bruce..it has an oval open in the centre,but the sides are blank.I`ll post a pic next week. As for it not fitting..im happy to make it fit.
Quick update..i located one at the Nostalgia Nationals last weekend so now sorted,thank you very much for your help!
Bully, As you saw on my website, the early shifter levers have the shorter stub (the part below the pivot point) and must be used with the slanted shift towers. The 32-34 levers are essentially the same....a single bend just above the pivot and straight on out to the knob. The last year of the slanted tower (1935) used a one-year only lever. The working end is the same as the 32-34 but the upward portion has that double bend similar to the '39 swan neck style lever. The 35 lever will work as I stated but the bends might put the knob too close to the dash or down on the seat cushion....depends on your car of course. PS: there are no part numbers stamped into the old Ford levers, so you have to know what you are looking for. If Bruce can't find one, let me know. I might have a 32-34 lever around here too. It might need some restoration of the aligning groove, but that is easily done on your end............... Mac VanPelt
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