Technical 39 Toploader Transmission or Stock Model A?

I think I'm finally going to start a Model A I've had for a while. Decided to stick with the 4 banger just for simplicity sake.

I've got a complete stock chassis and drivetrain. Won't be swapping over to something else because I'm too old and too cheap.

With that said, I've been watching more Paul Shinn than I thought I ever would. Shinn suggests going with a stock Model A transmission that has had the Mitchell synchronized conversion.

What I can't find is if he has any opinion on the 39 Toploader swap into a stock style Model A.

So I bring it out to you: for durability, 39 Toploader or stock Model A? I do plan on running a Burtz block with possibly a Miller OHV head conversion in the future.

Let me know your opinion.

 

I think clings is out of buisness. They made the kit for the toploader conversion. I have a stock a trans with sealed bearings in my coupe (inside shield removed) just shift easy and double clutch and you'll be fine. That being said, I have broke a few stockers. Usually the case gives up

 

Burtz block is Model A flywheel housing...there are other options with a B and if you hop one up with an overhead you are probably going to wish you had an overdrive....but that is just me....my Cragar/Miller on a Burtz runs with another banger powered Roadster that weighs 1800 lbs... car is much heavier and he dyno'd at 104 hp...we are both running T-5's mine is set up for the torque tube.
I have another Model A with a Mitchell main box and their driveline overdrive. The main box has the 20% higher second gear...and third is 1:1.
The Mitchell transmission has always been noisy and pops out of gear in first under deceleration....Mitchell would not step up and correct anything....I was instructed to pull the shifter and clean the burr off the end of the bushing they install..."they miss it sometimes"....it is an internal problem and I will have to go thru it myself...it does shift 1-2 and 2-3 like a syncro transmission should
The OD is mounted to the torque tube and on rough road, it pops out of gear....the combination of the two is over $5k...a consideration....plus shipping and they want your old case, shifter top and input bearing retainer
Your '39 gear box would duplicate the Mitchell and I suspect, without the expense....but you are 1:1 in high.
Good luck pondering the world of making a banger roadable

 

Berts still makes the 39 kit, but I believe they're the only ones now.

I have not heard an honest assessment of any of Mitchell's products. All of this is very good to know.

I have a 39 Toploader and a 40 Ford Banjo. If I were to run the Toploader, (which is highly likely now) then I'll be running the 40 Banjo.

I'll be doing this for the durability and for the ability of running a quick change in the housing.

I have found that Model A quick changes don't have enough gear ratios for my liking unless that's changed in the last 15 years.

 

V8 tranny for sure. I'll bet they are easier to find too.

 

You better believe it. I know where one is out in my garage...

I tell you what I think would be neat: a Model A with 3-on-the-tree. I've got the V8 transmission for that one too.

I bet you'd have to run swing pedals for that...

 

Snyders is selling the kit.

 

Well that is disappointing, was wondering why I couldn’t find the web site.

 

I don't know how I didn't know about Snyders. Good resource. Thanks.

 

I have a Model A banger with 80's F150 3 speed plus overdrive. It is about the ideal setup but they are getting scarce. T5 would be my next choice.

John

 

Your welcome! Here's the link. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978885

 

I would use a Model B transmission with '39 gears. You need fabricate pedal mounts and a wishbone mount. There a a couple of tricks getting the gears into the case, contact VanPelt.

Charlie Stephens

 

I’m with @Charlie Stephens use a model B trans case and toss in a set of V8 gears. I would also use a 32 k member with 32 pedals

 

I'm using a 39 trans behind the A banger in my Roadster. Used the Clings kit. Still have stock pedals and mechanical brakes. Works fantastic.


From what I was told Clings is now being operated by the grandson of the original owner, who retired. They no longer sell direct to consumer only though a handful of Model A vendors like Berts and Snyders.

 

I have a 40 Ford with a 39 trans and Mitchell OD and it works like a charm, no problems of any kind. The install was straight forward and the only drawback was the cost.

 

I've also run the '32 case with the later gears as I wanted a different ratio split in the gears...that car now has a TK-5 out of a '84-87 Ford Ranger, Bronco, Aerostar application...almost anything is possible to adapt....

 

Running the same set up!Really like it!

 

I did the V-8 trans and have been happy with it for 20 years.
After I was done rebuilding the gearbox, the whole thing got installed in the A in a weekend.