Can I use ‘46-‘48 Columbia 2 speed controls in a 1940 mercury? Do they bolt in the same way ? I’m thinking they are better anyway as they are electrically operated,The axle is a 1940 Columbia 2 speed
Wow! Silence! I sold my Columbia a few years ago. Sorry I cannot answer your question. But I am betting you can! Bones
The difference in the controls is in the manner in which the vacuum is delivered to the shift canister mounted on the rear axle housing. Pre war the vacuum is routed by mechanically activated controls, post war by electrically activated units. There are two solenoids on the electric units that change the flow of vacuum that goes to one of the two ports on the can mounted on the rear axle housing. The vacuum applied to the can moves a pawl that shifts the internals into high or low range. There is a switch that is activated by a rod connected to the clutch pedal. There is a toggle switch that is connected to the solenoids. The vacuum control unit has four ports, two to the vacuum can and two that direct vacuum to the speedometer ratio changer. The big problem with the electric units are the solenoids and the diaphragms on the speedo changer. Pre war setups come in several styles. The vacuum direction changer is activated by a double cable for 37-41, pre 37 by a rod connected to a knob mounted to the dash. Both have a feature where the vacuum in either direction will not flow unless the clutch pedal is depressed. The speedometer changer is controlled by the cable or rod depending on year. John Connelly has repro. controls and all other stuff you will need. columbiatwospeedparts.com 37-41 46-48
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