Question: What is a "Columbia 2 Speed Rear"...??? and where on the Internet can I go to learn more about them. Are they hard to find, and do they only work with a flat head...??? Please...
well i am only 18 so i don't know much about anything yet..but the columbia can be used behind a small block if you are using a stock 3 speed ford tranny and bango rear...at least i think.....well i feel better about myself when i think i am acting smart
I'm 47, but don't know alot about Columbias. I do know this, they are very expensive and nearly impossible to find. I've been told the Mitchell overdrive (which is a modern version of the Columbia) is stronger and way cheaper.($2,000)
they are an accessory from ford. they are 2 speed vacumn operated rear axle. the early models worked off vacumm only, and later one were solenoid control over vacumm. I have both models. I've the later one in my 37 p/u nad it makes a big difference in engine rpm.
Didn't answer whole question. The are closed driveshaft, but see no reason why the couldn't be changed to open drive and used in whatever. Don't think you would want to put one behind a big motor as they are quite expensive in the repair department.
Interesting...I met a guy out at the Bakersfield Hot Rod Reunion in October that had one in his flathead powered steel Model-T fenderless Coupe, very cool indeed. His was the older one with the vacuum only control. He told me that he built his coupe from used parts and never spent more than $90.00 for anything...!, but it took him more that 16 years to do it...! Anyway...I think that I might build something like it for myself. I'll call it the "Doctor DeLite Coupe". I'm designing a Model-A chassis with my AutoCAD for starters and I'm looking at the fiberglass ( gasp...!!! ) body from Main Street Rod Co. ( I'd go for the steel...if I could find it...if I could afford it ) I'm looking at flathead power and drive train...and I like the idea of a two speed rear end...that's affordable...that may be asking a lot though...huh...?!
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