Does a Ford-o-Matic from a 52' bolt up to a 46' v12 Zephyr engine? Speed obviously not a concern here...lol. Just curious and what parts should be scrounged from the donor car besides the trans and converter?
You will need an adaptor. Completely different bellhousing bolt patterns between the Y-Block and V12, but the V12 is the same as the Flathead V8, if you can find a rare Ford-O with the flathead bellhousing, that may work with some modifcation. The V12 Zephyr never came with an auto, so it may a custom flexplate, especially if the balance or starter engagement is different from the V8. Post lots of pics if you get it together.
If going thru all the work, why not use a bit more modern trans. I had one (v12) with a c4. Home made adapter. A shop teacher made this setup. He was a v12 fanatic and died with a fabulous collection. He had a son who wanted that setup back in family and I thought so too.
FrozenMerc, post: 12821173: "the V12 Zephyr never came with an auto" Not exactly. Lincoln offered its first automatic transmission - Liquamatic Drive - in 1942 but it proved troublesome and 1942 auto production ceased February 9, 1942 due to WWII. Here is a Lincoln ad for Liquamatic for the 1942 model.
This is the best suggestion. Early Flathead Ford to C4 adapter may work as is or with simple mods. Available from at least a couple sources.
Yeah, The Ford-o-matic trans works but is not the best thing in the world. I run one in my "30 Sedan behind a Y block, the problem I have with it is with home made throttle linkage I can't adjust the "throttle valve" linkage by the book. It uses a bell crank set up that will allow the throttle valve linkage to keep traveling after the carb is wide open and getting all that in correct proportion may be hard. whatever you do, good luck and let us know. Remember running weird stuff can be difficult but is cool when it all works out.
Lucas, Thanks for the correction. That has got to be one rare option. Considering Lincoln only made about 6,200 cars in '42, I wonder how many were equipped with the automatic?
The V-12 engine bolt pattern is the same as Ford, so just buy an adapter from Speedway or any other supplier to most any transmission you desire. I'd check out the four or five speed options, better with 120 HP V-12. Of course, you'll need to adapt to torque tube, or convert to open drive shaft. With open drive shaft you'd need to fab new rear radius rods for stock rear, or convert rear end to modern axle.
Thanks for all the info guys. I love a stick but trying to save a little foot room being a bigger guy. Are there any blueprints available for the c4 adapter?
Mercury came out with a Merc-o-matic in '51, probably a Fordomatic with a different name. Probably not quite as scarce as hens teeth.
Having owned & driven (many years ago) a fordomatic, I must agree with previous posters. It was made early in the evolution of automatics and was a pretty pathetic attempt. About the only viable auto of the time was GMs hydromatic and it doesn't compare to more modern offerings. Just my two cents. Phil
More than likely. Lincoln's first attempt at a fully automatic transmission debuted in 1942 and production was limited to about 3 months. A good thing, since it was a full blown disaster. The second attempt was in 1949 but they used GM Hydramatic transmissions which were far more reliable. "Liquamatic" brings to mind the funny, but dated, definition of diarrhea - "a fart with fluid drive."
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