What kind of bellhousing do i need to adapt the transmission ( three on a tree) of my 49 shoebox to a French Flathead ? Friend of mine bought one and we try to figure out how to make it work?
The transmission in your car will not fit the early style integral bellhousing. If you really want to use the French block you will need to track down 1949-1950 Mercury transmission and swap it in with the new engine. Then there is the issue of hoping the Ford shifter rods will attach correctly to the shift arms of the Mercury transmission and the shifter****embly on the base of the steering column. I would think it is way more trouble than it's worth. Spend some time looking at the drawings on Van Pelt's website and look at the differences then go whichever direction you choose from there. You could probably Frankenstein something together using the various Offenhauser adapters (early flathead to GM transmission adapter and then the GM bolt pattern to Ford bolt pattern adapter on top of that) as well, but it will add length so the trans crossmember will need to be moved as well and also shortening of the driveshaft. Flathead Parts Drawings-Transmissions
what mods did you make to the french block's oil pan to clear your steering? anyway, you'll have to research adapters for '32-'48 ford/merc.
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