I've had a good look round but haven't managed to find an answer, so I'm hoping someone here may know. Is there (or was there ever) an adapter to put a later style Ford flathead V8 trans (49-53) onto an earlier flathead V8 motor? Thanks in advance, Neil.
Lots of possibilities, probably all harder and more expensive than swapping for an early trans(ge****t is essentially same as '49 type). Easiest, but a rare part: Some late 1951 Mercs used late trans, '49-40 Merc type bellhousing (early Ford pattern), and a factory adaptor to go between the two, complete with clutch cross shaft. Someone posted a pic of this recently, but I can't find it. Perfect solution...but really scarce. There are modern adaptors that I think will do the job from Offy (requires 2 adaptors!) and "We're only '32" direct to Ford--both ways will cost more than swapping trans. If you have access to machine work, truck four speed bell or cut-off front from early trans can be adapted--again obviously harder and more costly than going to early trans. My thought: Either use early trans, or, if you go the adaptor route, go to a trans that's better than '50 Ford. If you are going to use an expensive adaptor and open drive, use the money and work to get a trans that is stronger and has more than three gears!
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