Hi all, After completing a restoration on a '29 Model A town sedan earlier this year I'm now starting on a '31 A roadster that I want to make into a banger rod sort of similar to my avatar. My plan is for the original engine with high comp head, cam, header, down draft carb etc. The body will be pretty stock with full fenders. I plan on using a dropped front axle and 16" wheels. My problem is that I want to use a syncro top loader three speed from the late 30's to make the car easier to drive and enjoy but I have no info on how to make that trans swap and would appreciate some info from those that have done that on what I'm faced with as far as what trans to use, what adapters and parts will be needed , how difficult the swap is and anything else that might help. Are there any publications with a step by step procedure that I can follow? I'd sure appreciate any help offered! I also posted this on the intro page so please excuse the duplication. Thanks Bob <!-- / message --><!-- attachments -->
Start here and read as much as possible. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=842774&highlight=banger+meet Most of your questions are already answered in older threads.
After you read up on it here are some parts. https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/addtocart.asp?prod=43 John
Thanks for everyone's responses... At everyone's suggestion I took a look at the Clings adapter kit and it looks like the way to go for sure. How about adapting the trans to the closed driveline? Are the '37-'39 transmissions a bolt up installation to the closed driveline of the Model A ? Also, can I use the A pressure plate and clutch to mate up with the flywheel that is on the car? Is the input shaft the same as an A or do I need to use a later pressure plate and clutch? I'm beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be simpler to go for the Mitchell syncro trans with the 15% higher gears.
The trans is a bolt on to the adapter, the only thing that is not included in the kit is the "clam shell", the two piece clamp that covers the universal joint, you need the one for v-8's, the A one will not work because the bolt pattern is different. I did mine in a day, dropped the rear end and took out the A trans, put the adapter on and bolted up my 39 trans and put the rear back in. That simple. No cutting no nothing. The pressure plate, disc and all from the A was used.
The A clutch will work. Throwout bearings are the same. But different carriers. and you need the v8 clamshell, but that is it. Its a lot cheaper than the mitchell and with the tall rear tires I am running I don't have a need for a overdrive.
Again I agree with Matt, I have 7.50 tires on the back and my car has gone 65 miles per hour. I wouldn't recommend cruising at that speed for long distances but I can tool around in traffic just fine.
For someone who has never driven a car with an early trans, how are they to drive? (I'm sure it's better than my A trans)
oh yeah, best improvement I made to my car was putting in the v-8 trans. The gears are spaced out farther and you no longer have to double clutch it. I think they are a pleasure to drive. You will love it.
I really prefer the B engine using the B pan and trans case, the trans filled with the generous selection of ge****ts to compliment the car's trans needs. Too big a subject to tack on to your posting. Good Luck: Fred A
Then you have to figure out how to mount the pedals and the wishbone....Not to mention that b transmission cases are getting kinda scarce, and the cost involved with swapping from an A to a B engine....not really sure what you gain besides a fuel pump. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I have put over 4k miles on my hybrid 37 case with 46 gears and 39 top behind my stock A using just the adapters in the Clings kit and couldn't be happier.
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