Ok the 3-speed in my '53 Customline is wearing on me. A friend says he's got a '50 Customline and he will give me the overdrive out of it. Both have the flathead. So has anyone done this swap? Is the trans the same length? Same driveshaft? Same trans crossmember? And I've heard there is a lever under the dash and a solenoid? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
The 49-56 Fords will interchange as far as length and number of splines go,the solenoid is mounted on the transmission there is also a switch at the gas pedal and the pull lever under the dash,get the CD from Retro Jim it will show how it is all mounted and the part numbers.There is a kit available that will eliminate some of that and allows you to activate the OD by a toggle switch where you turn it on at 45 mph for highway cruising.
Thanks Jeff. I'm just trying to find out what I'm getting into before I tear everything apart. If the trans are the same length and driveshafts are the same than it sounds like a pretty easy swap. Do you know if the shift and clutch linkages are the same?
You are OK on the clutch ,the shift linkage will need a little adjustment,Fords have a fair amount of threads on the shift rods so that should not be a problem.If you can get the overdrive cables and bracketing from your buddy try to take some good pictures before you remove it to help you re***emble.
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