Technical Side Shifter Trans with 32 Crossmember

I'm 71 years old, and mocking up a 30 Model A chassis for probably my last Dry Lakes inspired hot rod. I will be running a Mercruiser 4 cylinder engine, and a 40 banjo rear end. I have a new S10 5 speed, and also several good side shifter 41-48 Ford Transmissions. Has anyone had an experience using a 32 transmission crossmember, and running shifting linkage from a 40 column to the side shifter trans? If it matters the crossmember doesn't have legs on it. I'm wondering what kind of linkage mess I'll be getting myself into. The S10 trans is probably the best drivable choice, but new parts are a slippery slope. I've always liked old parts, and used to shop at junk yards when there was still stuff out there. I have been back and forth on this decision, and appreciate you advice regarding the linkage difficulties. Thanks

 

No issues with the crossmember using the sideshift trans. I have no experience with the s10 thankfully ( i also like old parts in old cars).There is a dimensional difference regarding where the bottom of your column will be in relationship to the trans between the Model A and where the parts were originally located in the 40 so some tweaking (cutting,bending,welding etc.) of the rods will be necessary (kinda like those cheapo floor shift conversion kits they used to sell that were adaptable to every vehicle ever made)So a bit of creativity will prevail.Also the brake and clutch pedal setup will have an effect because various setups place the clutch linkage in a different place.A set of 40 pedals for instance will keep the clutch linkage further outboard giving extra clearance for the shift rods.You may also want to take a look at the 48 to 52 F1 pedal set.Shouldn't br any big issue once you come up with the right combination of parts. Side shift transmissions were not unpopular in A/V8's back in the day so this has all been done many times . The fact you are running the Mercuiser shouldn't really have any effect as long as the bellhousing is located in the stock position.Bob

 

So how are you going to 6 shift spots on the column shifter? A friend made 4 and had the reverse lever on the floor using a Saginaw 4-speed. He made it an 8 speed by doing the overdrive conversion. I did that with a 56 3 -sp OD Chev pickup, drove some guys crazy when I used 6 gears.
Rode with the guy once when he used all 8, but it took a good stretch of a road to do it.

 

You can still find shift rods around or build your own out of drill rod and heim ends. I'm with you on the side shift trans; I'm collecting the parts to convert my truck.

 

Is it possible to thread 5/16" drill rod without annealing the ends? (I've always used cold rolled, but drill rod is obviously the stuff of 'choice' here.

 

It will work depending on which pedals you're going to use. Do a search, there's some good info.....

 

Thanks guys. An S10 transmission and Vega steering isn't doing it for me. It's got to be real stuff even if it's difficult. Thanks again.

 

I have done it several times; I like to single point it in the lathe to about 80% thread depth and finish with a die. You can do it with just a die but it’s more work and if the die isn’t kept square with the rod, it tends to cut a “drunken thread”. For shift rods, l would use drill rod.


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