Y block to '51 3sp OD Trans in a '49 Coupe

Hi,

I recently bought a '49 ford coupe as an unfinished project from a guy who didn't strip the car down and did not do anything to the car either. The car was complete apart from the seats and the original 8BA Flathead. The transmission was thrown in the back of the trunk and upon inspection it appears to be a unit out of a '51.

This is my first shoebox so please forgive my ignorance, will this trans fit in my 49? Also i intend to put a y-block into the car and use this transmission, is this possible?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Adam

 

The trans will work (both in the car and with the Y-block), but you'll need the in/out cable and the kickdown bits (switch that goes under the gas pedal, relay, etc) to make it work. If you convert to 12 volts, a 12V solenoid would be a good idea too.

 

Wow this brings back memories .. I did this swap while in high school. I used a Hurst mount. a dropped tie rod and a passenger car bell housing to mate the trans (50 model with overdrive).I think we also cut the frame cross member and boxed it in so the pan would fit. You might want to rethink the original trans as they weren't very strong. I think I remember tearing quite a few up behind a 292 Y block. Go with a 5 speed and you won't have any problems and the reliability will be better. IMO
Good luck

 

Be sure and save this for when you do the swap: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177373&page=2

 

Thanks guys! That is what i thought but someone told me the 51 wouldn't work.

I'm also thinking of going for something stronger but we'll see.

Thanks again.

Adam

 

I put a 289 in my 49 ford with the original 3spd w/ OD. I also put a taller ring/pinion since I created more HP with the small block.
Not trying to steer you away from the Yblock, just letting you know the trannies are a good unit to still use.

 

They were probably thinking 49/early 51 Mercury trans that had the big bell bolt pattern like the 48 and early Fords did.
An 8 BA out of a car normally has this bellhousing that later transmissions will bolt to.
Meaning that the Y block V8 bellhousing will bolt to the trans out of the 51 Ford car too. As Gotolarry said those transmissions are pretty whimpy even behind a flathead. One of my buddies had broken early 50's Ford three speeds stacked up like cordwood behind his garage as he broke so many behind a strong running Y block.

 

If you can find a '57 or newer 3spd/OD(Get the matching clutch disc & output yoke!!) , especially a T-85C w/curved bottom side cover :you'll be happier a lot longer(& 12V as well!) This info is from 50 yrs past, so nowdays a modern 5-spd sounds even better! lol

 

Thanks again guys. Thats the bell housing I have and it probably explains the confusion as the guy i was speaking to owns a 51 Merc.

I would like to keep this car late fifties period correct'ish that's why i was going to use the original box and a y-block. Sounds like a T-85C would do the trick, any other suggestions?

thanks