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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Anyone have a suggestion for a floor shift for my 55 CV? Oh yeah, it's a Ford-O. Thanks, Rowen
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By miker - 9 Years Ago
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This doesn't answer the question, but there's some good info here on Gennie
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/my-you-didnt-build-that-27-t-roadster-build-thread.734383/page-41
The Gennie site also has some good info, but you'll probably have to call them.
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks miker, ill check them out. Rowen
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By dbird - 9 Years Ago
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One option might be to use one out of a Thunderbird. It would have the correct shift pattern anyway. A little more expensive than an aftermarket, but it would have the vintage look. Last time I priced one at a swap meet, the guy wanted about $300. New neutral start switches let you start in park too.
Don
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By paul2748 - 9 Years Ago
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The shift lever coming out of the trans is usually different for a floor mounted shifter than a column mounted shifter. I ran across this when I converted my Tbird to a C-4. Floor mounted trans' shifter had the trans lever pointed up, column shifter trans had the trans lever mounted down. I/m not sure this applies to all Fordo's but something to check.
On the C4 I used the shifter am had both upper and lower arms.
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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I'm leaning toward a early mustang floor shifter. I like the simplicity and i think it will be a little less obvious. Any idea what mods might have to be done? If it will even work? Rowen
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By miker - 9 Years Ago
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Rowen,
I wish I could be of more help, but I've always been going the other way-using the old floor shifter with a later model (typically 4 sp) auto. Some cases I had to re shape (file) the detents, and some didn't have enough travel to manually engage low. The neutral and backup light switches are next. On my OT car, the neutral sw only works in park, and the backup lights only worked in neutral. Since it happens to be our least favorite brand (on this site), I just picked up the phone and ordered the right parts.
Just in general. The floor shifter is going to not only fit the floor, but clear the trans inside the tunnel. The transmission arm as mentioned by Paul needs to point the right way. Then, clearance for the rod from the shifter to the arm. Next is the detents, as in do they "line up" between the trans and shifter. Otherwise, you're going to be inside the shifter relocating them. Filing or welding, and these parts are usually hardened to minimize wear. Or changing the length on the trans arm to get the right travel.
Maybe the "throw" on the Mustang trans (cruiso or C-4, I have no idea) turns out to be the same as the Fordo. Maybe there's room for the arm, or maybe a Morse type cable.
Both the 55-7 bird shifter and the Mustang shifter are pretty short, since the bird seat is on the floor, and the 'stang had a console. I don't know how long a reach that is sitting in a pass car.
I'm not trying to be negative here, even though it probably sounds that way. As a dumb 17 yo, I put a T-85 OD in a 55 bird (with the small tunnel), and fit a Hurst Syncro Lok with the short handle for a Vette. It wasn't pretty from underneath, but it worked fine. So I'm sure it can be done. But you need to do your homework to see what you're getting into.
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks miker, all good information, and wise advice. I have plenty of time to do this build. I am trying to gleen as much information and expertise as I can. I am collecting (hopefully) all the parts I will need and trying to form the best plan I can. I am confident that with the help of people like you, Charlie, Ted, and too many others to list, my first real "build" will be kool, fast,AND reliable. Thanks to all, Rowen
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 9 Years Ago
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I used to use a Hurst "Indy Matic" shiter in my Victoria with both the Ford-O-Matic and the FMX. It is a detent shifter and worked quite well!
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Mornin Canadian hot rodder, "used to use", does that mean you no longer use it? If not, do you still have it? Would you be interested in selling it? I found a NOS one on line for $400. A little pricy for me right now. Thanks, Rowen
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 9 Years Ago
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Rowen,
I used to use it when my 56 was automatic. I am now running a T-5 manual. I'm afraid that I sold with my old FMX tranny that I had. However, you can still buy one through Hurst. They still sell them and if I remember correctly they are well below $400 new.
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 9 Years Ago
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Rowen,
Check out link for Summit Racing
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/huu-5060001
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks for the link Canadian hot rodder, unfortunately, the add says not available and a phone call verified that. I have time to figure it out and I am not married to this idea, (Using the Ford-O). Looks like I have some head-schratchin ta do. Rowen
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 9 Years Ago
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Rowen,
If you look on other sites ( B&M shifters) I believe they make a similar one. But a word of advice unless you are looking to be concourse stock, turf the Ford-O-Matic (or Slush-O-Matic as I call it)! It is a HUDGE power robber and not much is available for them.
If you want performance, I would go the FMX or C-4 route. If you are looking for just a good cruiser it is WELL worth the money to go with an AOD or I hate to say it but a scrub 700R4. I went with a T-5 manual 5 speed and LOVE the overdrive. A friend of mine went the scrub route with an adapter on his Y-Block and again LOVES the overdrive. Using an AOD or 700R4 will give you great gas mileage, better performance, cruise speed on the highway without over revving your engine! Just to give you an example with my 5 speed, I am revving 1800 rpm at 60 mph with 3:55 rear gears.
P.S. here is a link for the B&M equivalent http://www.bmracing.com/products/category-list/?maincat=Automatic%20Shifters (8th one down called "Unimatic")
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By miker - 9 Years Ago
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If the Fordo has the same pattern/travel as an FMX, take a look at Lokar. It looks like they have a floor mount unit for the FMX still listed, with different shift lever options. Catalogs a bit confusing, so a call might be in order.
Since CHR already mentioned the other guys, don't sell a 200 4R short. They can be built to take surprising power and torque. They're smaller and lighter than the 700, about the same length as a powerglide, and have a better gear ratio spread for some applications.
I replaced a PG with one in an OT car, and going from 2 gears to 4 is like adding 50-60 hp. I know fordo's are 3, but most seem to start in 2nd if you don't select 1st.
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By Kahuna - 9 Years Ago
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Hi Rowen
I thought you also had a toploader 4 speed? Or, do I have craft again?
Regards
Jim
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By Rowen - 9 Years Ago
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Heya Jim
Nope, jus the Ford-O that's in the car. I have been toying with a multitude of ideas for her drivetrain. The only constant will be the Y-block.
The FMX,C4, T10,T5, have all meandered throu my head. It will come down to cost, reliability, and ease of installation.
As I have said this is my retirement toy, and I don't want to spend my time "adjusting/fixing" stuff.
I have a note pad with the combos I have have thought up so far with notes on adapters, drive lines, yokes, shifters, etc, etc, etc........
A little confusing, I'm not known for "order".....lol
But I figure the right combo will eventually "jump off the page".
Rowen
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By Kahuna - 9 Years Ago
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A transmission change is not in the mix for me in the foreseeable future, but if it were, I'd begin to investigate the Ford AOD.
I'd start with the gear ratios, then install problems, then the necessary axle ratio.
I'm sure you'll figure it out
Regards
Jim
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By yalincoln - 9 Years Ago
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hi,they used FMX trany's in mustangs and cougers with 351 W 2bbl. 69-70, should have the shifter you need. the stock tranny and converter will work also if you redrill the bell housing.
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