The Ford Barn

Trashman60 · 01-21-2015, 08:58 PM

This is probably going to stir up a a hornets nest, Is it possible to bolt up a auto trans to a model A? If so, what trans will fit?

RUNNERBUN · 01-21-2015, 09:45 PM

Good luck, I got crucified by a local club member here in Aus. because I installed a Mitchell Synchro transmission. Was told that I had become a hot rodder.
I suspect that you will be advised to post your request on another forum.
To each his own. Your car your choice. I wish you well whichever way you choose to go.

Mitch//pa · 01-21-2015, 09:51 PM

some people have certain health issues which require them to need an automatic. try doing a search here i remember some threads on it. you can also try contacting steve at berts model A..

Charlie Stephens · 01-21-2015, 09:55 PM

It is perfectly acceptable if you have a medical need for an automatic transmission. If you just "want" to have one that is an entirely different story.

Charlie Stephens

Marvin/TN · 01-21-2015, 10:19 PM

I to would like to know the answer to that question. Not sure I want to attempt to drive my 30 coupe with only one leg. I am missing my lower Rt leg. Flat O Matic makes an adapter for a C4 trans to a Flat Head. I plan to do that with my 46 Coupe. I do have a false leg and do drive my Impala and Silverado truck but both have auto trans. I have driven them W/O a false leg when I first had my leg amputated and before I got my new legs. (I have 3 prostatics) A work leg thay you don't have to be too careful with, a dress leg, and a skinny dipping Oops I mean a shower leg or water leg.)

Charlie Stephens · 01-21-2015, 10:27 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Do a search on "Art Moore". Also do a search for "automatic transmissions". Use advanced search to restrict you search to Model A's. You will come up with threads such as this: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ight=art+moore and this: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...son#post186984

Charlie Stephens

Y-Blockhead · 01-21-2015, 10:49 PM

From the "Hot Rodder" community check out Bendtsen's http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Model%20A.htm or Wilcap http://www.wilcao.com

Ask Gene at Flat-o also. http://www.flat-o.com/carproducts/flatomatic.htm He may be able to help you out. I have a Flat-o/C-4 behind the 312" in my '55 Ranchwagon and love it.

Good luck.

Dave Mellor NJ · 01-22-2015, 01:04 AM

I knew a guy who had a Pinto engine with an automatic in a 29 pickup.He used to load it up with parts and set up at the flea markets all around NJ,Pa and Del. I think it was fairly easy. I guess you'd need the drive shaft and rear, too.

Barber31 · 01-22-2015, 01:11 AM

I remember googling transmission conversions for model A and a site was listed that makes automatics conversions using chevy trannys. I don't remember the name but just google that and go down the list.

Kurt in NJ · 01-22-2015, 01:20 AM

The closest trans that I have seen to a direct fit was from a Peugot 505 wagon, they have torque tube drive, the trans is short, and is made to take many different bellhousings, I don't know where you would find one, those cars wern't common and dissapeared quick, although many cars of the 70s,80s used that type of ZF trans with open drive, even 6cyl BMW so it would take the model A torque and HP

Fullraceflathead · 01-22-2015, 02:06 AM

Anything can be done.
I personally would advise against it.
The reason is most automatics take a lot of power to operate. It's not a big deal with 100+ Horse power engines but a stock A has 40.
It would work but I bet it would be a slow pig driving wise.
I believe the old Chevy Powerglide only takes about 9 horsepower to drive, but it's only a 2 speed trans. The bigger 3 and 4 speed auto trans will take close to double that. A modern Turbo 700R would be a good choice as having a real Low first gear ratio to get moving and it has an overdrive 4th but it's a BIG Trans. Ford made a small 3 speed auto trans called a C4. I run one of these in my Flathead V8 Dragster. It's a fairly light weight all aluminum Trans. The old Ford Pinto used a light duty version called a C3. If your engine is stock I'd stay away from an Auto trans.
If you loose some of the Pep of your Model A (I think you would) you'll not enjoy driving it as much. It might turn a lot of money spent into a regret.
If you can shift gears but are trying to get away from old non synchromesh transmissions you have more options.
The other thing to consider is just about all of the automatics will require you to make a huge raised hump on your floorboard to clear the case. The hot rod guys mount the drive line lower in there custom frames. If your A is original you won't want to cut it up to fit a auto trans in it.
If you cannot shift a Manual do to a disability then I guess a C4 3 speed would be about the smallest and it is a FORD Product. The driveline would also have to be converted to an open driveshaft I believe.
Just my thoughts, it's Your Car.

Mitch//pa · 01-22-2015, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Mellor NJ

I knew a guy who had a Pinto engine with an automatic in a 29 pickup.He used to load it up with parts and set up at the flea markets all around NJ,Pa and Del. I think it was fairly easy. I guess you'd need the drive shaft and rear, too.

i have seen the (pinto) setup also.. had the 2.3 motor with the c-4 trans...

C26Pinelake · 01-22-2015, 07:34 AM

Was the Pinto setup not the setup used in the Shay reproduction ?
Wayne

Mitch//pa · 01-22-2015, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

Was the Pinto setup not the setup used in the Shay reproduction ?
Wayne

Wayne,
yes it was

1931 flamingo · 01-22-2015, 08:48 AM

You might try Bert's in Denver. I remember a thread from a while ago about adapting a Chrysler product auto to the A engine.
Paul in CT

zzlegend · 01-22-2015, 09:22 AM

I met a guy about 4 weeks ago that is running a built and very fast "B" motor with a Chrysler 904 automatic. Their is a guy making the adapter for this conversion. Check this also.
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...t%20automatics

Mitch//pa · 01-22-2015, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzlegend

I met a guy about 4 weeks ago that is running a built and very fast "B" motor with a Chrysler 904 automatic. Their is a guy making the adapter for this conversion. Check this also.
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...t%20automatics

there was a recent thread that berts sold the adapter plate to install a torqueflite (904)....

Charlie Stephens · 01-22-2015, 01:31 PM

As "Trashman60" started out "This is probably going to stir up a a hornets nest..." it might also be good to consider installing a late model 4 cylinder engine complete with the automatic trans and rear end that was designed to go with it. I would still like to know if there is a medical reason for this change? If there isn't then it is a bad, very bad, idea.

Charlie Stephens

bobH · 01-22-2015, 02:19 PM

ZZlegend... I believe I've probably seen the same Model A at so cal car events. It's a pretty hot A. And I know it's been at least 10 years since the first time I saw it with the Chrysler transmission. My point is, this idea is not new, and even 10 years ago it seemed the guy had the 904 (?) Working well and well dialed in. Just opinion here - I think trashman60 could do it, and would probably like it.

zzlegend · 01-22-2015, 03:10 PM

bobH, ya,,,probably the same A. He has been into them for a long time and yes I do believe he has had that trans for quite a few years. I think it had a cragar set up on it also. He told me the name of the guy that made the adaptors but my mind just cant recall it, but I do believe he lives here in socal some where. By chance are thinking of a yellow A coupe? And I would venture to imagine that Jim Brierley knows of him.

01-21-2015, 08:58 PM	#1
Trashman60 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1	Auto trans for Model A This is probably going to stir up a a hornets nest, Is it possible to bolt up a auto trans to a model A? If so, what trans will fit?

01-21-2015, 09:45 PM	#2
RUNNERBUN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Queensland Australia Posts: 640	Re: Auto trans for Model A Good luck, I got crucified by a local club member here in Aus. because I installed a Mitchell Synchro transmission. Was told that I had become a hot rodder. I suspect that you will be advised to post your request on another forum. To each his own. Your car your choice. I wish you well whichever way you choose to go. __________________ Adjust your points with gentle blows of a 2 pound hammer

01-21-2015, 09:51 PM	#3
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Auto trans for Model A some people have certain health issues which require them to need an automatic. try doing a search here i remember some threads on it. you can also try contacting steve at berts model A..

01-21-2015, 09:55 PM	#4
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,067	Re: Auto trans for Model A It is perfectly acceptable if you have a medical need for an automatic transmission. If you just "want" to have one that is an entirely different story. Charlie Stephens

01-21-2015, 10:19 PM	#5
Marvin/TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN area Posts: 832	Re: Auto trans for Model A I to would like to know the answer to that question. Not sure I want to attempt to drive my 30 coupe with only one leg. I am missing my lower Rt leg. Flat O Matic makes an adapter for a C4 trans to a Flat Head. I plan to do that with my 46 Coupe. I do have a false leg and do drive my Impala and Silverado truck but both have auto trans. I have driven them W/O a false leg when I first had my leg amputated and before I got my new legs. (I have 3 prostatics) A work leg thay you don't have to be too careful with, a dress leg, and a skinny dipping Oops I mean a shower leg or water leg.)

01-21-2015, 10:27 PM	#6
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,067	Re: Auto trans for Model A Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Do a search on "Art Moore". Also do a search for "automatic transmissions". Use advanced search to restrict you search to Model A's. You will come up with threads such as this: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ight=art+moore and this: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...son#post186984 Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 01-21-2015 at 10:38 PM.

01-21-2015, 10:49 PM	#7
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,927	Re: Auto trans for Model A From the "Hot Rodder" community check out Bendtsen's http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Model%20A.htm or Wilcap http://www.wilcao.com Ask Gene at Flat-o also. http://www.flat-o.com/carproducts/flatomatic.htm He may be able to help you out. I have a Flat-o/C-4 behind the 312" in my '55 Ranchwagon and love it. Good luck.

01-22-2015, 01:04 AM	#8
Dave Mellor NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 816	Re: Auto trans for Model A I knew a guy who had a Pinto engine with an automatic in a 29 pickup.He used to load it up with parts and set up at the flea markets all around NJ,Pa and Del. I think it was fairly easy. I guess you'd need the drive shaft and rear, too.

01-22-2015, 01:11 AM	#9
Barber31 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 687	Re: Auto trans for Model A I remember googling transmission conversions for model A and a site was listed that makes automatics conversions using chevy trannys. I don't remember the name but just google that and go down the list.

01-22-2015, 01:20 AM	#10
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,185	Re: Auto trans for Model A The closest trans that I have seen to a direct fit was from a Peugot 505 wagon, they have torque tube drive, the trans is short, and is made to take many different bellhousings, I don't know where you would find one, those cars wern't common and dissapeared quick, although many cars of the 70s,80s used that type of ZF trans with open drive, even 6cyl BMW so it would take the model A torque and HP

01-22-2015, 02:06 AM	#11
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,214	Re: Auto trans for Model A Anything can be done. I personally would advise against it. The reason is most automatics take a lot of power to operate. It's not a big deal with 100+ Horse power engines but a stock A has 40. It would work but I bet it would be a slow pig driving wise. I believe the old Chevy Powerglide only takes about 9 horsepower to drive, but it's only a 2 speed trans. The bigger 3 and 4 speed auto trans will take close to double that. A modern Turbo 700R would be a good choice as having a real Low first gear ratio to get moving and it has an overdrive 4th but it's a BIG Trans. Ford made a small 3 speed auto trans called a C4. I run one of these in my Flathead V8 Dragster. It's a fairly light weight all aluminum Trans. The old Ford Pinto used a light duty version called a C3. If your engine is stock I'd stay away from an Auto trans. If you loose some of the Pep of your Model A (I think you would) you'll not enjoy driving it as much. It might turn a lot of money spent into a regret. If you can shift gears but are trying to get away from old non synchromesh transmissions you have more options. The other thing to consider is just about all of the automatics will require you to make a huge raised hump on your floorboard to clear the case. The hot rod guys mount the drive line lower in there custom frames. If your A is original you won't want to cut it up to fit a auto trans in it. If you cannot shift a Manual do to a disability then I guess a C4 3 speed would be about the smallest and it is a FORD Product. The driveline would also have to be converted to an open driveshaft I believe. Just my thoughts, it's Your Car. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

01-22-2015, 07:34 AM	#13
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: Auto trans for Model A Was the Pinto setup not the setup used in the Shay reproduction ? Wayne

01-22-2015, 08:48 AM	#15
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,397	Re: Auto trans for Model A You might try Bert's in Denver. I remember a thread from a while ago about adapting a Chrysler product auto to the A engine. Paul in CT

01-22-2015, 09:22 AM	#16
zzlegend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reseda, Calif. Posts: 2,190	Re: Auto trans for Model A I met a guy about 4 weeks ago that is running a built and very fast "B" motor with a Chrysler 904 automatic. Their is a guy making the adapter for this conversion. Check this also. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/...t%20automatics

01-22-2015, 01:31 PM	#18
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,067	Re: Auto trans for Model A As "Trashman60" started out "This is probably going to stir up a a hornets nest..." it might also be good to consider installing a late model 4 cylinder engine complete with the automatic trans and rear end that was designed to go with it. I would still like to know if there is a medical reason for this change? If there isn't then it is a bad, very bad, idea. Charlie Stephens

01-22-2015, 02:19 PM	#19
bobH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: so cal, placerville, vegas Posts: 1,396	Re: Auto trans for Model A ZZlegend... I believe I've probably seen the same Model A at so cal car events. It's a pretty hot A. And I know it's been at least 10 years since the first time I saw it with the Chrysler transmission. My point is, this idea is not new, and even 10 years ago it seemed the guy had the 904 (?) Working well and well dialed in. Just opinion here - I think trashman60 could do it, and would probably like it. Last edited by bobH; 01-22-2015 at 02:57 PM.

01-22-2015, 03:10 PM	#20
zzlegend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reseda, Calif. Posts: 2,190	Re: Auto trans for Model A bobH, ya,,,probably the same A. He has been into them for a long time and yes I do believe he has had that trans for quite a few years. I think it had a cragar set up on it also. He told me the name of the guy that made the adaptors but my mind just cant recall it, but I do believe he lives here in socal some where. By chance are thinking of a yellow A coupe? And I would venture to imagine that Jim Brierley knows of him.