Over drive in our 46

[oldford2]

Well, after almost 2 years of studying Columbia's, 3.54 rear end gears, and Mitchell's, I have finally ordered a Mitchell (26%). 3 month backlog so will not get to try it till mid September. And, we have a few long trips planned this summer that involve interstates (2900 rpm's @60 mph) (2400 rpm's with the Mitchell).

John

[charles in east texas]

You going to Hiawassee, GA. Are you coming to Texas.
Keep us posted on your travels.
Charles

[37don]

John, you won't be disappointed with the 26%. With 3.78 rear gears you will find it to be very versatile. We just got back from Vermont today and and hardly ever had to down shift on the hills. I do have a 276 engine and pulls the hills with ease. Did you get the cable or the shift lever?
I have the cable and it works very well.
Don

[4dFord/SC]

I'm sure you'll like it. I put a Columbia under my '40 five years ago, and now I can't imagine driving without it. IMHO, once you have overdrive, you'll never want to go back.

[boo]

have od in all my cars, borgwarner, f-100 trans, columbia. have columbia w/4.44 gr, 26 th linc gears, 7.00- 16 tirs. gear ratio and tire size and cam grind are important if you want it work well and not bog or not have any power.

[columbiA]

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I have adapted Columbias to fit both my model A,s & wouldnt drive an A without an O verdrive.Both have ratios of 4.11 & 2.94 in OD.They cruise nicely at 60 mph at same rpm as 43 mph in high gear.

[Vic Piano]

John, I'm planning on installing the Columbia I've got in the '39 LZ and I've been thinking about putting a Mitchell in the '39 CS. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the install and operation of the Mitchell in your '46. Vic

[Automotive Stud]

Just out of curiosity why did you go with the 26%? I have one I put in my '47, I went 36% and cable shift and I love it! I figured if I was going to spend that kind of money and do the work I might as well go all out and get the 36% also.

Just fyi I did have to notch the floor under the back seat in my car. It installed fine but it would hit while driving, especially with a couple people in the car. I can post pictures if anyone is interested.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

Just out of curiosity why did you go with the 26%? I have one I put in my '47, I went 36% and cable shift and I love it! I figured if I was going to spend that kind of money and do the work I might as well go all out and get the 36% also.

Just fyi I did have to notch the floor under the back seat in my car. It installed fine but it would hit while driving, especially with a couple people in the car. I can post pictures if anyone is interested.

I'd like to see photos of your installation as I'm thinking about installing a Mitchell OD in our '39 CS and the floor clearance is a concern.

[37don]

I went with the 26% after a lot of thought and discussing it with my engine builder and we decided that the 26% would be a good choice. I did all the rpm checks at different speeds with both ratios and had no problem with around 2200 rpm at 60mph. The main thing with the 26% is that basically I don't have to shift hardly at all with my 276 motor. Here in the east we travel up in the mountains often and I could get by never shifting out of OD. I'm sure the 36% is a great choice to but just not for me.
Regards, Don

[miss victoria]

I think the ford 3 speed + O.D. full syncromesh. 3.0061 first,1.7766 second, 1.0000 third and .7246. O.D works real well.

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by 37don

I went with the 26% after a lot of thought and discussing it with my engine builder and we decided that the 26% would be a good choice. I did all the rpm checks at different speeds with both ratios and had no problem with around 2200 rpm at 60mph. The main thing with the 26% is that basically I don't have to shift hardly at all with my 276 motor. Here in the east we travel up in the mountains often and I could get by never shifting out of OD. I'm sure the 36% is a great choice to but just not for me.
Regards, Don

Ah, I didn't consider that! I live in flat NJ so constantly shifting in and out of overdrive isn't a concern like it would be other places.

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

I'd like to see photos of your installation as I'm thinking about installing a Mitchell OD in our '39 CS and the floor clearance is a concern.

Here you are. You can see where the leading edge of the overdrive would tap the floor over bumps. I cut up a 289 valve cover and welded it in, worked perfect.

[Henry/Kokomo]

Great use for a valve cover! Is the rear of your coupe lowered? If so, how much?
Contemplating a Mitchell for my '46 Tudor. Thanks

[IVT1]

Super neat install, looks great

[1oldtimer]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

Here you are. You can see where the leading edge of the overdrive would tap the floor over bumps. I cut up a 289 valve cover and welded it in, worked perfect.

Ok, you need to start a tech thread and give LOTS of details........and more/bigger pictures.

[mrtexas]

I got my mitchell OD today for my 36. I ordered it 16 weeks ago. I've got one in my Model A as well.

[klicker]

I've been thinking about a Mitchell for my 39. Has anyone installed one in a 39 coupe? I am not interested in cutting my floor.

[flatmotor40]

I put a 36% in my 40 and love it.turned the shift arm to the bottom so as not to hit floor but did go with cable not lever.No problem with floor have complete Bradley floor

[oldford2]

Installation time?
Can one person do it or two? Things/hints to watch out for? How far back does the rearend have to be moved? What tooth count on a stock 46 pinion spline?
Thanks

John