Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Anyone know of a place one could be found? Mine is not working right at all.
Fifth Ave Garage in Kansas sells new ones but states the standard one he has will not work on the convertible or the station wagon. The standard one has a 1 inch pawl and the convert. takes a 1 -1/2 inch pawl. You would think someone would have one??? Any help would be helpful......

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Mac Van Pelt, Old Ford Store in San Dimas, Shoe Box Central, or maybe Joe at Joe's Antique Auto might know of a source if he didn't or couldn't get one.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

There is a place in Punta Gorda, Fl. that sells the parts called Hydro electric. G.M.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

JT I sent you a PM. Gary

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

We get then at NAPA. Good quality usually much less expensive than vendors.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

I believe the one you have can be rebuilt. That being said I have never heard of the pawls being longer or shorter but the flats are aligned differently. You can disassemble yours and move it to the orientation you need. There is also a weep hole in the cover that needs to face down and is convertible specific. Good luck with your project. If it does come down to it I think a new shaft could be machined or just reuse the one you have. I wonder how hard it is to rewind one of these?

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

It's the operating shaft that moves the pawl. The convertibles had a rather unique way of operating the OD due to the beefed up cross member being in the way. They used a rocker mechanism to function the pawl and it was mounted to a plate that is located under the transmission. It may be possible to use a good shaft from a convertible solenoid in one of the new solenoid bodies. The length of throw of the operating shaft is the only difference. Modifying the length of a regular short type may also be a choice.
This site has an illustration about the second or third illustration down the list.
https://www.fordmercassociation.com/...erchandise.htm

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

There is a good explanation, with pictures of the adapter used on the convertible and station wagons with x frame as well as the rotation of the flat spot on the solenoid in the Early Ford v8 Club 49-50-51 Restoration Guide . Chapter 4 page 4-6.

Changing the rotation of the flat spot on the solenoid to 5 degree from the standard 35 degree angle is easy to accomplish.

Hope this helps,

Tom Fynan

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Thanks to Gary Duff he was able to solve my problem!

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Glad you got it fixed. Inquiring minds would like to know the solution for future reference.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Frank

Well said. The resolution of a problem is a learning experience for all.

Tom

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Gary Duff just happened to have a couple of Solenoids NOS for the convertibles and stations wagons. He offered to sell me one of them.


After much digging I now know a lot more about these solenoids. Both the regular one and the one for convertibles and station wagons with the off-set mounting have the one inch pawl. BUT the difference is the flats on the pawl are different. There are 30 degrees difference. The drain hole in the case is in a difference place also.


After I get the new one installed am going to see if I can re-index my old one. I believe it is possible? The lower half of the case can be used and the drain hole will be correct.


If this works out I will post the success or failure........the old wives tale going around that the convertible has a longer pawl is NOT correct for the

Ford OD,s. I believe those with 1-1/2 length are for Lincolns??

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

Nothing worse than old fart memories. Do this, do that, but none of them ever did it.

Had two converts, cut a notch in the cross member so the regular od transmission would fit. No problem.

Purists want that crappy crazy (expensive) goofy linkage for the underslung solenoid. Good luck.

Been there.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

JT

As I stated in reply 8, You can rotate the pawl on any solenoid to adjust the flats. Weep hole might not be on the bottom. That is what I did years ago on my 49 convertible, never had a problem.

Frank Miller was very helpful when I installed my OD.

Tom

Tom

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

The operating rod length maybe different for the T85 R11 or possibly the older design transmission on the Lincolns. It's good to know that it is a matter of the degree of offset for the operating rod tip. I had previously thought it was length so that's one thing to note for future reference. Thanks for the info.

I'll have to do some research on this since 5th Avenue IG has the convertibles and station wagons listed as 1.5 ". If this is incorrect, then they need to change the information.

Re: Where to get a OD solenoid for a '49 convertible?
 

I have told 5th Ave that the Ford cars are all 1 inch, but he will not listen! My new one arrived today and guess what? Its 1 inch.