converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

I have a 48 Columbia overdrive that I am rebuilding to put in my 41 ford pick up, I am wondering if anyone has information on converting it to a all electric shift similar to a two speed reared on a truck and eliminate the vacuum parts on it. I would assume someone has done it at one point or another using a electric actuator. Thanks Ron

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Ron, i had the same thought, use a electric actuator, since I worked for a company and we made them...12v linear actuators are common and very reliable, if you source it correctly. Need to know the stroke length, usually in 2 inch increments, and the force required. Speed is also a consideration, the greater force, the less speed.

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

two speed Eaton axle actuator the whole unit should work even the 6vt ones. Been a
while but when the motor spins and hits a dead stop it will stop dead. now the next
time it is switched the motor will reverse until it hits a dead stop. that is done by a
switch in the housing so you need the switch Napa has that switch with red button and the internal reversing switch in the housing.....







e

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Why not convert it to a cable operated shift? I believe that's been done successfully for years.

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Electric would sure beat those vacuum tubes and the vacuum valve and even eliminate the worry about keeping the vacuum can lubed. Looking forward to a solution by you guys.

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

I have a 37-41 Columbia on my '40 rearend in my '32 roadster. Pic below is a mechanical setup https://fifthaveinternetgarage.blogs...overdrive.html

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...+shifter+2.jpg

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

One thing to keep in mind is how to keep the axel sealed up after removing the vacume unit. Iorn trap garage made a manual opperated Columbia a while back so a electric one should be doable. The actuator will need to be two way, both push and pull. It will also need to be fairly strong as it takes a little force to move the control arm by hand. I had a Columbia in my 38 Zephyrthe aluminium part of the vacume unit was broken do to an impact at some point so I to was looking at possible conversions.Tim

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Here's a post by G.M. from years ago

"I made my own shifting controls. I don't like the way
the original ones work. I use 12 volt Pollock fuel shift valve
that is made for trucks with dual fuel tanks. As I described
I shifts by pushing a button and pushing the clutch. The
12 valve works on 6 volts. Pollock calls this a 6 port shifting
valve. G.M."

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

I made a bell crank shifter like glennpm's for my '28 A roadster p/u in 1973 and it's still shifting great.

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Can you post some photos of it Ray?

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Sorry, I haven't figured out picture posting yet.

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

Hi Ray, some instructions on posting pictures. First time can be a little confusing :-)

Posting photos:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...posting+photos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGijbl1bfnIhttp://

Re: converting a columbia overdrive from vavcumn shift to electric shift
 

I have two 34s I set up using the original vac cyl and the shift valve and cable from a 50s GM two spd trk. They work quite well. I mounted the push pull cable and button right on the gear shift levers.