The Ford Barn

Kahuna · 01-03-2013, 10:43 AM

1. Lower engine speed
2. Better mileage
3. Reduced engine wear
4. Quieter
If the added weight is a concern use the Laycock (Volvo) type, about 22 lbs and electric shift

John LaVoy · 01-03-2013, 11:39 AM

adding an overdrive, Mitchell or other, will quiet the car down, put less stress on the running components. While a lot of people say the Model A was designed to run 60 MPH all day I don't think so. The speed limit was 35MPH outside of the city and 15-20MPH within the city. The roads were not built for speed at the time, not much better than horse and buggy trails. Yes, the Model A will achieve 60+ I have run a stock Model A at over 70. But you don't do it for an extended period.

Go for the overdrive and enjoy the journey!

Pat Martone · 01-03-2013, 01:04 PM

I made a slight error in my previous post, when I guessed that the Mitchell Overdrive unit added approximately 100 lbs of weight.
I spoke to the Mitchell Manufacturing company today and they told me that the Mitchell Overdrive adds less than 50 pounds to the weight of my car.
Perhaps this is the reason I have experienced no change in the ride of my Fordor sedan. Perhaps there are other overdrives, such as the Borg Warner, which add more weight than that.

TDO · 01-03-2013, 02:23 PM

I was thinking about putting a T5 transmission in my 30 coupe. But after reading all the talk on leaving it stock. thanks to all of you , I do enjoy driving it just like it is .

Jason in TX · 01-03-2013, 03:04 PM

Dont do the T5. No to open drive

James Rogers · 01-03-2013, 08:05 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

John, the one reason to put an overdrive in your car is, it is your car, you want one, and you have the money. If you have reservations because of opinions voiced here then, you better wait, you may never be satisfied with it.

CarlG · 01-03-2013, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Rogers

John, the ... reason to put an overdrive in your car is:
• it is your car,
• you want one
• you have the money...

AMEN! Those are the 3 best reasons ever!

columbiA · 01-03-2013, 10:55 PM

In my S/W sedan,I am using a Columbia O-D that I modified in 1960 & has been in at least 8 A,s over the years & well over 100,000 miles.My 30 coupe has a Columbia that was modified about 5 years ago.Whatever make of O-D you use,it makes the car so much more drivable in modern road & traffic conditions.

Phil · 01-03-2013, 11:17 PM

New shirt, you have a great way with words. Could not agree more. If I can't keep up with the big guys with the the souped-up Model A, I will polish mine and go. Get a hamburger and a coke. I love to chug-long!

al's28/33 · 01-03-2013, 11:22 PM

If you intend on lots of driving and long touring yes go for it. The Mitchell is the OD to have. Looks like you got an opinion of every shape and size so far. I had one and took it out and sold it, I overheard two old timers looking in the cockpit saying "I don't remember the "A" having two shifter levers!" That's not why I got rid of it, but their comment stuck in my head. I wanted to always keep mine "original looking" and had always wanted an "A", I thought the OD would help with gas mileage, save wear and tear on the engine, quieter motor, etc, etc..........but the look of originality ended up being more important since that is the single most asked question by anyone coming up to me on the street. "Is it all original?"

Geo. H · 01-04-2013, 01:35 AM

Do it. If you don't like it, take it back out and sell it. Don't listen to anyone else's idea of what a Model A should be.

01-03-2013, 10:43 AM	#41
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? 1. Lower engine speed 2. Better mileage 3. Reduced engine wear 4. Quieter If the added weight is a concern use the Laycock (Volvo) type, about 22 lbs and electric shift

01-03-2013, 11:39 AM	#42
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? adding an overdrive, Mitchell or other, will quiet the car down, put less stress on the running components. While a lot of people say the Model A was designed to run 60 MPH all day I don't think so. The speed limit was 35MPH outside of the city and 15-20MPH within the city. The roads were not built for speed at the time, not much better than horse and buggy trails. Yes, the Model A will achieve 60+ I have run a stock Model A at over 70. But you don't do it for an extended period. Go for the overdrive and enjoy the journey!

01-03-2013, 01:04 PM	#43
Pat Martone Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 495	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? I made a slight error in my previous post, when I guessed that the Mitchell Overdrive unit added approximately 100 lbs of weight. I spoke to the Mitchell Manufacturing company today and they told me that the Mitchell Overdrive adds less than 50 pounds to the weight of my car. Perhaps this is the reason I have experienced no change in the ride of my Fordor sedan. Perhaps there are other overdrives, such as the Borg Warner, which add more weight than that.

01-03-2013, 02:23 PM	#44
TDO Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Enterprise, WV. Posts: 460	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? I was thinking about putting a T5 transmission in my 30 coupe. But after reading all the talk on leaving it stock. thanks to all of you , I do enjoy driving it just like it is .

01-03-2013, 03:04 PM	#45
Jason in TX Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ⓉⒺXⒶⓈ Posts: 2,047	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? Dont do the T5. No to open drive __________________ -------------- Drive it like you know how to fix it! DMAFC / OILERS CC-MC

01-03-2013, 08:05 PM	#46
James Rogers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Asheville,NC Posts: 3,104	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) John, the one reason to put an overdrive in your car is, it is your car, you want one, and you have the money. If you have reservations because of opinions voiced here then, you better wait, you may never be satisfied with it. __________________ http://www.model-a-ford-4bangers.com/

01-03-2013, 10:55 PM	#48
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? In my S/W sedan,I am using a Columbia O-D that I modified in 1960 & has been in at least 8 A,s over the years & well over 100,000 miles.My 30 coupe has a Columbia that was modified about 5 years ago.Whatever make of O-D you use,it makes the car so much more drivable in modern road & traffic conditions.

01-03-2013, 11:17 PM	#49
Phil Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bethany, Ok Posts: 382	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? New shirt, you have a great way with words. Could not agree more. If I can't keep up with the big guys with the the souped-up Model A, I will polish mine and go. Get a hamburger and a coke. I love to chug-long!

01-03-2013, 11:22 PM	#50
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,591	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? If you intend on lots of driving and long touring yes go for it. The Mitchell is the OD to have. Looks like you got an opinion of every shape and size so far. I had one and took it out and sold it, I overheard two old timers looking in the cockpit saying "I don't remember the "A" having two shifter levers!" That's not why I got rid of it, but their comment stuck in my head. I wanted to always keep mine "original looking" and had always wanted an "A", I thought the OD would help with gas mileage, save wear and tear on the engine, quieter motor, etc, etc..........but the look of originality ended up being more important since that is the single most asked question by anyone coming up to me on the street. "Is it all original?" __________________ 1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)

01-04-2013, 01:35 AM	#51
Geo. H Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 374	Re: Reasons to add an overdrive? Do it. If you don't like it, take it back out and sell it. Don't listen to anyone else's idea of what a Model A should be.