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Old 01-30-2020, 09:52 AM   #1
Glenn of northport
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Default automatic transmisson

can I put automatic trans in a model a and any information
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Old 01-30-2020, 10:50 AM   #2
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

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can I put automatic trans in a model a and any information
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthrea...9684&showall=1
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Old 01-30-2020, 01:16 PM   #3
5lugnuts
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

Pres. Roosevelt drove a stick shift Ford with no working legs. Somebody made levers for him to work the clutch and brake by hand. There are pictures somewhere on the net. less modification and less money with easy conversion back.
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Old 01-30-2020, 01:19 PM   #4
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

As we age it is frequently necessary to modify our toys to accomodate our medical condition. Most people admire the ingenuity used to allow us to continue to enjoy our hobby. If you just "want" to have one that is an entirely different story.

If I remember correctly there are adapters to install a power glide or one of the Chrysler transmissions with a Model A engine. The rear end will have to be converted to open drive either by replacing it with something newer of modifying the original Model Å rear end with a kit. Once you remove the torque tube you will need to add brackets to stabilize the rear end.

Search here, on HAMB , and on AHOOGA for "Art Moore". He is the most knowledgeable person on this conversion. Be sure to use the quote marks when you search.

I will probably get flack for saying this but I would strongly suggest that you consider a newer 4 cylinder engine and transmission as a unit.

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Old 01-30-2020, 01:34 PM   #5
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

In the back of the Victor Page' Model A book there are some accessories shown and one that has a 1931 date is for self shifting clutch, looks like a push button selector is mounted on the dash rail. So it was a period accessory to have automatic shifting. Looks like it replaced the pressure plate and the shifter so it wasn't a total swap out. The emergency brake is still there but no gearshift is visible.
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Old 01-31-2020, 12:30 PM   #6
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can I put automatic trans in a model a and any information
Anything is possible.
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Old 01-31-2020, 08:16 PM   #7
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

Im thinking ive heard th350 conversion.

edit found a thread about torque flight https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ight=art+moore


Just found a page selling two types. not cheap though. https://transmissionadapters.com/sea...odel*+a*+ford*

Last edited by mike657894; 01-31-2020 at 08:24 PM.
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Old 02-01-2020, 01:56 PM   #8
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

Try doing a search as there was a thread about this previously, using a MOPAR transmission. FWIW
Paul in CT
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Old 02-01-2020, 04:06 PM   #9
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

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can I put automatic trans in a model a and any information
Hi Glenn,
John LaVoy of Model A Times installed a Ford A4LD with OD from a Ford ranger truck and was very happy with it, if you do a search you will find several others have installed various auto transmissions, some easier than others.
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:29 PM   #10
Gil Sissons
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We have toured with Art Moore and his car with a auto tranny.
I can confirm it works very well. Very nice man.... very talented.
Contact Art... he can get you on the right path.

Gil. NoCal
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Old 02-29-2020, 07:46 PM   #11
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

The rule of thumb is that a THM350 takes 25 HP to operate, and THM400 takes 50 HP to operate. That's what the hot rod guys say.... The powerglide sounds like the best choice.
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Old 03-01-2020, 02:38 AM   #12
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

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The rule of thumb is that a THM350 takes 25 HP to operate, and THM400 takes 50 HP to operate. That's what the hot rod guys say.... The powerglide sounds like the best choice.
Obviously this "rule of thumb" is all wet! Do not believe it! First, if a Turbo 350 really absorbed 25 HP, only 15 would remain and your stock A would be outrun by a stock T! If a Turbo 400 really absorbed 50 HP, your A would not even move when you dropped it in drive!
Second, there is no possible reason why a Turbo 400 would absorb twice as much power as a 350! They both run the same line pressure, so the power needed to drive the front pump would be the same. Torque converters actually easily interchange with small differences in stall speeds so, again, HP loss would be very similar.
Third, while some HP is 'lost' (more accurately, is converted into heat), don't forget that a torque converter actually multiplies torque so the end result is that little performance is lost.
So it would seem that "the hot rod guys" are doing a little too much 'bench racin'!
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Old 03-01-2020, 06:03 AM   #13
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Default Re: automatic transmisson

Is the flywheel discarded? I don’t know much about auto trans, but how would an A engine run without a flywheel? I guess all sorts of small engines have AT, but it seems odd.
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Old 03-01-2020, 10:49 AM   #14
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Is the flywheel discarded? I don’t know much about auto trans, but how would an A engine run without a flywheel? I guess all sorts of small engines have AT, but it seems odd.
Engines with automatics use a flexplate to attach the torque converter to the crankshaft and to locate the starter ring gear. This flexplate serves as a light flywheel, plus the torque converter adds enough weight to act as a flywheel.
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