The Ford Barn

Chuck Kuntz · 11-03-2013, 09:08 AM

I am changing my 36 mechanicals to hydraulic brakes (old school) and am wondering what all I would need to do to replace the original trans with a 39unit that I have.

Barn Junk · 11-03-2013, 10:11 AM

You need to use the 36 clutch release arm on the side of the trans, the 36 rear bearing retainer/trans mount and 36 shifter handle (original 39 would have a little different shape). The rest of the 39 should fit as is.

mrtexas · 11-03-2013, 10:17 AM

You might also change the rear transmission mount to a later model. It would use rubber mounts like the front motor mounts for less vibration than the 36 style solid transmission mount. I did this for my 36.

flatheadfan · 11-03-2013, 10:32 AM

Chuck-

If you are using a '39 pedal assembly you will need to do one of two things for the clutch arm to match up with the pedal assembly pivot. Either weld an extension on to the pedal arm pivot or use a '39 off-set clutch arm (left in picture).

Tom

mfagan · 11-03-2013, 10:39 AM

I suggest you contact Richard at the Early V-8 Garage.

He is THE expert on hydraulic brake conversions,
and he has all the tools to make this as easy as
possible!

My 34 5 window change over was a dream and we
are currently doing a 36 5 window and have been
Very satisfied with his parts and service.

flatheadfan · 11-03-2013, 10:48 AM

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I agree with Mr.Texas. Since you have the transmission out remove the old transmission step plate mounts and replace them with a '37-'40 mount. This change will make a world of difference to your riding comfort. In fact, Ford started this change in late '36 and found the results so positive they made it standard in all cars from '37 and on.

No need to change the '35-'36 rear transmission mount so, you can still use your old floor mount e-brake. If interested, send me a PM and I will forward some additional pictures if, it would help.

Tom

JM 35 Sedan · 11-03-2013, 10:52 AM

You could put the '39-'48 gears in your stock '36 transmission case. MacVP's book tells you everything you need to know on how to do this. Then you would still retain the original serial numbers if you have the original '36 case. If you do this you will not need to change the arm on the cross shaft for the T/O fork. You have the option to put the wide fork in the '36 top or just get a complete '39 top w/wide fork. You would want to retain the rear '35-'36 trans mount, that bolts to the rear of the trans, so you can still bolt up your emergence brake handle. The '37-'40 rear frame mount would give you the rubber doughnut pads like the ones used for front motor mounts.
If you don't want the hassle of replacing clutch/break pedal, contact Richard Lacy in CA for his master cylinder mounting kit that uses the original brake & clutch pedals and requires no drilling or cutting to install. If you use his kit you will have some interference issues with the brake rod and the '37-'40 rear frame trans mount. Don't ask me how I know this

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11-03-2013, 09:08 AM	#1
Chuck Kuntz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 13,690	1939 Transmission and Hydraulics in a 1936 I am changing my 36 mechanicals to hydraulic brakes (old school) and am wondering what all I would need to do to replace the original trans with a 39unit that I have.

11-03-2013, 10:11 AM	#2
Barn Junk Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: WA state Posts: 771	Re: 1939 Transmission and Hydraulics in a 1936 You need to use the 36 clutch release arm on the side of the trans, the 36 rear bearing retainer/trans mount and 36 shifter handle (original 39 would have a little different shape). The rest of the 39 should fit as is.

11-03-2013, 10:17 AM	#3
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,395	Re: 1939 Transmission and Hydraulics in a 1936 You might also change the rear transmission mount to a later model. It would use rubber mounts like the front motor mounts for less vibration than the 36 style solid transmission mount. I did this for my 36.

11-03-2013, 10:39 AM	#5
mfagan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kaufman, TX Posts: 822	Re: 1939 Transmission and Hydraulics in a 1936 I suggest you contact Richard at the Early V-8 Garage. He is THE expert on hydraulic brake conversions, and he has all the tools to make this as easy as possible! My 34 5 window change over was a dream and we are currently doing a 36 5 window and have been Very satisfied with his parts and service.

11-03-2013, 10:52 AM	#7
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: 1939 Transmission and Hydraulics in a 1936 You could put the '39-'48 gears in your stock '36 transmission case. MacVP's book tells you everything you need to know on how to do this. Then you would still retain the original serial numbers if you have the original '36 case. If you do this you will not need to change the arm on the cross shaft for the T/O fork. You have the option to put the wide fork in the '36 top or just get a complete '39 top w/wide fork. You would want to retain the rear '35-'36 trans mount, that bolts to the rear of the trans, so you can still bolt up your emergence brake handle. The '37-'40 rear frame mount would give you the rubber doughnut pads like the ones used for front motor mounts. If you don't want the hassle of replacing clutch/break pedal, contact Richard Lacy in CA for his master cylinder mounting kit that uses the original brake & clutch pedals and requires no drilling or cutting to install. If you use his kit you will have some interference issues with the brake rod and the '37-'40 rear frame trans mount. Don't ask me how I know this . __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein* Last edited by JM 35 Sedan; 11-03-2013 at 10:59 AM.