The Ford Barn

700rpm · 02-27-2012, 08:24 PM

A fellow club member sent me this, wondering what it was. An early overdrive unit? Anybody know?

Glenn C. · 02-27-2012, 08:32 PM

Could it be an underdrive, not an overdrive, that would have been used for some sort of industrial application

SteveB31 · 02-27-2012, 08:37 PM

That is a Ford underdrive installed in most all AA trucks form 1928 thru Sept 1929 behind the car 3 speed transmission.

Steve Becker
Berts Model A Center

columbiA · 02-29-2012, 12:19 AM

A few guys have turned them around & used them as an Overdrive in an A,but they are a bit noisy in OD and are a heavy unit.Not too practical in my opinion.

Roadster62 · 02-29-2012, 02:26 AM

Yes, that is a Ford AA item, my 1928 AA had one. There is a "U" shaped rocker pedal you press with the heal of your foot to shift them.

Phil Wilson · 07-30-2012, 02:59 PM

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Yep, it's a split shift H/L underdrive gearbox, just as SteveB31 points out. My friend Joe has a fully restored '28 AR AA flatbed C-cab truck, with this installed behind the standard Ford 3-speed tranny. The top speed is 35 - 40 MPH in H3 gear. Yet it'll do 0-5 MPH with full torque in L1. Great for pulling heavy loads, that's why it has a low top end speed. Roadster62 mentions the rocker pedal, which makes shifting between H/L very tricky while under way.

02-27-2012, 08:32 PM	#2
Glenn C. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Didsbury Alberta Posts: 838	Re: What is it? Could it be an underdrive, not an overdrive, that would have been used for some sort of industrial application

02-27-2012, 08:37 PM	#3
SteveB31 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Englewood, Colorado Posts: 1,372	Re: What is it? That is a Ford underdrive installed in most all AA trucks form 1928 thru Sept 1929 behind the car 3 speed transmission. Steve Becker Berts Model A Center

02-29-2012, 12:19 AM	#4
columbiA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,746	Re: What is it? A few guys have turned them around & used them as an Overdrive in an A,but they are a bit noisy in OD and are a heavy unit.Not too practical in my opinion.

02-29-2012, 02:26 AM	#5
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: What is it? Yes, that is a Ford AA item, my 1928 AA had one. There is a "U" shaped rocker pedal you press with the heal of your foot to shift them. __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

07-30-2012, 02:59 PM	#6
Phil Wilson Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto, ON Canada Posts: 10	Re: What is it? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yep, it's a split shift H/L underdrive gearbox, just as SteveB31 points out. My friend Joe has a fully restored '28 AR AA flatbed C-cab truck, with this installed behind the standard Ford 3-speed tranny. The top speed is 35 - 40 MPH in H3 gear. Yet it'll do 0-5 MPH with full torque in L1. Great for pulling heavy loads, that's why it has a low top end speed. Roadster62 mentions the rocker pedal, which makes shifting between H/L very tricky while under way.