ChrisBcritter Posted October 28, 2015 Posted October 28, 2015 (edited) As I've mentioned before, I'm gathering parts for a '57 Fairlane my uncle had in the mid-'60s. It had a 406 backed with what he said was a Ford truck 4-speed; maybe a top-loader because I remember it having a floor shift. I'm using the FE engine from the '60 Starliner kit; would the manual trans in that kit be modifiable to a top loader? If not, what would look correct? Thanks! Edited October 28, 2015 by ChrisBcritter
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 28, 2015 Posted October 28, 2015 (edited) Ford top loaders get their name because the bolt-on cover you build the thing through goes on the top...unlike some other transmissions, which may have bolt-on cover plates on the side or even the bottom. They look like this, for the most part. They were generally used in hot, expensive Ford-powered cars like Cobras, and Ford's own performance models. The shifter linkage is still on the side on a top-loader, so having a "floor shift" really signifies nothing. Ford trucks used another top-loaded design, the Borg Warner T98, T18/19. These transmissions DID have the shifter sticking out of the top of the box. Edited October 28, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy
afx Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Pretty sure the Revell Parts Pack 427 includes a top loader transmission.
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Pretty sure the Revell Parts Pack 427 includes a top loader transmission.Sadly, nope.It's a semi-generic 4-speed, the same as the one in the Revell nailhead parts-pack (except for the tailshaft housing). It has elements of Saginaw, New process, Borg-Warner and Muncie gearboxes.
ChrisBcritter Posted October 30, 2015 Author Posted October 30, 2015 How about the trans in the Revell '56 Ford pickup, or the Thunderbolt? Hate to scratchbuild something and then have an AHA! moment.
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 30, 2015 Posted October 30, 2015 (edited) How about the trans in the Revell '56 Ford pickup, or the Thunderbolt? Hate to scratchbuild something and then have an AHA! moment.I checked the Revell '56 truck...no dice. Same generic trans that's in the parts-packs, etc.The Thunderbolt should almost certainly have a toploader...as should just about ANY Cobra model (the AC-based real Cobra, not the Mustang). Edited October 30, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy
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