It's almost the same thing as a two speed rear axle just saying you can split shift every year if you want to you should split shift 2nd and 3rd the you drop directly into third high. If that works fine but you still have another option
Owning a model A has always been on my bucket list, but after having cancer, and dealing with health issues. Not in the cards anymore. Ever since I helped a friend rebuild the engine in his A when I was in high school. I think they were the best car ever made.
It's nice a young guy like yourself is helping the senior members. I want to get a Model A , my longtime friend had several years ago when I was a kid . I always loved 50s and 60s cars and now I'm moving backwards . My oldest son loves Model Ts but I really want an A .
After 18 months my 30 coupe is almost mechanically finished, I had to replace/rebuild everything except the motor it was done in 1970 ,car was painted plus a new interior was added then parked. I will be the forth owner, my Grandfather bought it from a neighbor in 1951 the second owner, then my dad the third,car has always been under a roof and has no rust. The only thing is the trunk sheet metal was completely gone, my dad used to put a sack of fish in it and I am having a hard time putting a new one in, I have the sheet metal but the very back parts I don't know about. I do have local people here but thy are hard to get to find sometimes.This car came with a trunk and I am going to keep it that way.It will be different from most all I have seen but that is how it came.The car has about 82000 miles but had never been taken care of.Love your videos plus U tube has helped me,I thought I knew how to work on a car now I know more but not all.People do ask a lot about it everywhere I go.Be patience as we represent the past ,see if the link works.i.imgur.com/xtK0Irm.jpg
Thanks for all your videos Paul. I’m a 37 year young father of 5 and just bought my grandfathers 1929 model AA today and would not have been comfortable buying one without watching your vehicles. Thanks for all your doing
When you put the jack stands on the cinder blocks under the frame you should have turned the blocks over with the holes facing up with a board on them then the jack stands on the board. With the blocks on their side they could collapse.
Years ago I put a all range overdrive in an old jeep, made it nearly modern, now I'll have to put an overdrive in my model a pickup, and my wife watched the video and said ok! thanks
The Mitchell overdrive for the Model A Ford allows splitting of the 3 speeds on the manual transmission giving 6 speeds forward. The result is a more versatile transmission where a gear can be selected that matches the road and speed conditions.
Paul - you May think this video didn’t work out the way you wanted , but still it was informative! You communicate very well. I have been driving and maintaining a Model A for 60 years (two for the last 35 years) but I always learn something from your videos.
Hi Paul , you are complete gentleman, your kindness is overwhelming, your integrity impecable, looking forward to seat, watch and enjoy every second of your video installing that overdrive gear box, at my 71 years of age I have all the time to enjoy your videos with very explicit easy to understand technical vocabulary that keeps me glue to the cell phone until it's finished but looking for more, blessings to you and your love ones, most kind of you, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
@@ModelA Good morning Paul, once again your videos are coming thru with outstanding, very neat, well organized, very easy to understand technical vocabulary, highly informative information with a touch of drive that make anyone looking for more, congratulations sir, blessings to you and your love ones, your Spanish is outstanding, you make it easy all the way around, respectfully are really fluent in Spanish or technology helping unconditionally?from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
@@ModelA Good evening Paul, recently I heard you talking about the model A ford engine that you won't rev it up above 2,000 rpm, obviously I understand the nature, the engine lubrication system is not that efficient as newer engines but hipoteticly speaking could it be possible to drill off the crankshaft and other oil passage in the Block to improve the engine lubrication system? Of course it won't be that easy but at my 71 years of age and been working in research and development I would think that can be done, I didn't have the opportunity to work on those toys but you day and day out come across with them, should you have the chance respectfully please let me know, my most expensive thanks for your kindness, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres, MUCHAS GRACIAS CABALLERO.
@@ModelA Hi Paul, you always come thru as a complete gentleman as you always have been, my most expressive thanks for your kindness for your unconditional technical support, blessings to you and your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
Hi Paul. Your car is 10 times cleaner than any of my modern day vehicles. I live on a "gravel road" and it doesn't allow a person to keep them as clean as you'd like, course I'm not that energetic these days. I already watched the Mitchell Overdrive Installation video before this video and I think you did a great job on both. Your are the man when it comes to these Model A cars! Loved your video and thank you for sharing. Have a great day and I hope your still improving on you health issues!
Thanks for another nice Model A video, heck, I wouldn't mind if there was no dialogue at all. It's just good to see a bunch of guys who like old iron getting together to help each other with an A project. Looking forward to your next video; thanks again.
Been there & done that with the Mitchell Model A conversions here in Australia on a '31 160B Briggs Slant Town Sedan. Yes, you are absolutely right Paul. You always do a better job on these cars when you work by yourself without outside interference. My son helped me & we had the job done, on both the trans & the overdrive,without a hassle in one day. I wouldn't drive a Model A without the Mitchell components & I thank Sue Mitchell In California although I think she has now sadly passed.
I remember as a kid , about 1963 , finding an abandoned Model A in a wooded area near a farm. We took most of it apart and put it in my dad's garage and back yard. At age 12 , we thought we could re-assemble it. We never did. Learned a lot from it. Later in life took automotive shop in high school etc..
Thanks for showing how to incorporate the overdrive into our everyday driving. As for the gathering, it is great to see the enthusiasm in the garage! I love gathering around grease!
This channel is already awesome! I have seen a few Model T cars and a truck over the years, but the Model A is a rare site for me. I think I have seen maybe 2 in person, neither being driven. I got to experience every Model T I saw being driven, and I have seen a handful, with only one being a truck. I talked to an owner of a T in Cooper, Texas that drove his daily still, with an electric start, a different gear set and slightly higher compression ratio. The Model T truck was still crank start but also had higher compression and a few other things done to it.
I really enjoyed the segment of you driving and explaining the operation of the overdrive unit . I could have a lot of fun driving one, as I used to drive tractor trailers years ago.
Cinder blocks was a big No No for standing vehicles or other loads in our Auto Mechanics course back in 1980. A hairline crack can develop and suddenly the whole thing colapses.
I noticed that risky cinder block placement, too. If you absolutely NEED cinder blocks in a pinch, rotate them 90° so all walls are vertical and in pure compression, top them with a 2" wood plank, and position the jack stands atop the plank.
Great video ride over to your dads using the over drive as a half gear ? was like being in Transport truck 👍 at the shop full of guys was not the place to make a movie. You did ok with what you showed, and I will be looking for your operation in your own shop. 👍👍👍 🍁 Canada
Your comment when you said that this is the time we should be using jack stands, I was thinking that probably 30 nosconds before you.😊 Scary thoughts were coming to mind. I really am hanging on every tidbit of information you pass on to us, it's wonderful. 😊
Great video... but about the cinder blocks... They have almost no strength when on their side, and will break under minimal load. Turn them the correct way and place a piece of 2 x 6 on top... much stronger!
No apologies neccesary!!! I can imagine how hard it is to do a you tube,I pulled a rear out that same way and was not easy. Thank you for your dedication to doing a proper video so we can see this process of overdrive.
54 willys cj3b with warn overdrive.same principle,25% difference.4 gear shift levers out of the floor.like driving a farmall down the road.i certainly understand your passion for model a,one of the greatest cars ever made.
Hi, Paul, the focus you have given on this video, truly shows the benefit this over drive has on the vehicle. You can listen that the motor works less harder, going up the very same mountain slope. After all, this footage was as usual very great, and always one learns something new, or an other experience, thanks again Paul.
A) NO CRITICISM you are the best Paul but concrete blocks are their WEAKEST with the webs laying horizontal! Always put the block (to support weight) as it would be in a building and for the use there go ahead an pilaster it (fill the voids with concrete, sit the block on a piece of plywood and fill the voids) Let it sit a week to cure and viola you have a heavy but substantial block. B) Love your videos, passion, purity in taking nomenclature (yes that is a word for details) and attention to the most minute detail. I am truly impressed and love your work!!!
I did a rally with the local Model A club when I was 16... the drone of the engine, plus the summer air rushing around the 31 coupe I rode in put me to sleep in the last half of the rally.
Hi Paul, I've got a ha ha for you too: First off I am a lifelong mechanic and a car aficionado to boot. I have owned many great cars over the years, among them a 1969 Pontiac GTO, a 1970 Mustang Boss 302 and a 1959 Lincoln Premiere two door hardtop. The car I miss the most of all is my 1939 Plymouth Roadster Deluxe. The only problem I have with my Current ride, the 560SEC is that it's the best car I've ever had the pleasure of owning and I here's the problem: It's lonely at the top, I figured if I had a Model A I might not stand out so much in a crowd. On the other hand I have a piece of American history that I might like to offer in stead, namely a 1978 Classic GMC motorhome currently in the process of some interior renovation.
Glad you posted this, looks like a great OD unit. And I'm so happy you're honest about Model A speeds. I've had way too many owners telling me how their Model A's routinely do 55-65 mph and they're stock, and I'm standing there going, "How?" I don't think I've ever had a stone stock one over 50! Great videos!
Love your videos! Keep it up. I have a 1930 Tudor myself. It’s not as quite as nice as yours, I’m still working through getting things all set mechanically. Then I’ll repaint it.
Enjoyed your video. I worked for a farmer in the sixties. He told me that as a young man driving model a!s they just put a second transmission n it backwards for a overdrive. Said they left in third for normal and went to second for overdrive. I asked about first gear. He said not enough power
Did the Mitchel synchro trans with 15% extra in 2nd. Also did 3.27 rear gears so 50 mph no problem. Lightened the flywheel and used a V8 pressure plate to a total of 40 pounds allows instant shifting into 1st w/o grinding when lights turn green. Nurex aka Phillips spark advance makes car easier to drive.
Fresh motor with custom oversized Stipe B cam to avoid cam bushings, larger valves, Zenith B carb/ intake, Snyder 5.5 head and Petronix ignition makes motor good puller. Drove buddies Mitchell overdrive. Cool but I did not want the extra lever on the floor. His next car he did the super high speed rear. My engine rebuilder too. All happy but all agree a strong motor is needed.
I have a Mitchell Under/Over drive box out of a delivery truck. It is a modern copy of the old Brownie Boxes or Spicer Aux Boxes. It is all Aluminum and weighs 83 pounds where as the Browne Lipe is well over 100 pounds. It is made by the same Mitchell company as what you guys are using.
@@ModelA Hasn't made it into the truck yet. I bought it a while ago but haven't found the time or the shop that can put it in. My old Dodge has a horrible gear spread between 2-3 like your Model A and this Aux could make my 5spd a 10spd. This is the only pic I have of it imgur.com/gallery/fx44q
Very cool stuff and a fantastic efficient improvement for the A. Can't wait for that video to come out. This stuff is better than a box office smash. And you learn stuff. Thank you so much.
Incredibly nice video. Have owned a Mitchell overdrive for three years. Learned some tips from this video. Love my Mitchell overdrive. Look forward to seeing your installation video. Keep up the good work.
You just showed me why I like my 6 peed manual. Most of the time I go from 1st - 3rd - 5th - 6th. 2n and 4th are for when I am running slower or up hill. What is the gear ratio in the overdrive for high. I assume it is 1 to 1.25 Increasing the speed by 25% Let me know how close I am. Back in 1974 when I was going to McPherson College, it is to bad that they did not have the automobile restoration program back then. I enjoy going to their car show in May so that I can wonder thru the program building. At 67 I am a little old to start over.
I enjoyed the ride out there but I did cringe when I saw the jack stands on the cinder blocks. Looking forward to the future overdrive video. Thank you.
If you must use a cinder block (and please don't, it just isn't safe), it should be rotated with the holes top and bottom. That is the way the cinder block was designed to handle a compression load. The side walls are too thin to be safe they way you used it. Also, a piece of 2 x 8 over to the top of the holes to distribute the load is not a bad idea. I have stored vehicles on cinder blocks in the past, but I just don't trust them enough to work under them in this posture. Harbor Freight jack stands are safer (joke intended). I miss my 1930 Model A Truck. I sold it in 1988.
I knew I was going to get a lot of flak about the cinder blocks. The car was still hanging by the cables. The jack stands were just an extra safety backup.
Looking forward to the next OD video and I agree with that type of attempt. Too many variables, but I still learn a few things. Thank You. My Austin Healy 3000 has the electric OD and I drive it just like you do your A making it a 7 - Speed.
Paul, Your demo of the overdrive on the road was great! I was so into the shop segment and sank when the camera failed. I could have joyously watched the entire install so I hope that you'll get to the next one soon. I want to say that I got the creeps when you put the jack stands on the weakest side of the concrete block. Paul Please, the block is strongest with the holes side vertical, then put a piece of wood over the holes, then the jack stand. I was worried about the car falling on you. Does the overdrive unit have mounts or do the torque tubes supports its weight? Is Low-overdrive the same as without the overdrive unit? Are there ratio choices? Lastly, Please put me on the list should you ever decide to sell the Tudor. It's my favorite body, and I've been admiring yours in each video. God Bless.
I did a full overdrive installation video about a month ago. Check it out. As for the cinder blocks, the car was suspended by cables. The blocks were just to stabilize it.
@@ModelA I should have kept my mouth shut, I thought the cables were being removed. And the full installation video was listed right after watching this one. Sorry Paul. Call me Aire-Head today.
So if I understand correctly, you have four normal gears (R, 1, 2, 3) and with a high/low on the Mitchell, you actually end up with 12 gears (R123-each x low - neutral - high) which gives you a large range of gearing ratios. Similar to a semi.
Please use a single square block of wood under the jack-stand instead of a cinder block laid on its side! Cider blocks can shatter and crumble, particularly when laid on their side, which are not designed to be load-bearing!
hauled a guy out from under a car for that very same reason when i worked as a fireman. it didnt end well for him. the blocks pancaked and you can only guess what happened. im glad you brought that up. he was under an 80s model lincoln continental though. you get wrenching and torquing under there and putting a little wiggle on the car and the blocks cant handle it with no diagonal support. again, i hope somebody read your comment and actually took heed to your advice. im glad you brought it up.
Two things... don't want to be "that guy" but using concrete blocks like that is very dangerous! I've seen them fail before and it wasn't pretty! I use cut pieces of thick railroad ties which work great. Second, as far as the camera work, i'd recommend using a GoPro with a head mount so you can keep recording while working and it will keep your hands free. The demo of going up the hill in 3 normal versus 2 high was really amazing! And with the o/d, will it go past 60mph now?
Thanks. And, you're right. Yes, it will go over 60 MPH with ease. I have driven a Model A 70 MPH while doing an exhibition against a biplane going down a runway at an air show. But on the streets- no way!
@@ModelA Wooo going 70 i bet that was fun! And yeah on the street with those brakes i wouldn't chance it, maybe on a Sunday morning on the interstate when there's no traffic
Hey, Paul. I enjoy your videos. Wish you were around 2-3 weeks ago. My big project for the summer was to install a Mitchell O/D in my Town Sedan and due to Covid and social distancing I installed it by myself (I just turned 70). I could have used some pointers and since I'm a slow worker you would have had plenty of time for a video, haha. I replace my spring bushing and shackles while the rear end was out as I found one of the shackles broken.
The video may not have turned out how you envisioned it Paul but I enjoyed seeing your club in action and I understand a little of what it would take to achieve what your after with the video. Look forward to seeing your more detailed version. Keep them coming 😁
My (Danish) A is finally ready for inspection and registration, and I start thinking of gentle improvements. One would be increasing compression from 4.2 to 5.5 with another head. I read it will run cooler, get 50+ hp and and thus improved mileage. Also read not to go above 5.5. Do you agree with this? if so, do you know which brand is the better head? Brumfield maybe? We won't drive it hard, max 40 mph.
High compression heads is usually one of the first hop-ups people do to Model A's. If you have babbit bearings in the bottom end, don't go past 5.5 ratio. If you have inserts, go crazy if you want. But the 5.5 is the best running HC head, in my opinion. Higher than that and you lose the low idle, effectively reducing the useable RPM range. I have used the heads Tod Buttermore makes and sold by Snyder's. Never used a Brumfield on any of my cars. No experience with them.
I have a 29 Roadster, with a Mitchell in it, it also has 16"wheels and 378 gears in it. I Bought the car like that, one thing the previous owner did was heat up the shifter for the main trans, and bent it. Every time I was in First gear, at a stop sign and i would put my foot on the brake my knee would hit hit the shifter. I ended up cutting it shorter, a little bit longer then the Mitchell shifter. i like to split second and third all the time, i can shift both trans at the same time, but have to shift the main a little slower
The video was not bad at all...I enjoyed it pretty much...lovely driving demonstration, thank you very much and greetings from Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil (my town is called Rio do Sul, which means in English "South River City")...
Paul. I got a chance to drive a 30 model A Tudor. I commented to you previously about your thoughts on a tudor or fordor. I see what your talking about as far as road noise. Its not bad to me. Seems like the windshield vibrates but im sure its the body. The man thats selling it has been really maticulous with lubricating and maintenance. Being in Michigan were seeing some snow he said he will keep it till spring and fix valve tapping and carb rebuilding. I love the interior being a merlot color and burgandy and black outside colors. Had a model a basement ive really never seen that before.
@@ModelA I really appreciate your advice Paul. Love ur videos. Keep em coming. When spring comes I would like to send u a video of that A if u dont mind.
Hello Paul, even though I saw this video just today, I saw the other, you installing the mitchel overdrive into your friends car, just the other day. Now you got me thinking if I have will put one MO into my A. As I never took out the clutch or motor out of my car -as yet-, I wonder - you said in this video you would change the clutch right then and there as the whole parts are already out - what would I have to do, to change the clutch? I would not have to take the motor out, wouldn't I? Maybe I could at the same time solve the two litte leakage problems I found around the gearbox..... All the best Robert
Looking forward to your overdrive video. I just had a Mitchel installed in my 30 family Coupe by Tom in Westminster Ca. and I'd like to instal the same in a Fordor I keep in another state. The 'other state' car installation will need to be done by Moi' with local assistance. Looking forward to your video. Another great job. BTW..... I too absolutely love my Mitchel Overdrive!!
Excellent presentation Paul showing the obvious advantages of a Mitchel overdrive installation. Would you be able to answer a question I have regarding whether or not there were some Model A's late in their production run that came equipped from the factory with an optional heater that ran off the cooling system?
No Model A's came from the factory with heaters, not even the high-end deluxe sedans. Any heater in a Model A was added after it left the factory. Dealers could install them for example.
Great video, I really enjoyed it, but I have a question, when you shift gears why don't you double clutch? It seems to me when I'm driving our 31, double clutching doesn't seem to grind the gears as bad...
Double clutching is not necessary when upshifting. I don't grind gears. In fact, the ONLY time I ground a gear in this video was when I did double clutch because I was speed shifting! See this video for a demonstration: th-cam.com/video/oDCJ2ARHQwI/w-d-xo.html
I'm sorry Pual you didn't understand my question, ha ha ha old people don't ya hate em ...when you went to the club seminar and weren't able to film I was real interested in the finished result of the Trans and overdrive install in the club members car , did the car perform well with double up gearing combined....thanks for all you do for us, I look forward to the videos 👍
I love the club videos. If you do a club gathering video knowing that's what it is...that would be fantastic. Just get video of what you can and the rest laughter and guidance.
Paul, I'm trying to understand what you did to demonstrate overdrive use on an incline road. What I think I saw was you going into OD when in 2nd, but then I think I saw you turn off OD (while in second), then shift into 3rd and turning on OD - did I get this right?
Hello Paul: Like this video are you going to make another how to install a overdrive video. I ordered my overdrive for my 29 sport coupe Does your tudor have stock 378 Gears .
Hi Paul have a question when you said you were climbing the hill in second high didn’t you actually go up to third low instead? Just checking to see if I’m understanding this correctly thanks.
Paul, do you have any experience with the Borg Warner R10 overdrive? My ‘31 Roadster has one installed in the torque tube and I can’t find good info on its operation. I guess it is mechanically identical to the BW units that attach directly to the back of a transmission? I’m trying to make sure it was wired correctly before I messed with it. The previous owner had a 12v conversion done but it doesn’t appear they modified the overdrive solenoids which I believe are rated for 6v. Any help is much appreciated.
Looks like it works great. Maybe it’s where the Mike placed but there seem to be a lot of chatter in your transmission. I Dunno maybe not. I have a 31 roadster and it does not make that much noise. No offense just wondering. Thanks Walter Dixon. Oh I have a standard transmission.
Paul please EDIT this video with some safety screen notations such as REMEMBER TO INSTALL JACK STANDS and REMEMBER TO EITHER INSTALL HEAVY DUTY CHAIN OR "C" CLAMPS ON THE WIDOW MAKER REAR SPRINGS. You are fantastic just others need reminders about SAFETY. Thanks
Here is the video showing how to install a Mitchell overdrive step by step- th-cam.com/video/fKRHYlwR7eU/w-d-xo.html
It's almost the same thing as a two speed rear axle just saying you can split shift every year if you want to you should split shift 2nd and 3rd the you drop directly into third high. If that works fine but you still have another option
For sure a mulligan for you my friend, looking forward to the next video!!
@@hootch3133 Thank you, my friend!
Kool ! i will watch it!
Even that video was “worth” my time
Owning a model A has always been on my bucket list, but after having cancer, and dealing with health issues. Not in the cards anymore. Ever since I helped a friend rebuild the engine in his A when I was in high school. I think they were the best car ever made.
It's nice a young guy like yourself is helping the senior members. I want to get a Model A , my longtime friend had several years ago when I was a kid . I always loved 50s and 60s cars and now I'm moving backwards . My oldest son loves Model Ts but I really want an A .
My uncle's neighbour had a model t he sold 35 years ago, and he owns an a that was his dad's.
After 18 months my 30 coupe is almost mechanically finished, I had to replace/rebuild everything except the motor it was done in 1970 ,car was painted plus a new interior was added then parked. I will be the forth owner, my Grandfather bought it from a neighbor in 1951 the second owner, then my dad the third,car has always been under a roof and has no rust. The only thing is the trunk sheet metal was completely gone, my dad used to put a sack of fish in it and I am having a hard time putting a new one in, I have the sheet metal but the very back parts I don't know about. I do have local people here but thy are hard to get to find sometimes.This car came with a trunk and I am going to keep it that way.It will be different from most all I have seen but that is how it came.The car has about 82000 miles but had never been taken care of.Love your videos plus U tube has helped me,I thought I knew how to work on a car now I know more but not all.People do ask a lot about it everywhere I go.Be patience as we represent the past ,see if the link works.i.imgur.com/xtK0Irm.jpg
Thanks for all your videos Paul. I’m a 37 year young father of 5 and just bought my grandfathers 1929 model AA today and would not have been comfortable buying one without watching your vehicles. Thanks for all your doing
Well done Riley!!! Those kids are gonna have some great memories in their older years now about "me and dad and his old car"!!
When you put the jack stands on the cinder blocks under the frame you should have turned the blocks over with the holes facing up with a board on them then the jack stands on the board. With the blocks on their side they could collapse.
I gasped out loud when I saw it, but realising the blocks
are not the same as ours, that crumble when you
pick them up.
The Mitchell overdrive in fantastic in improving the ride in model A. Amazing!
Years ago I put a all range overdrive in an old jeep, made it nearly modern, now I'll have to put an overdrive in my model a pickup, and my wife watched the video and said ok! thanks
Glad to help, man!!
The Mitchell overdrive for the Model A Ford allows splitting of the 3 speeds on the manual transmission giving 6 speeds forward. The result is a more versatile transmission where a gear can be selected that matches the road and speed conditions.
Put in 5 speed way nicer, no ugly extra stick through floor, way superior.
Paul - you May think this video didn’t work out the way you wanted , but still it was informative! You communicate very well. I have been driving and maintaining a Model A for 60 years (two for the last 35 years) but I always learn something from your videos.
Thank you, Phil.
Hi Paul , you are complete gentleman, your kindness is overwhelming, your integrity impecable, looking forward to seat, watch and enjoy every second of your video installing that overdrive gear box, at my 71 years of age I have all the time to enjoy your videos with very explicit easy to understand technical vocabulary that keeps me glue to the cell phone until it's finished but looking for more, blessings to you and your love ones, most kind of you, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
You are so kind! Gracias, mi amigo!
@@ModelA Good morning Paul, once again your videos are coming thru with outstanding, very neat, well organized, very easy to understand technical vocabulary, highly informative information with a touch of drive that make anyone looking for more, congratulations sir, blessings to you and your love ones, your Spanish is outstanding, you make it easy all the way around, respectfully are really fluent in Spanish or technology helping unconditionally?from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
@@ModelA Good evening Paul, recently I heard you talking about the model A ford engine that you won't rev it up above 2,000 rpm, obviously I understand the nature, the engine lubrication system is not that efficient as newer engines but hipoteticly speaking could it be possible to drill off the crankshaft and other oil passage in the Block to improve the engine lubrication system? Of course it won't be that easy but at my 71 years of age and been working in research and development I would think that can be done, I didn't have the opportunity to work on those toys but you day and day out come across with them, should you have the chance respectfully please let me know, my most expensive thanks for your kindness, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres, MUCHAS GRACIAS CABALLERO.
Some people drill the crank and do a pressurized oil system. And they almost always end up with a broken crank.
@@ModelA Hi Paul, you always come thru as a complete gentleman as you always have been, my most expressive thanks for your kindness for your unconditional technical support, blessings to you and your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.
Hi Paul. Your car is 10 times cleaner than any of my modern day vehicles. I live on a "gravel road" and it doesn't allow a person to keep them as clean as you'd like, course I'm not that energetic these days. I already watched the Mitchell Overdrive Installation video before this video and I think you did a great job on both. Your are the man when it comes to these Model A cars! Loved your video and thank you for sharing. Have a great day and I hope your still improving on you health issues!
Thanks Dan!
Thanks for another nice Model A video, heck, I wouldn't mind if there was no dialogue at all. It's just good to see a bunch of guys who like old iron getting together to help each other with an A project. Looking forward to your next video; thanks again.
Been there & done that with the Mitchell Model A conversions here in Australia on a '31 160B Briggs Slant Town Sedan. Yes, you are absolutely right Paul. You always do a better job on these cars when you work by yourself without outside interference. My son helped me & we had the job done, on both the trans & the overdrive,without a hassle in one day. I wouldn't drive a Model A without the Mitchell components & I thank Sue Mitchell In California although I think she has now sadly passed.
I remember as a kid , about 1963 , finding an abandoned Model A in a wooded area near a farm. We took most of it apart and put it in my dad's garage and back yard. At age 12 , we thought we could re-assemble it. We never did. Learned a lot from it. Later in life took automotive shop in high school etc..
Thanks for showing how to incorporate the overdrive into our everyday driving. As for the gathering, it is great to see the enthusiasm in the garage! I love gathering around grease!
Agreed! Now you got to meet some of my cronies.
This channel is already awesome! I have seen a few Model T cars and a truck over the years, but the Model A is a rare site for me. I think I have seen maybe 2 in person, neither being driven. I got to experience every Model T I saw being driven, and I have seen a handful, with only one being a truck. I talked to an owner of a T in Cooper, Texas that drove his daily still, with an electric start, a different gear set and slightly higher compression ratio. The Model T truck was still crank start but also had higher compression and a few other things done to it.
A lot of work. Great to have a batch of guys working together.
Especially guys who get along as good as we all do.
I really enjoyed the segment of you driving and explaining the operation of the overdrive unit . I could have a lot of fun driving one, as I used to drive tractor trailers years ago.
I'd recommend standing your cinder blocks upright and span with a short piece of 2x8. The way you're doing it the block could collapse.
Cinder blocks was a big No No for standing vehicles or other loads in our Auto Mechanics course back in 1980. A hairline crack can develop and suddenly the whole thing colapses.
Total madness using a cinder block especially on its side. The weakest part. 🤪 use wood!
Howdy keen eyed and safety continues gentleman ... see my above Thank you !
@@derekferguson385 never ever concrete blocks or bricks for support under a car. Use blocks of wood.
I noticed that risky cinder block placement, too.
If you absolutely NEED cinder blocks in a pinch, rotate them 90° so all walls are vertical and in pure compression, top them with a 2" wood plank, and position the jack stands atop the plank.
Great video ride over to your dads using the over drive as a half gear ? was like being in Transport truck 👍 at the shop full of guys was not the place to make a movie. You did ok with what you showed, and I will be looking for your operation in your own shop. 👍👍👍 🍁 Canada
Thanks Paul, I will look forward to the conversion you do at your place in your own time, I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
Your comment when you said that this is the time we should be using jack stands, I was thinking that probably 30 nosconds before you.😊 Scary thoughts were coming to mind. I really am hanging on every tidbit of information you pass on to us, it's wonderful. 😊
Great video... but about the cinder blocks... They have almost no strength when on their side, and will break under minimal load. Turn them the correct way and place a piece of 2 x 6 on top... much stronger!
No apologies neccesary!!! I can imagine how hard it is to do a you tube,I pulled a rear out that same way and was not easy. Thank you for your dedication to doing a proper video so we can see this process of overdrive.
I'm still learning how to make videos. Never did this before, so hopefully they get better. Tha k you!
54 willys cj3b with warn overdrive.same principle,25% difference.4 gear shift levers out of the floor.like driving a farmall down the road.i certainly understand your passion for model a,one of the greatest cars ever made.
Thanks for sharing
Hi, Paul, the focus you have given on this video, truly shows the benefit this over drive has on the vehicle. You can listen that the motor works less harder, going up the very same mountain slope. After all, this footage was as usual very great, and always one learns something new, or an other experience, thanks again Paul.
Thank you.
Definitely interested in overdrive.
Love to see the rear end being set up. looking forward to the next video thanks. Richard
I have enjoyed learning your real time driving experience.
Glad you enjoyed it
Yes please do one. I've been wanting to order one for my 29 roadster pickup. Been thinking about driving out there to pick one up.
The Mitchel family are great folks, and the OD is very well designed & support.
A) NO CRITICISM you are the best Paul but concrete blocks are their WEAKEST with the webs laying horizontal! Always put the block (to support weight) as it would be in a building and for the use there go ahead an pilaster it (fill the voids with concrete, sit the block on a piece of plywood and fill the voids) Let it sit a week to cure and viola you have a heavy but substantial block. B) Love your videos, passion, purity in taking nomenclature (yes that is a word for details) and attention to the most minute detail. I am truly impressed and love your work!!!
Thanks, John! Yea, I know better..... You're right.
Thanks!
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU!!!!
The sound of the engine is so relaxing, I almost dozed off listening to it.
That was just because I'm boring. Ha ha! You might find this video even more relaxing- th-cam.com/video/K3Fv4kenuOk/w-d-xo.html
I did a rally with the local Model A club when I was 16... the drone of the engine, plus the summer air rushing around the 31 coupe I rode in put me to sleep in the last half of the rally.
I love how your cars are always so nice looking ! As always good and educating video 👍
Thank you! A side effect of my particular autism.
Hi Paul, I've got a ha ha for you too: First off I am a lifelong mechanic and a car aficionado to boot. I have owned many great cars over the years, among them a 1969 Pontiac GTO, a 1970 Mustang Boss 302 and a 1959 Lincoln Premiere two door hardtop. The car I miss the most of all is my 1939 Plymouth Roadster Deluxe. The only problem I have with my Current ride, the 560SEC is that it's the best car I've ever had the pleasure of owning and I here's the problem: It's lonely at the top, I figured if I had a Model A I might not stand out so much in a crowd.
On the other hand I have a piece of American history that I might like to offer in stead, namely a 1978 Classic GMC motorhome currently in the process of some interior renovation.
Nice, Carl. Quite an array of autos!
For sure a mulligan for you my friend, looking forward to the next one!!
These Videos never cease to amaze Paul Mammal. The overdive is so useful
Thanks, Raptor! I can't wait to see you ordering at a drive thru from inside an antique Ford.
Good to see a bunch of guys having a good time! Looking forward to Your next video.
Glad you posted this, looks like a great OD unit. And I'm so happy you're honest about Model A speeds. I've had way too many owners telling me how their Model A's routinely do 55-65 mph and they're stock, and I'm standing there going, "How?" I don't think I've ever had a stone stock one over 50! Great videos!
Glad to help! By factory stock survivor fordor will do 55 easily. Feels like it has a lot more in it.
Can't wait to see you install the Mitchell!
Your videos are alway extremely interesting and enjoyable. Thank you!
This process was cool to watch...
I'm bringing a 1930 Town Sedan in to Bert's this Friday for installation of a Mitchell gear-splitter. Thanks for the tutorial.
Thanks for such great videos! I feel like I'm almost there, helping! 👍
Haha! Hold the flashlight!
I leaned about the model a overdrive thanks to Shooting cars' review of the Model A.
Zack is a good guy! Excellent car reviewer.
Love your videos! Keep it up. I have a 1930 Tudor myself. It’s not as quite as nice as yours, I’m still working through getting things all set mechanically. Then I’ll repaint it.
Enjoyed your video. I worked for a farmer in the sixties. He told me that as a young man driving model a!s they just put a second transmission n it backwards for a overdrive. Said they left in third for normal and went to second for overdrive. I asked about first gear. He said not enough power
Interesting! Man, I wish I could see a picture of that setup.
Did the Mitchel synchro trans with 15% extra in 2nd. Also did 3.27 rear gears so 50 mph no problem. Lightened the flywheel and used a V8 pressure plate to a total of 40 pounds allows instant shifting into 1st w/o grinding when lights turn green. Nurex aka Phillips spark advance makes car easier to drive.
Nice work Andy!
Fresh motor with custom oversized Stipe B cam to avoid cam bushings, larger valves, Zenith B carb/ intake, Snyder 5.5 head and Petronix ignition makes motor good puller. Drove buddies Mitchell overdrive. Cool but I did not want the extra lever on the floor. His next car he did the super high speed rear. My engine rebuilder too. All happy but all agree a strong motor is needed.
Yes I would have liked to have seen the process all the way through, but this video was very informative and worth the watch! Thanks!
I have a Mitchell Under/Over drive box out of a delivery truck. It is a modern copy of the old Brownie Boxes or Spicer Aux Boxes. It is all Aluminum and weighs 83 pounds where as the Browne Lipe is well over 100 pounds. It is made by the same Mitchell company as what you guys are using.
Neat!! Any video of it?
@@ModelA Hasn't made it into the truck yet. I bought it a while ago but haven't found the time or the shop that can put it in. My old Dodge has a horrible gear spread between 2-3 like your Model A and this Aux could make my 5spd a 10spd.
This is the only pic I have of it imgur.com/gallery/fx44q
Very cool stuff and a fantastic efficient improvement for the A. Can't wait for that video to come out. This stuff is better than a box office smash. And you learn stuff. Thank you so much.
Thank YOU!
@@ModelA Very welcome sir. I watched this again and must say that is one nice A. Outstanding all the way round.
These videos are great! Thank you SO much for taking the time to put these together. Informative and therapeutic! Great choice in music also.
Thank you Ken!
Incredibly nice video. Have owned a Mitchell overdrive for three years. Learned some tips from this video. Love my Mitchell overdrive. Look forward to seeing your installation video. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
i like how u pick what car to drive. think ill adopt the same plan
Thanks! It seemed appropriate
I have a 30 4 door Model a with overdrive and love it. What is vibrating and rattling in the interior of your car. That would drive me crazy!!??
It's the windshield frame. Instead of fixing it, I got used to it. Shame on me.
I've enjoyed your Model A videos a lot. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks for watching, Michael!
You just showed me why I like my 6 peed manual. Most of the time I go from 1st - 3rd - 5th - 6th. 2n and 4th are for when I am running slower or up hill. What is the gear ratio in the overdrive for high. I assume it is 1 to 1.25 Increasing the speed by 25% Let me know how close I am. Back in 1974 when I was going to McPherson College, it is to bad that they did not have the automobile restoration program back then. I enjoy going to their car show in May so that I can wonder thru the program building. At 67 I am a little old to start over.
It's 26%. Close!!!
Watching your video gave me a very good idea of the step up ratio.
I enjoyed the ride out there but I did cringe when I saw the jack stands on the cinder blocks. Looking forward to the future overdrive video. Thank you.
If you must use a cinder block (and please don't, it just isn't safe), it should be rotated with the holes top and bottom. That is the way the cinder block was designed to handle a compression load. The side walls are too thin to be safe they way you used it. Also, a piece of 2 x 8 over to the top of the holes to distribute the load is not a bad idea.
I have stored vehicles on cinder blocks in the past, but I just don't trust them enough to work under them in this posture. Harbor Freight jack stands are safer (joke intended).
I miss my 1930 Model A Truck. I sold it in 1988.
I knew I was going to get a lot of flak about the cinder blocks. The car was still hanging by the cables. The jack stands were just an extra safety backup.
Looking forward to the next OD video and I agree with that type of attempt. Too many variables, but I still learn a few things. Thank You. My Austin Healy 3000 has the electric OD and I drive it just like you do your A making it a 7 - Speed.
Thanks! Here it is - th-cam.com/video/fKRHYlwR7eU/w-d-xo.html
Great, please do the video on the complete process.
Paul, Your demo of the overdrive on the road was great! I was so into the shop segment and sank when the camera failed. I could have joyously watched the entire install so I hope that you'll get to the next one soon.
I want to say that I got the creeps when you put the jack stands on the weakest side of the concrete block. Paul Please, the block is strongest with the holes side vertical, then put a piece of wood over the holes, then the jack stand. I was worried about the car falling on you.
Does the overdrive unit have mounts or do the torque tubes supports its weight?
Is Low-overdrive the same as without the overdrive unit? Are there ratio choices?
Lastly, Please put me on the list should you ever decide to sell the Tudor. It's my favorite body, and I've been admiring yours in each video. God Bless.
I did a full overdrive installation video about a month ago. Check it out. As for the cinder blocks, the car was suspended by cables. The blocks were just to stabilize it.
@@ModelA I should have kept my mouth shut, I thought the cables were being removed.
And the full installation video was listed right after watching this one.
Sorry Paul. Call me Aire-Head today.
@@discerningmind Nah, you get a pass, my brother!
@@ModelA Thanks!
So if I understand correctly, you have four normal gears (R, 1, 2, 3) and with a high/low on the Mitchell, you actually end up with 12 gears (R123-each x low - neutral - high) which gives you a large range of gearing ratios. Similar to a semi.
Ehh... Sortof.
Please use a single square block of wood under the jack-stand instead of a cinder block laid on its side! Cider blocks can shatter and crumble, particularly when laid on their side, which are not designed to be load-bearing!
hauled a guy out from under a car for that very same reason when i worked as a fireman. it didnt end well for him. the blocks pancaked and you can only guess what happened. im glad you brought that up. he was under an 80s model lincoln continental though. you get wrenching and torquing under there and putting a little wiggle on the car and the blocks cant handle it with no diagonal support. again, i hope somebody read your comment and actually took heed to your advice. im glad you brought it up.
At age 12 in 1943 l learned to drive our family model A. A few years later I bought a used 1934 Ford V8. Been driving Ford's ever since!
e
A
Age 90 now!
The Mitchell 26% OD is also available for the early V8 with a 3 speed as well. Nice rig !
Oh, that's right, John. I forgot. Thanks for the info!
Wonder if this type of OD fitted old GM torque tube models.
Two things... don't want to be "that guy" but using concrete blocks like that is very dangerous! I've seen them fail before and it wasn't pretty! I use cut pieces of thick railroad ties which work great. Second, as far as the camera work, i'd recommend using a GoPro with a head mount so you can keep recording while working and it will keep your hands free. The demo of going up the hill in 3 normal versus 2 high was really amazing! And with the o/d, will it go past 60mph now?
Thanks. And, you're right. Yes, it will go over 60 MPH with ease. I have driven a Model A 70 MPH while doing an exhibition against a biplane going down a runway at an air show. But on the streets- no way!
@@ModelA Wooo going 70 i bet that was fun! And yeah on the street with those brakes i wouldn't chance it, maybe on a Sunday morning on the interstate when there's no traffic
New Sub here Paul. I have watched several of your vids and I find them fun and educational. Keep up the good work.
Welcome aboard Earl!
Hey, Paul. I enjoy your videos. Wish you were around 2-3 weeks ago. My big project for the summer was to install a Mitchell O/D in my Town Sedan and due to Covid and social distancing I installed it by myself (I just turned 70). I could have used some pointers and since I'm a slow worker you would have had plenty of time for a video, haha. I replace my spring bushing and shackles while the rear end was out as I found one of the shackles broken.
Good work!! Yes, that's the ideal time for shackle replacement. Assuming the spring spreader doesn't fail, it is safer than doing it under the car.
Thanks for keeping my hopes and dreams alive 👍🏻👍🏻.
The video may not have turned out how you envisioned it Paul but I enjoyed seeing your club in action and I understand a little of what it would take to achieve what your after with the video. Look forward to seeing your more detailed version. Keep them coming 😁
Great 👌 would love to see the complete job thanks for your time and effort I've had a model a since I was 16 I'll be 68 tomorrow
Happy Birthday, my friend!
My (Danish) A is finally ready for inspection and registration, and I start thinking of gentle improvements. One would be increasing compression from 4.2 to 5.5 with another head. I read it will run cooler, get 50+ hp and and thus improved mileage. Also read not to go above 5.5. Do you agree with this? if so, do you know which brand is the better head? Brumfield maybe? We won't drive it hard, max 40 mph.
High compression heads is usually one of the first hop-ups people do to Model A's. If you have babbit bearings in the bottom end, don't go past 5.5 ratio. If you have inserts, go crazy if you want. But the 5.5 is the best running HC head, in my opinion. Higher than that and you lose the low idle, effectively reducing the useable RPM range. I have used the heads Tod Buttermore makes and sold by Snyder's. Never used a Brumfield on any of my cars. No experience with them.
I have a 29 Roadster, with a Mitchell in it, it also has 16"wheels and 378 gears in it. I Bought the car like that, one thing the previous owner did was heat up the shifter for the main trans, and bent it. Every time I was in First gear, at a stop sign and i would put my foot on the brake my knee would hit hit the shifter. I ended up cutting it shorter, a little bit longer then the Mitchell shifter. i like to split second and third all the time, i can shift both trans at the same time, but have to shift the main a little slower
The video was not bad at all...I enjoyed it pretty much...lovely driving demonstration, thank you very much and greetings from Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil (my town is called Rio do Sul, which means in English "South River City")...
Gracias, mi amigo!
Great video Paul. I really want an A. We were also 29 here in “sunny Lithgow” but our temperature was in Celsius. 😀
Paul. I got a chance to drive a 30 model A Tudor. I commented to you previously about your thoughts on a tudor or fordor. I see what your talking about as far as road noise. Its not bad to me. Seems like the windshield vibrates but im sure its the body. The man thats selling it has been really maticulous with lubricating and maintenance. Being in Michigan were seeing some snow he said he will keep it till spring and fix valve tapping and carb rebuilding. I love the interior being a merlot color and burgandy and black outside colors. Had a model a basement ive really never seen that before.
Wow. You're really serious! Good for you, man. Go for it!
@@ModelA I really appreciate your advice Paul. Love ur videos. Keep em coming. When spring comes I would like to send u a video of that A if u dont mind.
@@Thor572 That would be great! Send it on over.
Hello Paul, even though I saw this video just today, I saw the other, you installing the mitchel overdrive into your friends car, just the other day. Now you got me thinking if I have will put one MO into my A. As I never took out the clutch or motor out of my car -as yet-, I wonder - you said in this video you would change the clutch right then and there as the whole parts are already out - what would I have to do, to change the clutch? I would not have to take the motor out, wouldn't I? Maybe I could at the same time solve the two litte leakage problems I found around the gearbox..... All the best Robert
You might as well change the clutch. Once the rear end is out, just pull the transmission. The clutch will be right there. Just sayin'.
Looking forward to your overdrive video. I just had a Mitchel installed in my 30 family Coupe by Tom in Westminster Ca. and I'd like to instal the same in a Fordor I keep in another state. The 'other state' car installation will need to be done by Moi' with local assistance. Looking forward to your video. Another great job. BTW..... I too absolutely love my Mitchel Overdrive!!
Thank you
What is the operating temperature for a 31 model A, and where could be a good place in the engine for a temperature sending unit?
Excellent presentation Paul showing the obvious advantages of a Mitchel overdrive installation. Would you be able to answer a question I have regarding whether or not there were some Model A's late in their production run that came equipped from the factory with an optional heater that ran off the cooling system?
No Model A's came from the factory with heaters, not even the high-end deluxe sedans. Any heater in a Model A was added after it left the factory. Dealers could install them for example.
Great video, I really enjoyed it, but I have a question, when you shift gears why don't you double clutch? It seems to me when I'm driving our 31, double clutching doesn't seem to grind the gears as bad...
Double clutching is not necessary when upshifting. I don't grind gears. In fact, the ONLY time I ground a gear in this video was when I did double clutch because I was speed shifting! See this video for a demonstration: th-cam.com/video/oDCJ2ARHQwI/w-d-xo.html
I'm sorry Pual you didn't understand my question, ha ha ha old people don't ya hate em ...when you went to the club seminar and weren't able to film I was real interested in the finished result of the Trans and overdrive install in the club members car , did the car perform well with double up gearing combined....thanks for all you do for us, I look forward to the videos 👍
Oh, gotcha! The trans and OD combo is working out excellent for him. His wife even drives it now with the synchro trans!
Enjoy your videos!
Alway what a model A or a T
Thanks for the Great videos!
I love the club videos. If you do a club gathering video knowing that's what it is...that would be fantastic. Just get video of what you can and the rest laughter and guidance.
I'm not sure our club gatherings are all that entertaining, but hey I'm up for anything.
How well would a Model A do in the Appalachians? Looks like od would be a "must"
I know a guy who daily drives a Model A there. No worries.
I wonder how this would compare to using the S10 5 speed trans alone?
I don't know. Maybe someone who has experienced both will chime in?
Paul, I'm trying to understand what you did to demonstrate overdrive use on an incline road. What I think I saw was you going into OD when in 2nd, but then I think I saw you turn off OD (while in second), then shift into 3rd and turning on OD - did I get this right?
I went from 2nd with OD to third straight, then after accelerating, third with OD.
@@ModelA Thank you.
Thats got kick back for old Paul
oh boy, how about a Columbia quick change rear end change in out or in!
Hello Paul:
Like this video are you going to make another how to install a overdrive video. I ordered my overdrive for my 29 sport coupe
Does your tudor have stock 378
Gears .
Yes.
Model A, such a great car.
Yes!
@Paul - Great channel. Hope you have a very good 2021-22!
Thanks Getis
Hi Paul have a question when you said you were climbing the hill in second high didn’t you actually go up to third low instead? Just checking to see if I’m understanding this correctly thanks.
When you hear the whine (with or without OD), I'm in second. When the whine goes away, I'm in third.
Amazing car. What is top speed with overdrive?
I dont know. Never tried.
I know you can start the model a in 2nd gear what I would do is I would just keep it in 2nd gear and shifted from high to low with the overdrive
Paul, do you have any experience with the Borg Warner R10 overdrive? My ‘31 Roadster has one installed in the torque tube and I can’t find good info on its operation. I guess it is mechanically identical to the BW units that attach directly to the back of a transmission?
I’m trying to make sure it was wired correctly before I messed with it. The previous owner had a 12v conversion done but it doesn’t appear they modified the overdrive solenoids which I believe are rated for 6v. Any help is much appreciated.
My only experience is with a broken one about 8 years ago. We junked it and put the car back stock.
Looks like it works great. Maybe it’s where the Mike placed but there seem to be a lot of chatter in your transmission. I Dunno maybe not. I have a 31 roadster and it does not make that much noise. No offense just wondering. Thanks Walter Dixon. Oh I have a standard transmission.
It's a rattle somewhere in the windshield frame. I still haven't fixed it. I got used to it instead.
@@ModelA oh..thanks for the reply. I wish I had bought a Fordor instead of the Roadster.
Your videos are very good.
@@walterdixon7786 Thank you!
Paul please EDIT this video with some safety screen notations such as REMEMBER TO INSTALL JACK STANDS and REMEMBER TO EITHER INSTALL HEAVY DUTY CHAIN OR "C" CLAMPS ON THE WIDOW MAKER REAR SPRINGS. You are fantastic just others need reminders about SAFETY. Thanks
Thanks, Lolo. I did in the overdrive installation video.
Cool! Looking forward to the other video on the overdrive.