I hate to keep asking what are probably dumb questions, but I am a complete newbie at this. The automatic transmission kit I am looking at says it won't work with an open rearend. I have also seen open rearend conversion kits up to a 1948 model.
What is an open rearend? What rearend do the 1949 and 1950 F1s have? Will a conversion kit work or do I need a different rearend? If I need a different rearend, what will that cost?
Thanks for all the info. Maybe there should be a section for newbies who are not mechanics.

 

Some of the older cars had what they called torque-tube rear ends where the drive shaft was enclosed in a tube. They were also called closed rear ends. I don't remember the last torque-tube rear Ford made. Chevy cars had torque-tubes right up until 1954. All 48-up trucks have an open differental rear end so you need an open rear end conversion...

 

OK. The kit, from Speedway Motors, says it will work only for vehicles up to 1948.
Any options out there anyone can recommend?

 

Wont work with an open rear end or only works with an open rear end?

 

The speedway kit then was meant for cars which used closed drivelines thru 48.

Pickups have been open drive since 1942. Up thru '41 light pickups shared the car frame and drivelines.

Call Gene Benson in Oregon. Flat-O I think his business is called. He's been doing automatic conversions for the C4 for decades. Great guy from all reports.

Here, I'll make it easy:

http://www.flat-o.com/companyinfo.htm

 

Back to your original steering wheel question, if I may. My '48 F1 has a floor shift, I believe '49 - '50 are column shift. This may explain why your aftermarket steering wheel supplier distinguishes between '48 & '49 for installation purposes.

 

49 is floor shift. 50 is column shift though I have been told (on this forum) that some early 50s were also floor shift.

 

For a cast bellhousing flathead to C-4 conversion look up Jim Benson at Flatomatic. Used them for years with great results. His kit fits 32 to 53.

 

The transmission works ONLY with an open rear end.
Sorry about that.
Anyone with experience with this transmission and adapter?
Another question, I need to replace wiring. I have seen all kinds of kits, some universal, with all ranges of prices. Any recommendations?

 

That makes more sense, it would be hard to adapt a C4 to a closed driveline. The aluminum case wouldn't be strong enough for a closed driveline.

You could get floor shift on any 48-52, but the standard light duty trans went to column shift in '51. I can't think why it would matter anyway, the steering wheels were the same whether you had floor or column shift. Only the top of the column was different between the two.

Did you ever confirm whether your engine has an integral bellhousing or separate? I don't see where you did.

 

It is separate.

 

I think you could convert your closed drive rear to an open drive easily enough especially if your truck has parallel rear springs which I assume it does. I think the kits are around 250.00. When did Ford go to open drive in trucks? Maybe a swap is cheaper? I thought all F-1's had open drive and parallel springs. Since the flatomatic kit fits integral or separate bell housings, I don't see the problem. Am I missing something?

 

I have open rear drive. I have been assured that the kit will work though some driveshaft and mount modifications may be needed.

 

Exactly..Go for it! Jim Benson is a good guy and will give you good advice. Good luck Bill